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Gemstones Info Jan 08
Gemstones Info Jan 08
Gemstones Info Jan 08
As many of the gemstones in our jewellery range have fascinating histories and properties, we have created an A-Z
listing for a selection of the ones we feel you may find most interesting.
Agate (Botswana), Agate Moss, Amber, Amazonite, Amethyst, Apatite, Black Onyx, Bloodstone, Blue
Chalcedony, Charoite, Chrysocolla, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Jade, Jasper, Labradorite, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite,
Moonstone, Obsidian, Opal, Opalite, Pearl, Peridot, Prehnite, Quartz (clear, rose, rutilated, smokey,
tourmalinated), Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Ruby, Rubyziosite, Serpentine, Star Ruby, Sugilite, Tigers Eye,
Topaz, Turquoise, Zircon.
To create this listing we have cross-referenced many sources to enable it to be as accurate as possible. However, the
publication to which we refer most and is accepted as the leading authority on Gemstones and their healing properties is
The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall, ISBN 1-84141-175-0. This book can be viewed at any
of our Jewellery events should you wish to look up a gemstone not listed here or for greater details on any particular
crystal.
Agate, Moss
(Astrological Birthstones:
Aquarius, Virgo)
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colds, flu and fevers, can boost the immune system and
also act as an efficient anti-inflammatory. Back to Top
Amazonite
Amazonite varies from bright verdigris green to bluish
green, is mottled, is semi-opaque and sometimes contains
light striations. Amazonite displays a schiller of light
which is caused by inclusions. A schiller is a lustrous
reflection (sometimes known as iridescence) from planes
in a mineral grain. The iridescence is caused by a feature
of the stone's crystal structure, which in turn causes an
interference effect of light.
Amazonite was used extensively by the Egyptians and is
said to be named after the Amazon women warriors.
However, another legend says its name comes from the
belief that it was found in the Amazon river.. Today,
Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe,
Russia, Australia, Mozambique and Namibia.
Amazonites properties include the ancient Egyptians
calling it the stone of courage, and these days its believed
to enhance creative expression, improve self worth &
create a unity with life. Its believed a powerful protector
against the health hazards of microwaves and
electromagnetic smog. It can act as a soothing stone that
is effective on the throat charka whilst enhancing loving
communications and intuition. It can be effective for
osteoporosis, calcium deficiency and balancing the
metabolic deficiencies that cause these problems. It is
called the "hope stone" because it inspires confidence and
hope. Back to Top
Amethyst
(Birthstone: February)
(Astrological Birthstone: Pisces)
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Apatite
Apatite comes in blue, yellow, green, grey, white, purple,
brown, red-brown and violet. Its appearance is opaque,
sometimes transparent and usually glassy.
Apatite comes from Mexico, Norway, Russia and the US.
Apatites healing attributes are said to encourage
formation of new cells, heal bones, aid absorption of
calcium for cartilage, bones, teeth and motor skills, and
improve arthritis and joint problems. It can raise the
metabolic rate yet help suppress hunger. It can aid glands,
meridians and organs, balance the physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual charkas by eliminating over activity
and stimulating under activity.
It can help with
hypertension and autism and is also effective for
increasing energy reserves and motivation. Apatite aids
development of spiritual attunement, deepens meditation,
aids communication and self-expression, helps induce
openness and social ease by dissolving aloofness and
alienation. It can ease sorrow, apathy and anger, reduce
irritability and help overcome emotional exhaustion. Blue
Apatite connects to a very high level of spiritual guidance.
Yellow Apatite is a great eliminator, especially of toxins. It
can treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lethargy and
depression, help the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and
spleen, and can neutralize anger. Back to Top
Atlantisite
Atlantisite is the combination of green Serpentine stone
(see later section) with the purple of Stichtite. Stichtite is a
magnesium chromate associated with Serpentine as the
host rock.
Atlantisite is a relatively new mineral from Tasmania and
only occurs in a small hilltop site called Stichtite Hill.
