| Amber:
True amber, fossilized tree resin, is millions of years old and came from ancient pines and conifer trees that are now extinct. Some product marketed today as amber is tree resin, but not old enough to qualify as true amber. Amber is very light and though not a mineral it is considered precious and being so is the only precious "stone" that floats.
Avoid exposing amber to alcohol, contained in many hairsprays and perfumes, or ether which may cause it to lose its luster.
Amber is found in the Baltic Coast, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Russia and the U.S.A.
Amber, which some believe brings luck, may also help balance the endocrine and digestive systems. Amber may aid eyesight and help reduce swelling of the glands in the throat and lungs.
Amethyst:
Amethyst is a variety of quartz and ranges is color from a light purple to dark deep tones.
It should be kept away from direct sunlight as this can cause some amethysts to lose their color.
Amethyst is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, some African countries, Uruguay, U.S.A., Zambia.
While it is said to prevent drunkenness, it is often associated with celibacy and used as a symbol of piety, thus its use in churches during the Middle Ages.
Da Vinci’s idea that amethyst could help to quicken intelligence and ward off evil thoughts is aligned with Western thought that it can instill high ideals.
Some say amethyst can cure impatience and eliminate chaos.
Amazonite:
This blue green mineral is a type of microcline feldspar and is most commonly found in Australia, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, the U.S.A. and Zimbabwe.
Although the name Amazonite was derived from the Amazon River where many green stones were found, this green feldspar does not exist there.
Some of the healing properties often associated with Amazonite include the alleviation of muscle spasms, stress and exhaustion as well as skin improvement. It is also believed to help with clarity of thought, social interaction, and marriage.
Russian Amazonite:
This form of Amazonite was originally found in Russian and has a deeper teal color.
Apatite:
Apatite is usually green, but it can also be blue, yellow, reddish-brown, violet, yellow-green, colorless or multicolored. Although classified as a single mineral, it is actually three different minerals.
Apatite, found in the teeth of all vertebrate animals, is also be found in bones of humans, fish, birds, and cows.
It is most widely used in the production of fertilizer.
This mineral is found in Africa, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Myanmar, Russia, Spain, and the U.S.A.
Metaphysical theory states that apatite can stimulate thoughts and ideas. Also, it may help people maintain focus, learn, concentrate effectively and think clearly. Some believe it is good for controlling weight gain and fighting viruses while others say it brings love, harmony and peace.
Carnelian:
Carnelian is often recognized by its fiery reddish orange color and can be found it light and dark shades. While some is heat treated, as evidenced by color in the stripes when held to the light, the natural carnelian will have a more cloudy distribution and be a pale orange to grey when put to this test.
It may be found in Australia, Austria, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Russia, Uruguay and the United States.
Carnelian is thought to bring passion, motivation and a sense of well being to the wearer. It is also associated with openness and receptiveness leading to harmony.
Chalcedony:
Chalcedony is the name used for a family of minerals that includes agate, bloodstone, chrysoprase, carnelian, jasper, onyx and others.
The chalcedony family is composed of cryptocrystalline quartzes, microscopically small crystals. While chalcedony may be found in various colors, it is most popular in blues and purples.
Chalcedony is found in Africa, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey, and the U.S.A.
It is said to fight depression, mental illness, fear, and hysteria and stimulate calm and peace. It is also said to stimulate creativity.
Charoite:
This mineral ranges in color from lavender to dark purple and has a swirling pattern. It was not widely known until 1978 perhaps since it is unattractive when located in the field.
Some say if charoite is placed under the pillow, it will take away the fears that come in dreams.
The mineral was first discovered in Russia and true charoite can only be found there.
Chrysoprase:
Apple green colored chrysoprase is one of the chalcedony gemstones. High quality chrysoprase is more translucent than other specimens. A good deal of this gemstone has a brownish matrix.
Sources for these gemstones include Australia, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania and the U.S.A.
The stone is said to promote emotional balance and to soothe heartache and loneliness. Some believe it helps relieve gout, eye problems and mental illness.
Citrine:
Citrine, which strongly resembles topaz, is a form of quartz that is rare in its true form. It ranges in color from yellow to a brownish shade. Much of the citrine available today is actually heat-treated amethyst. Take care of citrine as it can be easily scratched and will change color if left too long in the sunlight.
Citrine comes mainly from India and Brazil.
It is said that citrine can aid in treating depression and eliminating self-destructive tendencies. It may also help aid the digestive process, fight diabetes, and remove toxins from the body. Some believe it helps with creative thought and writing.
Emeralds:
The word emerald usually makes people think of green and this gemstone comes in a variety of green colors. The stone may contain small flaws, but these are part of the gemstone and not considered negative.
Emeralds are quite porous and may be resin sealed for protection. This is fine as long as color is not added.
The bulk of the world’s emeralds are located in Brazil, Colombia and Zambia.
