Jasper
A form of opaque, usually patterned, chalcedony which is found in massive formations. The mineral is usually stained by impurities and occurs in various colours such as red, green, brown or yellow. The popular red variety is fine-grained quartz, coloured by inclusions of haematite. The colours may be arranged in bands of red or a mottled mixture of many different patterns and colours. It was named in the 14th century. From ancient times this hard and durable gemstone was cherished for its beauty and mystical properties. The jasper mentioned in the Bible as one of the stones in the breastplate of the ancient high priest and in the wall of the New Jerusalem is believed to have been a dark green, opalescent stone. Jasper is believed to bring good health as well as courage and wisdom in undertakings involving risk. Because of its physical properties, engravers of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt carved this stone into exquisite cameos, intaglios and scarabs. Jasper was considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians. The jasper containing a yellow colour was used to assist and protect during times of travel (spiritual and physical), that contained the red colour was thought to induce health and rebirth, bringing fresh ideas to the holder and that containing the blue colour was used to connect one with the afterù worlds. Jasper can be used in the treatment of tissue deterioration of the internal organs and for disorders of the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver and stomach. It can also be used to treat the loss of the sense of smell and is thought to soothe the nerves.
Jade
Technically there are two minerals comprising jade: jadeite (which is normally white to pale green, but sometimes bright green ì imperial jade ì or even blue/grey or pink) and nephrite from the Spanish (1657) piedra de la ijada, literally meaning lion stone from the belief that jade cures renal colic. Jade was used in ancient times for weapons, utensils and ornaments. It is one of the toughest minerals known and was probably the most revered stone in Ancient China, representing the five cardinal virtues of charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom. Almost all Chinese wore a piece of jade in one form or another to protect the wearer from illness and accidental injury. It was used by ancient primitive tribes as a sacred stone, assisting them in access to the spiritual worlds. Old writings suggest it protects the wearer from kidney problems and brings good luck in games of chance. It is a soft gentle stone and is believed to promote long and prosperous life. It is good for flexibility and tolerance a stone of friendship. Taken in a drink, jade can strengthen the muscles, harden the bones, calm the mind and purify the blood. It soothes, heals and balances, is good for asthma and heart, kidney and bladder problems.
Iolite
Iolite is the gem-quality variety of Cordierite. The name Iolite is derived from the Greek word ‘ios’ meaning violet, although the sapphire-blue Iolite is the most common it is not limited to this and is also found in light gold to honey yellow colour. It has also been given the name ‘dichroite’, a Greek word that roughly translates to “two-coloured rock”. When observed from different angles, especially in polarized light, Iolite is a deep blue and then again clear and colourless from another angle, this optical phenomenon is known as pleochroism. The “Vikings Compass” is another interesting name for Iolite, when travelling on overcast days, the gem would help determine the direction of the light helping lead the way. A popular reference for Iolite is “water-sapphire”.Copious amounts of Cordierite are found in Australia, Brazil and Sri Lanka. However, the largest Iolite was found, weighing more than an incredible 24,000 carats, in Wyoming, US. Iolite works best on the Third Eye Chakra. A stone of vision, intuition and spiritual growth. Iolite is said to aid addictions such as alcoholism and can help to regenerate the liver and detoxify the body. When used in conjunction with Amethyst, Iolite can help one maintain sobriety. Thought to be helpful too, for any problems with the eyes, nose and easing a headache.
Hypersthene
The name Hypersthene is derived from the Greek word meaning “over strength”, which attributes to it being harder than hornblende, a mineral it is often confused with. Usually, a solid black colour, when Hypersthene catches the light it shows off unique silky reflections which can look like parallel stripes, this is referred to as chatoyancy. Hypersthene is known as a problem-solving stone and helps teach us to focus not on the problems we have, but on the solutions, we must find in order to eliminate these issues. For those of us who can be critical or judgmental towards others, Hypersthene will assist us in overcoming this. Inner strength and an open mind will be promoted by this beautiful gem. It will provide us with a positive attitude and confidence to achieve higher success in business.