Atlantisite is believed to have properties that stimulate
spiritual development, lower stress levels, encourage
thinking before speaking, promote successful business
thinking and aid insight into past lives. Stichtite has a link
to kundalini (through the heart chakra) and Serpentine to
calming the lower chakra centres, the combination allowing
the transition from the power of the lower charkas through
to the more graceful flow of the higher chakras. Its also
believed to calm stomach acids and be an effective aid to
dealing with anger and resentment. Stichtite can bring
peace to the environment whilst promoting positive
thinking, flexibility and openness, as well as providing
companionship to those who are alone. Additionally it can
stimulate positive behaviour modification in children. Back
to Top
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Top
Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
(Astrological Birthstones: Pisces, Aries)
Bloodstone (also named Heliotrope by the ancient
Greeks) is green quartz flecked with red or yellow jasper
giving it its distinctive red (and yellow) spots. It is another
member of the Chalcedony family (similar to Agate,
Jasper, Tigers Eye, Onyx, Chrysocola etc,.) that consist of
microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz which cannot be
seen through high magnification.
Bloodstone can be found in Australia, Brazil, China, Czech
Republic, Russia and India
Bloodstone and its fellow Chalcedony family are treated
as sacred stones by Native American Indians, and are
believed useful for boosting the immune system, calming
the body, bringing about change and for aiding selfprotection.
It is helpful for blood circulation issues,
detoxifies the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen and bladder,
helps remove energy blocks and for aligning the body
centres. It can dispel confusion and enhance decisionmaking. Historically its been used to stop bleeding,
especially nosebleeds and was regularly used as an
amulet to protect against the evil eye. Bloodstone is the
symbol of justice and is a powerful healer, especially when
the body and mind are exhausted. Its believed helpful in
cases of leukaemia as it supports the blood and removes
toxins the ancient Egyptians used it to shrink tumours.
Back to Top
Blue Chalcedony
Blue chalcedony is a translucent to transparent milky blue
or greyish quartz. It is a finely crystallised or fibrous quartz
that forms rounded crusts or stalactites in volcanic and
sedimentary rocks. Chalcedony, agates, jaspers,
bloodstone, carnelian, and onyx all make up the
Chalcedony gemstone family.
Being relatively
inexpensive, chalcedony is the best available and most
collected gemstone.
Chalcedony is found in many parts of the world, but the
most valued pieces are from India, Madagascar, Burma,
Brazil, Mexico & the USA.
Chalcedonys healing powers are believed to be as a
powerful cleanser, for improving mineral assimilation, to
help the gallbladder, bones, spleen, blood and circulatory
system, to lessen the effects of dementia and senility, to
increase physical energy whilst balancing the body,
emotions, mind and spirit, to banish fear and depression,
and to reduce fevers. In addition to the above, Blue
Chalcedonys properties can aid acceptance of new
situations, encourage mental and verbal flexibility and
dexterity whilst enhancing listening skills, and be useful for
illnesses connected to changes in the weather. It can also
aid regeneration of mucus membranes, aid lung problems,
enhance the immune system, stimulate the flow of lymph,
act as an anti-inflammatory and can help with reducing
blood pressure. Back to Top
Charoite
Charoite is a rare mineral that can range from bright
lavender, violet and lilac to dark purple, with swirling
patterns of black Augite, transparent crystals of microcline
feldspar, and/or orange Tinaksite. Charoite looks so
unusual with its chatoyancy and strange spiral patterns
that it can be mistaken for a synthetic! (Chatoyancy is a
changeable silky lustre as light is reflected within the thin
parallel fibrous bands. This effect is due to the fibrous
structure of the material.)
Discovered in Russia in 1978 in the Murun mountains in
Yakutia, its name is derived from the Charo River which is
near where it was found. This is the only known location
for this rare mineral.
Charoites healing properties are said to enhance selfesteem, accelerate spiritual growth, and improve the ability
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Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is often confused with turquoise with colours
being variegated blue and green when a mixture of
chrysocolla and other copper minerals are combined. It is
a copper-bearing mineral found wherever copper deposits
occur. Pure Chrysocolla is very soft but when found in
quartz deposits, its then hard enough to polish for
cabochons & jewellery and is frequently found mixed with
malachite, turquoise and azurite.
