Stones information

Lapis Lazuli's evocative name is a combination of the Latin word “lapis” ("stone") and the Arabian name “azul”, meaning "blue." One of the few rocks used as a gem, Lapis Lazuli is composed of grains of several blue minerals.

Lapis lazuli was one of the first gemstones ever to be used and worn as jewelry. It was found in excavations of tombs at sites surrounding the Mediterranean dating back to the Early Dynastic period (2900-2300 B.C.). These excavations unearthed jewelry samples containing Lapis. Countless necklaces and other artifacts crafted from Lapis Lazuli have been found at ancient sites, clearly indicating that the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome cherished this deep-blue gemstone. The legendary city of Ur, situated on the Euphrates River, is reported to have run  busy trade of Lapis Lazuli as early as 4000 B.C. Many cultures worshiped it as a holy stone, especially in the Orient, where it was believed to posses magical powers.

Today, people around the world consider Lapis Lazuli to be a gemstone of truth and friendship. It is reputed to bring about harmony in relationships and to cleanse the mental body while releasing old karmic patterns. Being a spiritual gemstone, it allows spiritual energy to be absorbed in the aura.

This gemstone is useful in improving emotional, physical, spiritual and psychic conditions. It relieves depression while promoting peace. Lapis is excellent for the use in divination. It is used by placing it on an altar while scrying, gazing, or reading Tarot or runes. Lapis is very protective and promotes courage as well. It may be used to draw spiritual love to oneself, and is a powerful fidelity charm.

Major sources include Afghanistan, Egypt, Canada and Chile.

Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz and if not for its widespread availability, would be very expensive. With its luscious color, it is February's official birthstone and one of the best-selling gemstones.

This gemstone's name is derived from the Greek word “amethystos”, meaning "not drunken" as people of ancient times believed it to protect its wearer from drunkenness.

Leonardo De Vinci wrote that Amethyst had the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God on the official robe of the High Priest of the Jews.
In Tibet, Amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha, and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Western mystics say this gemstone helps instill the highest ideals and urges one to do what is right. It is also claimed that Amethyst cures impatience, alleviates feelings of victimization, balances high energy, eliminates chaos and helps keep one grounded.

Amethyst helps to calm fears and reduce stress. It dispels both doubts and negativity while it relieves depression. Amethyst promotes good judgment and induces vivid dreams. It increases mental powers, which makes it incredibly useful in psychism. Amethyst draws pure and true emotional love as well.

Amethyst is the official state gemstone of the state of Georgia, and is mined in the U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries.

Aquamarine is a gemstone-quality transparent variety of beryl. It is of a delicate blue or turquoise color, suggesting the tint of seawater. It is closely related to the Emerald. gemstone.

Aquamarine is March's birthstone, and is also the gemstone representing the 19th Anniversary.

Legend says that Aquamarine was first found in mermaids' treasure chests, making it renowned as a lucky gemstone for sailors. Its name is derived from the Latin words for "water" and "sea." Consequently, Aquamarine is said to protect from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is also said to heal nerve pain, glandular problems, toothaches, and neck, jaw, and throat disorders.

Aquamarine enhances the utilization of psychic powers and makes the mind more alert. It is excellent for cleansing and purifying. Aquamarine can be used in rituals to ensure good health. It soothes and calms emotional problems and promotes peace, happiness, and joy as it halts fear. Aquamarine is a gemstone of psychism, and courage.

Sources of aquamarine include Brazil, India, Russia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The name Citrine is derived from the French “citron”, or "lemon" for its color.

In ancient times, Citrine was carried for protection against snake venom and evil thoughts, but it didn't make up for substantial use as a gemstone in jewelry until the Romantic Period (1837-1860). Citrine is valued for the treatment of depression and is said to eliminate self-destructive tendencies. It is also purported to stimulate memory, aid digestion, remove toxins from the body and fight diabetes. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy, happiness, wisdom and peace, and is said to enhance creativity as well as motivate writers.

Wearing this stone at night will help prevent nightmares and induce a good night's sleep. Citrine aids tapping into its user's power to give magic its energy .Citrine can be used as a good luck gemstone. It helps one increase self-esteem. Citrine is an excellent gemstone to use for promoting creativity. It is good for psychic awareness and protection as well.