Emeralds are thought to strengthen memory, quicken intelligence, and bring wisdom. The stone has also been used to drive away evil spirits and expose false friends. Some have used it to prevent attacks of epilepsy or to hold in the mouth as a cure for dysentery. Emeralds are said to preserve the chastity of the wearer and bring success in love.
Eudialyte:
The mineral eudialyte is a minor gemstone due to its rarity. It is found in shades of red, such as pink-red, orange-red, etc., but may also be yellowish-brown, brown, yellow, violet or green.
Eudialyte comes from Arkansas, Canada, Greenway, Norway and Russia.
The mineral is said to dispel jealousy and be helpful in bringing harmony to matters of the heart. It is also supposed to be helpful in learning to trust oneself and others.
Fluorite:
Fluorite may be green, white, purple or lavender and may fade is overexposed to sunlight. It also scratches easily. The mineral occurs as a vein deposit where it is found as part of the host-rock for other valuable minerals.
Fluorite is found in Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and the U.S.A.
Fluorite may be used in treating bones, teeth and cell structure and in its powdered form it has been used to alleviate symptoms of kidney disease. Not only is it thought to help with mental achievement, it is also said to aid spiritual growth and harmony.
Garnet:
Garnets, usually red wine colored, give off a brilliance due to the way they highly refract light. Although not as common, garnets may also be seen in orange, pink, green, yellow, white and gray.
This gemstone is found in Canada, Brazil, the Czech Republic, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the U.S.A.
Some believe that if garnets are carried close to the body they provide peaceful energy and balance while protecting the traveler from harm. They have been used to stimulate the bloodstream and pituitary glands, as well as to combat depression, lethargy and nightmares.
Gaspeite:
Gaspeite is an extremely rare pale to apple green mineral usually found near deposits of nickel sulfide.
Originally discovered in Canada, gaspeite has more recently been found in Australia although that is now largely picked over; thus, its rarity. Gaspeite has also been found in Tasmania.
Gaspeite has been known to be used for healing problems with the heart, lungs and gallbladder. It is also said to help reduce distress, bring assurance, reduce ignorance and attract friendship.
Goldstone:
Goldstone, a type of glittering glass, is a manmade gemstone with tiny copper dots throughout. It is most often seen in reddish brown, however, it can also be found in bluish green. This opaque glass may have a blue or violet matrix.
Although originating with Italian monks, it was later made by the Chinese.
Goldstone is said to stimulate the nervous system and help in the transmission of healing energies from the hands. Some believe goldstone stores the energy of those who touch it. Since it contains copper, it is also purported to help reduce inflammation and increase circulation.
Hematite:
The mineral form of iron oxide, hematite is usually a shiny steel gray color that somewhat resembles metal.
It is often located in places that have standing water, hot mineral springs or in the bottom layers of lakes or streams. Locations include the following: Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Mexico, and the United States.
Hematite, sometimes thought of as a grounding stone, is said to aid clarity, balance, calm and reason. Some feel it helps to create loving relationships by turning negativity into love. It may also enhance the intellect. Physically, hematite is thought to help with blood and kidney problems as well as strengthen the circulatory system.
Hemimorphite:
This mineral is a zinc silicate that is rare due to the development of its crystals which end with dissimilar faces. While bright sky-blue is the most sought after color of hemimorphite it can also be found in pastel tones of white, green, blue, brown and yellow.
Hemimorphite has been found in Belgium, England, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Zambia and the U.S.A.
It is associated with personal growth, optimism, good fortune, and creativity. Some seek help from it in healing ulcers, blood diseases and cellular disorders.
Howlite:
Howlite is naturally white and often has a dark gray or black matrix. It can be mislabeled as white turquoise or buffalo turquoise. Since is it very soft and porous, It is often dyed to imitate other more expensive stones.
Most howlite comes from North America.
Howlite may encourage reasoning and observation and aid progress and growth in knowledge. Some say it helps eliminate stress and anger and encourages patience and tact. It may also help the body absorb and distribute calcium as well as aid in the elimination or pain.
Jade:
The term jade is actually two different rocks, nephrite and jadeite. While nephrite can be a variety of shades of green as well as creamy white, jadeite, which is rarer than nephrite, can be blue, lavender-mauve, pink, and emerald-green.
Some varieties of serpentine are also called jade, on this site we make the distinction between the two.
The Chinese used jade for carving beads, buttons, axe heads and other weapons and the stone was also traditionally used by the Koreans. Jade comes from Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan and the U.S.A.
The Portuguese called jade the gemstone of the loins and it is still purported to help protect the kidneys, heart, larynx, liver, spleen, thymus and thyroid. Jade is known as a symbol of love and virtue and is said to strengthen the body and increase longevity.
African Jade is a green or “gooseberry” garnet that is mined in Africa.
Olive Jade, New Jade and Yellow Jade are all serpentine which is a translucent, waxy silicate of magnesium.
Candy Jade is a white stone that has been dyed and comes in pink, purple, green and yellow. It maybe a serpintine.
Jet:
Jet is a lightweight material of organic origin. It comes from decaying wood and is black or dark brown.