Chrysocolla comes from areas of the south-western USA,
Chile, Zaire, Australia, France, England and in the Red
Sea.
Chrysocollas healing properties are believed to aid
creativity, female energy (including helping with PMS,
menstrual cramps, hot flushes), communication, relieving
ulcers and arthritis, aiding bone disease, muscle spasms,
blood disorders, itching, strengthens the thyroid, and
detoxifies the liver, kidneys and intestines. Its also
associated with tranquillity and peace (offering gentle,
soothing qualities), intuition, patience, and unconditional
love. Back to Top
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fidelity.
It can regenerate the body, stimulate the
metabolism, aid spinal and cellular disorders, reenergize
the blood, heart, lungs and DNA as well as helping
assimilation of vitamins and minerals.
Back to Top
Iolite
Iolite comes in grey, violet, blue and yellow and is a
silicate mineral that occurs as crystals or grains in igneous
rocks, as a result of the contamination of volcanic magma
by aluminous sediment. Iolite has different colours running
in different directions within the crystal, which helps us to
understand how the gemstone changes colours depending
upon which angle it is viewed. The name iolite comes from
the Greek ios, which means violet.
It is found in the USA, Sri Lanka, Burma, India,
Madagascar and Brazil.
Iolites properties are believed to create a strong
constitution, to mitigate the effects of alcohol, support
detoxification/regeneration of the liver, aid the pituitary,
sinuses and respiratory system, and alleviate migraines. It
facilitates visualisation and intuitive insight, can help
recovery from addiction and clear old thoughts. Can be
useful for treating malaria and fevers and killing bacteria.
Back to Top
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Lapis Lazuli
(Birthstone: December)
(Astrological Birthstone: Libra)
Malachite
Malachites appearance is of concentric light and dark
green bands and rosettes. Many of these gemstones
contain special combinations with other minerals such as
Azurite, Cuprite and Chrysocolla.
Malachite is found in Africa, Russia, the Middle East,
Germany, France, Chile, Australia and the USA.
Malachite is an extremely powerful stone; its considered a
stone of transformation and to ease major life changes
(especially for women). It also grounds and protects,
promoting inner peace and hope. It is believed to absorb
negative energies and pollutants including soaking up
plutonium and electromagnetism, and guards against
radiation of all kinds (useful in the homes of anyone who
lives near a nuclear or natural radiation source). It can
assist in helping you receive insights and for activating
visualisation and psychic vision (it mercilessly shows what
is blocking your spiritual growth). It breaks unwanted ties
and outworn patterns and is believed to alleviate mental
disturbances, benefit shyness and help with dyslexia by
strengthening the ability to absorb and process
information. Malachite resonates with the female sexual
organs and is useful for cramps, period pains and during
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Quartz, Clear
Quartz comes in many varieties and colours including
pink, lemon, rutilated, tourminaliated, smokey, blue and
clear. Quartz is a transparent to translucent mineral, it has
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Quartz , Smokey
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Quartz, Tourmalinated
Tourmalinated Quartz is a member of the Quartz family
(see the Quartz section above) but this stone combines
clear Quartz with thin strands of usually black or dark blue
Tourmaline running through it.
Tourmaline is easily found but especially in Sri Lanka,
Brazil, Africa, USA, Western Australia, Afghanistan and
Italy.
The healing properties of Tourmalinated Quartz are said
to be extremely effective for opening the healing energy (if
its been buttoned down from stress/trauma), for
realignment and reenergizing the meridians and organs
whilst cleansing and protecting. Its a good grounding
stone. It can dissolve destructive patterns & negative
behaviour replacing them with self-confidence. Black
Tourmaline protects again electromagnetic smog (cell
phones, radiation), strengthens the immune system, and
aids arthritis and pain relief. Back to Top
Rhodochrosite
The pink colour of Rhodochrosite is caused by the
element manganese which is formed when manganese is
dissolved by ground water and combines with a carbonate
material and then drips off the ceiling of caves and
crevices
deep
underground.