Citrine mainly originates in India, but Brazil is also a major source of the world's citrine.

Carnelian is one of the birthstones listed in ancient Arabic, Hebrew, Italian and Roman tables and is the Zodiac birthstone for the signs of Leo and Virgo.

The word “carnelian” is derived from the Latin word caro, or carnis meaning flesh; in reference to the flesh color it sometimes exhibits.

Carnelian is an A-grade agate. What is called "true carnelian" by many people, is the fiery red/orange color, and in theory, Carnelian naturally is that color.
In the Middle East, Carnelian represents the Hebrew tribe of Reuben and the apostle Philip. In Hebrew literature, Carnelian appears as one of the gemstones in Aaron's breastplate. Some Muslims call it "the Mecca stone." Islamic doctrine holds that engraving the name of Allah on carnelian stones boosts courage.

Carnelian was used widely during Roman times, some 2,000 years before the present era to produce signet or seal rings for imprinting wax seals on correspondence or other important documents, as hot wax does not stick to Carnelian.

This gemstone is excellent for increasing courage, especially for the shy. It helps  promote self-confidence while inducing peace. Carnelian offsets doubt and negativity, as well as being excellent for the purpose of increasing sexual desire among couples. Carnelian is very useful in spells relating to lust, and very helpful in all forms of healing. It may also be used to protect one from people who try to read his/her thoughts.

Chrysocolla is a very beautiful stone with much beneficial energy. It has become known as a healing stone among the Native American Indian cultures where it was used for strengthening the body's resistance and bringing about calm feelings where upset was present.

Chrysocolla is of attractive blue-green color and is a minor ore of copper.
It's name is derived from the Greek chrysos, "gold", and kolla, "glue", in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold.

Chrysocolla is a stone of peace, increased wisdom, discretion.
This gem promotes level headedness, encouraging clarity of thought and a neutral, cool attitude during turbulence. It can be used to decrease nervousness and irritability. It can drive off unreasonable fears and illusions, sooth emotions and create peace.

Notable occurrences include Israel, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, Cornwall in England, and Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Pennsylvania in the United States.

Emeralds are fascinating gemstones. They have the most beautiful, most intense and most radiant green that can possibly be imagined: Emerald green. When of top quality, fine Emeralds are even more valuable than diamonds.

Innumerable fantastic stories have risen around this magnificent gem. The Incas and Aztecs of South America, where the best Emeralds are still found at present times, regarded the Emerald as a holy gemstone. However, the oldest known finds made once were probably near the Red Sea in Egypt. Having said that, these gemstone mines were exploited by Egyptian pharaohs as early as 3000 - 1500 B.C.

Emeralds are simply excellent for love and friendship rituals. The Emerald is also known for its ability to draw wealth and success, especially in business situations while helping to draw attention to your business. Emeralds increase memory and psychic abilities. It is very good to use this gemstone for protection, especially  from evil. If you have not received a warranted raise in your job, or feel that your good work goes unnoticed by your boss, use the Emerald to attract due attention and recognition.

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes- is a text purporting to reveal the secret of the primordial substance and its transmutations. It claims to be the work of Hermes Trismegistus and was written on an Emerald tablet.

The name for this coveted wine-colored gemstone, Garnet, is derived from Latin: “granatus” for "seed like", possibly because the crystals resemble pomegranate seeds.

This gleaming gemstone owes its brilliance to high refraction of light, one of the Garnet's most appealing characteristics.
Garnets have been widely used for thousands of years. According to legend, Noah suspended a finely cut, glowing garnet to illuminate his ark and steer it through the dark nights. Garnets are also found in jewelry from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and have been best known as the “warrior's stone”.
Slices of garnet were also used as a mark of distinction in churches' and temples' windows. 

Garnets symbolize fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It is believed to stimulate the bloodstream and pituitary gland, and help combat depression, lethargy and nightmares. Garnets are to be carried close to the body to maximize their balancing and peaceful energy, and are said to protect travelers from harm.

