Types of Stones

Agate

A fine-grained variegated chalcedony (a member of the quartz family, named in 1570), usually with colours arranged in stripes, blended in clouds or showing moss-like forms. Agates are generally formed by water seeping into cavities in volcanic rocks and depositing mineral salts in layers which over centuries have hardened into varied-coloured bands of chalcedony. These bands are often concentric, producing beautiful patterns. Named after the River Achetes in Sicily, agate is said to have been the eighth stone in the breastplate of the ancient high priest. In historic times, water in which it had been placed was used for cooking and drinking in order to alleviate sickness. Thought to protect the wearer from danger, encourage boldness and stimulate success, it has been used as a cure for insomnia, to ensure pleasant dreams and relieve stress. It is thought to be of assistance in childbirth as well as in the treatment of disease. It may alleviate eyesight, hearing and hair problems and assist in cases of poisoning. Agate is the zodiac gem for Gemini (21 May to 21 June).

Agate Blue Lace

Amazonite

A variety of feldspar, which is the most abundant and common material known, amazonite can vary from a green jade colour to turquoise. It is formed in usually large crystals, some up to a ton in size, in the pegmatite stage of granite. Named in 1879 after the Amazon River. Amazonite is another of the sacred green stones that were valued by the ancient Egyptians. It is said to have been one of the stones used in the breastplate of the high priest and has been used in jewellery for centuries. Named after the Amazon River, this stone was worn by the South American Indians to protect them from poisonous bites. Because of its high copper content, amazonite is very healing and is a good stone to carry or wear for looking after one’s general health. Thought to be helpful for soothing the emotional processes and relieving worries and fears, Amazonite soothes irritating and negative energy and helps with communications concerning love. It can also help to promote clarity and balancing of the many aspects of one’s personality. Amazonite is a useful remedy for muscle spasms and can help correct calcium deficiencies and increase the body’s resistance to tooth decay and osteoporosis.

Amber

A 14th-century organic gem, amber is the fossilised resin from prehistoric pine trees. These now-extinct plants produced enormous quantities of resin which fell to the ground or filled large cracks and holes in the trees where it eventually became fossilised. It is hard and golden to yellow-brown in colour. Amber was one of the first substances used by men for amulets, medicine and decoration. It was brought to the foothills of the Alps from the Baltic coast and the distances covered to obtain it, vast for those days, give an idea of its importance. In ancient times it was ground or soaked and then consumed or drunk as a remedy for illness. It was used in fire ceremonies of ancient tribal healers and is still a sacred stone to both Native American and Eastern Indians. From medieval days, it was burned to clear the environment of negativity. Amber is considered to be healing, soothing and harmonising and to exert a positive influence on the endocrine system, spleen and heart. It has helped in the treatment of asthma, ear trouble, infection, malaria, rheumatism and cutting teeth. It is sometimes called Mindful Oneù because it not only remembers past centuries but helps with simple absent-mindedness!

Amethyst

A variety of crystallised quartz occurs in colours ranging from deep purple to pale lavender. The presence of manganese in clear quartz produces amethyst, while the amount of iron content varies the strength of the purple colouration. The name derives from the Greek word amethystos, meaning remedy for drunkennessù. The Romans believed this stone prevented drunkenness and used to drink out of amethyst-encrusted goblets; some belief the effect to be the same today if amethyst is placed in a glass of wine. Amethyst is thought to bestow stability, strength and peace, to relieve stress and to calm passion, emotional violence and anger. It is a powerful healing gem, having been used in treating disorders of the nervous system, digestive tract, heart, stomach, skin and teeth. It has also been helpful in the treatment of blood disease, burns and scalds, colour blindness, infections and oedema. An amethyst under the pillow can aid sleeplessness an amethyst placed on the centre of the forehead can relieve the pain of headaches and other disorders. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, symbolising sincerity, and the zodiac gem for Pisces (19 February to 20 March).

Ametrine

Ametrine, a combination of Amethyst and Citrine, both members of the Quartz family displaying beautiful hues of light to dark purple fading into the golden yellows of citrine. Most of the commercially mined Ametrine comes from Bolivia although there are deposits in Brazil and India. According to legend, Ametrine was first introduced to Europe by a Spanish explorer who received the mine as a dowry and gave these gems as gifts to his wife, Anahi. Today the mine in Bolivia is still named after the Spanish princess, Anahi Mine. Ametrine stimulates the Crown Chakra bringing mental and spiritual clarity. It assists in keeping a focused mind, dispelling any negative thoughts and fears. It is a great aid for the digestive system and metabolism.