Sometimes
a
semitransparent, 6-faced prism crystal, but more often
seen as opaque rounded masses, sometimes with
irregular, contorted veining. Usually a definite pink, it can
be faded pink or slightly orange. The stones are in
demand by collectors.
It is found in the US, South Africa, Argentina, Peru,
Uruguay and in Russia.
Rhodochrosites healing properties are believed to
include drawing love to the wearer, helping release past
psychological issues and creating a dynamic & positive
attitude. It helps recovery from sexual abuse, imparts a
dynamic and positive attitude, and aids those who feel
unloved. Because its an irritant filter, it can relieve asthma
& respiratory issues and purify the circulatory system
(including kidneys).
It can improve poor eyesight,
normalize blood pressure and stabilize the heartbeat, aid
migraines through blood vessel dilation, and invigorate the
sexual organs. Back to Top
Rhodonite
Rhodonite has a distinctive pink colour but it may also
occur as a brownish-red, and where it contains black veins
(of manganese-rich alteration products) and sometimes
with a streak of white, this combination is deemed
especially desirable. Rhodonite is the complementary
sister to Rhodochrosite.
Rhondonite is found in Spain, Russia, Sweden, Germany,
Mexico and Brazil.
Rhodonite is an emotional balancer and grounding stone
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Rubyziosite
Ruby-in-Ziosite has been known for nearly 200 years as
an ornamental stone. The medium grade red ruby material
is usually spread irregularly throughout the green zoisite.
The stone consists of crystalline aggregates of green
zoisite (soft stone) with non-transparent ruby (hard stone)
inclusions theres no other stone like it in the mineral
world. Due to the differing hardness of the two materials,
its quite hard to cut so diamond tools are usually used.
Rubyziosite is found in Tanzania.
Rubyziosites properties include those for Ruby (see
above) but also include aiding spiritual learning and pastlife work, promoting individuality whilst retaining
interconnectedness, and powerfully amplifying the
biomagnetic field around the body. Back to Top
Serpentine
Serpentine gets it name from the word serpent because it
resembles the skin of a snakeand its huge variety of
colours include green, red, brown-red, brown-yellow and
white. Its colour variations are a result of varied mineral
infusions. Atlantisite gemstone (see above) with its purple
inclusions, is a combination of Stichtite within green
Serpentine.
Serpentine is found in New Zealand, China, South Africa,
Italy, Cornwall, Norway, Russia, Zimbabwe, Italy and the
USA.
Serpentine is an earthing stone that aids meditation. It is
believed to clear blocked areas, raise kundalini energy
flow, overcome fears (especially of letting go) and bring
chakras into balance, especially the crown and heart. It
can bring good luck, inner peace, a balance to mood
swings, and help people achieve their dreams. It can
prove useful in encouraging an ability to solve conflicts by
peaceful means whilst promoting compassion and
forgiveness for yourself and what you went through. It is
believed to focus healing energy to problem areas and
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Tigers Eye
Tigers Eye is recognisable by the rippled wavy bands of
browns, golds, and yellows which often resemble a scenic
view. Its a member of the quartz group of chalcedonies
and is one of the chatoyant gemstones, similar to Charoite.
(Chatoyancy is a changeable silky lustre as light is
reflected within the thin parallel fibrous bands.)
Tiger's eye is mined in Western Australia, South Africa,
USA, Canada, India, Namibia, and Burma.
Tigers Eyes healing properties are said to aid spiritual
and body well-being, aid clarity of mind and act as a
psychic protector. It can help eye issues, help throat and
reproductive problems, dissolve constrictions and is helpful
for repairing bones. This stone combines the earth energy
with those of the sun to create a high vibrational state that
remains grounded. It is a protective stone, it helps
accomplish goals and promotes clarity of intention and is
especially useful in aiding mental dis-ease and personality
disorders. It can block self-criticism, alleviate depression
and encourage creativity and self-worth. Back to Top
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Topaz
Turquoise
(Birthstone: December)
(Astrological Birthstone: Taurus,
Sagittarius)
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