Garnet is a highly protective stone, as it provides a barrier of charged vibrations which repel negative energies upon contact. It is useful as well for protection after dark. It can be used to strengthen ones' aura, and is great for lending extra energy to rituals. It is also useful in enhancing bodily strength and endurance.

Garnets are found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, the U.S.A., the Czech Republic and Spain.

The name Iolite is derived from the Greek word 'ion', which means violet. Iolite is usually of purplish blue when cut properly.

When Leif Eriksson and other legendary Viking explorers ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, taking them away from any coastline that could help them determine their location, they had a secret gem weapon: Iolite. The Viking mariners used thin pieces of this gemstone as the world's first polarizing filter. Looking through an Iolite lens, they were able to determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate their way safely to the New World and back.

Iolite helps one feel comfortable in leadership roles and/or makes it easier for others  to accept him in that role. This stone will prevent you from giving others the power  to stamp over you, or to allow your emotions take control over yourself. At the same time, this stone will not allow you to martyr yourself. It keeps you from feeling you are the victim of circumstances.

Iolite helps to open the pathway for the spiritual. It connects the throat, brow and crown chakras. It opens a subtle and gentle gateway of communication to the Higher Self. It may be detected differently than you would expect. By this I mean, it may manifest itself as sudden "bursts" of intuition while you may gain a higher awareness for guidance or purpose. Iolite is a good stone for helping one find direction in life. The Shaman's would use this stone to ensure accuracy with visions and influence the spirits during healing ceremonies. Iolite also helps you to release the discord from your life. It is a good healing stone.

The richer the blue of the gem, the better it is.

The Vikings probably mined Iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland.
It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil.

Labradorite is said to detoxify the body and slow the aging process. It is also believed to elevate consciousness and protect a person's aura, helping keep the aura clear, balanced, protected and free from energy leaks. Many say this gemstone heals mental confusion and indecision.

Labradorite helps in opening the heart chakara in order to more readily receive love. It increases inner strength and convictions, as well as promoting courage. Labradorite draws success to its owner's life. It greatly enhances dreaming and the ability to remember contents of the dreams during the waking hours. Labradorite also helps to enhance all forms of perception during the day.

This gemstone may be more powerful in one area than another, depending upon the color the "flash" is. This is a fantastic stone to acquire, and continue to carry or use throughout one's life - as the results of the stone's energies continue to build, while each result enhances the next.
 
Labradorite is found in Labrador (Canada), Finland, Norway and the former USSR.

In fine jewelry, the black backdrop is often supplied by Onyx, a black chalcedony quartz with fine texture. Some Onyx displays white bands or ribbons against a black background.

Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Its name is derived from the Greek word ”onyx”, which means nail or claw.
Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the high priests, and is also mentioned in Genesis 2:11,12: "…the gold of that land is good; there is Bdellium and the Onyx stone."

Onyx is purported to help eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders, eliminate negative thinking, and sharpen the wits of its wearer. It is used to correct habits, in addition to helping concentration levels and aiding absentmindedness. Some believe it turns the wearer into being more eloquent, and thus is worn for public speaking. Onyx is great for defending against negativity. It can be used to reduce sexual desires. Onyx is an extremely potent protective stone, and is widely known for its ability to protect against psychic attacks and hexes.

So if you would like to add a little black magic to your jewelry design, why not consider Onyx?

The main sources of Onyx are India and South America, but it is also found in China, Madagascar, Mexico and the U.S.A.

Peridot (pronounced PEAR-ih-doh or PEAR-ih-dot) is created under great temperatures and pressures deep within the earth, and is sometimes extruded in basaltic lavas.

It is Augusts' traditional birthstone for it is said to have been Cleopatra's favorite gemstone.

This gemstone is purported to help slow the aging process, both physically and mentally and also facilitate the birthing process. It is often said to help speech, increasing its eloquence and removing impediments and it is sometimes used to find lost or misplaced things. Many believe it to increase patience, confidence and assertiveness. Natural healers use Peridot to heal the heart and lungs.

Peridot guards against illusions, enchantments, and nightmares. If anger is a problem,  using this gemstone is known to calm even the most raging anger. Peridot also calms nervousness and banishes negative emotions. Peridot is good for general healing, promotes sleep, and attracts money.