Long ago it was worn during mourning and due to its somber appearance, it has been made into rosaries. Many cultures continue to use jet for religious purposes such as prayer beads. When jet is rubbed it may produce an electric charge similar to amber, thus its designation as black amber.
Most of the jet is produced in England, yet it may also come from Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the U.S.A.
Some believe jet can protect against illness and personal attacks. It may also guard against the evil eye.
Jasper:
Jasper, whose name means spotted or speckled stone, is an opaque form of chalcedony. It comes in various colors including red, yellow, brown, green and less often in blue. Specimens of jasper are often given more specific names according to the pattern or appearance of the stones such as Leopard Jasper and Dalmatian Jasper.
Jasper is mined in many locations including France, Germany, North Africa, Sicily, Venezuela and the U.S.A.
Jasper has been purported to help bring rain and has been used as a protection against evil spirits and snake and spider bites. It supposedly helps cure gynecological problems and strengthen the stomach. Some believe it can encourage personal bravery and help people speak out and gain personal independence.
The specific Jaspers all have their own properties. More will be added in the future, stay tuned.
Kryptonite:
This substance is very rare and its color is difficult to specify due to its rarity. While not yet used in jewelry design, it may hold many fascinating possibilities for the imaginative designer.
The only known source for Kryptonite is on the planet Krypton.
While most suggested properties for minerals and gemstones purport to have positive influence, Kryptonite is just the opposite. Sometimes used as an analogy for an Achilles Heel, Kryptonite is said to negatively affect certain individuals. If you are not sure of your posture with this substance, it is suggested that you refrain from its utilization.
Kryptonite is temporarily out of stock.
Kunzite:
This pale-pink to lilac mineral is sometimes called the “evening stone” due to its tendency to fade in bright light; therefore, it should be protected from heat and light. It is a variety of the mineral spodumene that also produces hiddenite which is green. It is often heat treated which can help restore its color when it has faded. Kunzite may resemble pink topaz or rose quartz and it difficult to distinguish from pink tourmaline. Kunzite may appear different colors depending on the angle from which it is viewed, a phenomenon known as pleochroism.
The stone comes from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan and the U.S.A.
While Kunzite is thought to release tension and stimulate poor circulation, it may also help create a balance between the physical and emotional bodies. Some say it can help alleviate fear brought on by others and increase the feeling of security. Kunzite is purported to enhance the capacity for devotion and understanding and bring inner peace.
Kyanite:
This mineral, found in blades or columns, is typically blue, but may also be green. Although limited in its use as a gemstone due to its anisotropism or varying hardness, it is also used in porcelain plumbing fixtures, dishware, spark plugs and other things.
Kyanite is most notably found in Australia, Brazil, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland and the U.S.A.
Kyanite, connected to altered states, visualizations, vivid dreams and dream recall, could be referred to as the “tripping stone”. It may also help diminish anger and confusion while bringing loyalty, honesty and tranquility. The more common blue kyanite is said to open the mind and improve optimism while green kyanite may help a listener determine if someone is telling the truth.
Labradorite:
Labradorite, a feldspar mineral, can display beautiful labradorescnce or schiller. These terms refer to the rainbow colored reflections shown as light from a particular direction strikes the stone. Some labradorite has a light green-gray base while the more valuable has a dark or black base.
It comes from Australia, Canada, Madagascar, Norway, Mexico, the Ukraine and the U.S.A.
Labradorite, purported to slow the aging process and detoxify the body, may also help alleviate confusion and indecision. Some say it will elevate consciousness and protect a person's aura.
Lapis Lazuli:
Lapis is a semiprecious blue gemstone composed of grains of several minerals. The stone’s matrix is calcite and the speckles are pyrite. The more valuable lapis is an intense blue displaying only the pyrite speckles and no matrix while the lesser lapis may be dyed and will appear somewhat cloudy. Take care of lapis as is will scratch and chip easily.
Lapis is found in Afghanistan, Canada, Chile and Egypt. Lapis, often thought of as a stone of truth and friendship, may help to bring harmony to relationships. It is also said that lapis allows spiritual energy to be absorbed in the aura.
Denim Lapis: This is a paler, less valuable stone than lapis lazuli that resembles faded denim
Lava Stone:
This stone is naturally rough and has many holes and bubbles causing it to be lightweight. It may appear in black or a reddish brown.
Lava stone beads are made from basalt, a common volcanic rock. Much of the lava stone beads have been treated with paraffin to keep them from being so abrasive.
Lepidolite:
Lepidolite is violet to pale pink or white and often has black markings. It is rarely found in gray or yellow.
Lepidolite is not truly a gemstone but rather a type of mica found in Argentina, Canada, Madagasgar, Russia, Sweden, the U.S.A. and Zimbabwe.
Healers call Lepidolite the Peace Stone, suggesting that it helps relieve stress and promotes restful sleep if placed near the pillow. Some believe Lepidolite can help alleviate nerve pain, sciatica, neuralgia and joint problems. |