Peridot is found on St. John's Island, Zebirget Island, Red Sea (Egypt), Norway, Eifel, Germany, San Carlos (Arizona), Hawaii, Myanmar (Burma), and Italy.

For thousands of years, the Ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It has everything a precious stone should have: magnificent color, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. In addition, it is an extremely rare gemstone, especially in its finer qualities.

The most important quality of this precious gem is its color. It is no coincidence the name 'Ruby' is derived from the Latin word 'Rubens', meaning 'red'. There is no match for the Ruby's warm and fiery red.

Two magical elements are associated with the symbolism of this color: fire and blood, implying warmth and life for mankind. Ruby-red is not just any old color, no, it is an absolutely undiluted, hot, passionate, powerful color. Unlike any other gemstone, the Ruby is the perfect way to express powerful feelings. Instead of symbolizing calm, controlled affection, a ring set with a precious Ruby bears witness to that passionate, unbridled love that people can feel.
Drawing wealth, protection, power and joy, the Ruby is anti-nightmare as well, offering courage and energy increase. Due to its beautiful red color, the Ruby is commonly used in love spells and to increase sexual energy as well.

Blue sapphire is associated with Saturn and is September's birthstone. The 45th wedding anniversary is known as the “Sapphire anniversary”.

Sapphire seems to be a corrupted form of “Sanipriya” (Sanskrit: “Sani”, hence “Saturn”, “Priya”, hence “Beloved”). Buddhist monks who immigrated to the Middle East introduced the stone as “Sani Piriya” and eventually it become “Sapir” and Sapphire.

In essence, the Ruby is a red Sapphire, since Rubies and Sapphires are identical in all their properties except for color. Sapphire is the most precious of blue gemstones, and is a most desirable gem due to its color, hardness, durability and luster.

Sapphire is considered a stone of creative expression, intuition and meditation. It is also said to increase mental clarity and alleviate depression. This gemstone is known to promote light and pure emotions such as serenity, joy and peace. Sapphire is associated with the brow chakra, and many believe it to aid in lowering fever and inflammation as well as to improve burns and hearing problems.

Sapphires are found in India, Myanmar, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa.

Probably one of the most recognized semiprecious gemstones that exist, Turquoise has been popular since prehistoric times. Its name comes from French: pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone,"

Turquoise has been mined for eons, since 6000 B.C., if not before then. Early Egyptians wore this semiprecious gem, and many Turquoise stones have been found in their tombs. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico believed Turquoise to be a holy stone making mere mortals not worthy of wearing it; Turquoise was reserved for the worship of their gods. Persian philosopher Al Kazwini wrote that "the hand wearing  Turquoise and using it as a sealing stone will never be poor."
A wonderful all-around, very protective stone stone. It is used to draw love, money, health and beauty. Turquoise is used in rituals in order to attract new friends or lovers. Turquoise is said to Promote joy, making it a wonderful gift, as it is said to grant the receiver wealth and happiness.

Considered a stone of wholeness, turquoise promotes a sense of unity of the self and oneness with all that surrounds us. It is said to make one feel at home in both   physical and spiritual worlds. Turquoise is said to open all chakras, permitting the attributes of love, completeness and communication to flow through the body, increasing spiritual bonding. It is especially linked to the fifth (throat) chakra and is believed to assist in opening the fourth (heart) chakra. It is also believed to assist the absorption of nutrients while strengthening the immune system and stimulating tissue regeneration.

Smoky Quartz is a wonderful gemstone to use for grounding and centering. This gemstone can also be used to help overcome depression and other negative emotions. It is also an excellent mood elevator.

Smoky Quartz is said to enhance survival instincts and help one reach personal and business goals, as well as assist in making wishes come true.
Many use Smoky Quartz to treat problems associated with the lower torso, including kidneys, abdomen, pancreas and the reproductive organs. It is said to be also good for dealing with hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorders.

Smoky Quartz is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland, U.S. (Colorado), Australia and Spain. Smoky quartz from the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland is called cairngorm.

The Moonstone's name is derived from a visual effect or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally in the Moonstone from layer inclusions of different feldspars.

The Romans thought that the Moonstone was formed of moonlight and began wearing it in jewelry around 100 A.D. This gemstone has always been considered sacred in India, and Europeans of the Middle Ages thought that by looking into a Moonstone, one would fall into a deep sleep and see the future. The Moonstone was very popular in the early 20th century and was used extensively in art nouveau jewelry. Legend suggests that Moonstone awakens tender passions if placed beneath the tongues of lovers during a full moon.

The Moonstone symbolizes our being in its entirety. With its soft shimmer, it strengthens our emotional and subconscious beings. The associations concerned with this make it a "lovers' stone", evoking tender feelings and safeguarding the true joys of love. It is also said that wearing a Moonstone strengthens our intuition and our capacity of understanding.

Great for divination and psychism, many people keep a Moonstone with their Tarot cards for increased psychic ability. The Moonstone is helpful in dieting and maintaining a youthful appearance. The moonstone is love drawing and helpful for reconciliation. The Moonstone is a gently protective stone, and is extremely useful in protection while traveling by water.

Precious Opal has been considered a semiprecious gemstone since Roman times, in which it was second in value only to the Emerald. The Romans considered this gemstone to be one of good fortune, revering it as a powerful aid to prophecy.

Numerous legends and tales surround this colorful gemstone. The Opal can be traced back in its origins to a time long before our memory, to the ancient dream time of the Australian aborigines. It is reported in their legends that the Creator came down to earth on a rainbow, in order to bring the message of peace to all humans. The legend tells that at the very spot where His foot touched the ground, the stones came alive and began sparkling in all of the rainbow' colors. That was the birth of the Opals.

Today, this gemstone is believed to aid in healing of eye diseases, and should a person fall ill, it is believed to lose all of its color to the wearer. It is also said to soothe the eyes and nerves, and may enhance creativity.
All of Natures’ splendor seems to be reflected in the manifold opulence of fine Opals: fire and lightning, all colors of the rainbow and the soft shine of faraway oceans.

Australia is the Opal's classic country of origin. As much as 95% of all fine opals come from its dry and remote outback deserts.

malachite's name is probably derived from the Greek word “malache”: “green/herb”, for its color, or possibly from the Greek word “malakos”: “soft”, for its low hardness.

Malachite was mined in the Sinai Peninsula around 4000 B.C., and this gemstone was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for jewelry and amulets. Malachite was also ground with galena, then mixed with water so it can be used as eye shadow. Malachite was considered to be an amulet particularly appropriate for children. If a piece of this gemstone was attached to an infant's cradle, all evil spirits were thought to be held at bay allowing the child to sleep peacefully. Today, Malachite is still used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. Malachite was a popular ornamental stone in Czarist Russia, where it was used to build the columns of St. Isaac's Cathedral in Leningrad. It decorates many walls and whole rooms of other religious and public buildings as well.

Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells and lend them extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring about harmony into one's life, and endow knowledge and patience.

Malachite is good for lending extra energy to magical spells. It guards against negativity and depression, calms and soothes, enhances the ability to give and receive love. Malachite increases business success and money affairs. It helps to promote sleep. Malachite is very protective against physical dangers. This is a wonderful stone for the use of protecting children, and protection while traveling.

Zaire is the major source of malachite, but Chile, Zimbabwe, Australia, the U.S.A. (Arizona), France and England also produce this gemstone.

This blushing gemstone is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz.
Often called the "love stone," Rose Quartz is said to open the heart chakra to all forms of love: self love, family love, platonic love and romantic love. Emotionally, this gemstone is believed to bring gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance, to help raise self-esteem and to remove fears, resentments and anger. Some say it can also heal and release childhood traumas, neglect and lack of love, in part by enhancing inner awareness. Rose quartz has been attributed the power to help with family reconciliations and ease overwhelming or unreasonable guilt.
Physically, the gemstone is used to benefit the heart, circulatory system, fertility, headaches, kidney disease, migraines, sexual dysfunction, sinus problems, throat problems, depression, addictions and ear aches.

Rose quartz is the definitive stone for love rituals. It is extremely love attracting. It also promotes peace, happiness, and fidelity in established relationships.

Rose quartz is found in Madagascar, Brazil, India, Germany and several parts of the U.S.A.