Howlite
A white opaque calcium borate with grey/black veining. The best-known locality is outside Los Angeles but the area has now become residential. Over the last 20 years, the material has become substituted by white magnesite from Zimbabwe similar in appearance which is now (although incorrectly) also known as Howliteù. Both materials look similar and both accept a dye easily. Howlite increases the ability to improve and strengthen memory and desire for knowledge. Said to assist in the growth and healing of bones and teeth and tissue on account of its calcium content. Helps balance the calcium levels. It is also an aid to dietary problems such as for overweight and anorexia. Used by those suffering from insomnia or fear of sleeping in the dark. When carried in one’s pocket, it helps to calm anger and soothe emotions.
Haematite
Around 50 AD, Pliny called this variety of iron ore Haematatis meaning blood redù on account of the colour of the powder or perhaps the water coloured by the dust after cutting and crushing the stone. High-quality Haematite ore is black, as is the jewellery made from it. In its purest form, it appears as glittering black crystal plates known as Specularite. Haematite has been called a stone for the mindù, helping one to sort out troubling issues on one’s mind. It can be helpful in the enhancement of mental attunement, memory, original thinking and technical knowledge. Although this stone stimulates mental capability, it also produces a calming influence. Dispelling self-limiting concepts promotes the realisation of one’s full potential. It is also capable of helping the body to remain cool; placed on the forehead it will draw out the heat from a fever. Haematite can be used in the treatment of leg cramps, anaemia, nervous disorders and insomnia and is said to increase resistance to stress. It has been known to assist in spinal alignment and in the healing of fractures. Placing pieces of Haematite on the base of the spine, on the area of misalignment and on the top of the spine is said to aid in the adjustment of the vertebrae. Although it is traditionally used in jewellery for mourning, it is today found combined with pearls in fashion jewellery.
goldstone Blue
A man-made glass originally produced in Venice in the 17th Century, goldstone is now produced in China. Fine particles of copper give the stone its sparkly effect. Generally a red-brown colour, it is now also produced in blue and other colours. This material is one of the best synthetics used in the manufacture of jewellery and carvings. It is said to provide strength, creativity and self-confidence in one’s actions. Help reduce migraines and visual disturbances, assists the flow of blood, helps to detoxify the system and assists in the recovery from surgery or intensive chemical therapies. A magical stone for children will help them lose the fear of darkness as they hold a piece of the starry sky.
goldstone
A man-made glass originally produced in Venice in the 17th Century, goldstone is now produced in China. Fine particles of copper give the stone its sparkly effect. Generally a red-brown colour, it is now also produced in blue and other colours. This material is one of the best synthetics used in the manufacture of jewellery and carvings. It is said to provide strength, creativity and self-confidence in one’s actions. Help reduce migraines and visual disturbances, assists the flow of blood, helps to detoxify the system and assists in the recovery from surgery or intensive chemical therapies. A magical stone for children will help them lose the fear of darkness as they hold a piece of the starry sky.
garnet
Derived from the Latin word (14th century) for pomegranate ì as garnets were thought to resemble the seeds of this fruit ì this is a brittle and more or less transparent silicate mineral. The term garnet covers a wide variety of chemically different stones of varying colours. The best-known garnets are the dark red varieties which have been used for thousands of years and were particularly fashionable during the Victorian era. Garnets have been valued as sacred stones by the Native American Indians, the Aztecs, the African tribal elders and the Mayans. Statues of Isis, the Egyptian nature goddess, often included garnets in her ceremonial belt, probably representing her blood and power. The loving powers of garnet tend to reflect the attributes of devotion and it is strongly associated with the balancing of the sex drive and emotional disharmony, bringing love, compassion and enhanced imagination. Associated with love and passion, the garnet has been known as a stone of commitmentù ì to purpose, to others and to oneself. The stone has been used in the treatment of toxicity, mental depression, heart trouble, inflammation and an underactive thyroid. Garnet is the birthstone for January, symbolizing constancy, and the zodiac gem for Aquarius (21 January to 18 February).
Fossils
The word Fossil comes from the Latin word fossilis, which is translated to ‘obtained by digging’. There are many forms of fossils, all sorts of creatures and plant life dated back millions of years ago. Some of the ones we love are mentioned below. Ammonites, an extinct group of marine life that are closely related to the Coleoidea (soft-bodied sea creatures), such as squids and cuttlefish. They are prized not only for their aesthetic, a typical spiral shell formation which is often beautifully polished, but scientific value as well. Trilobites, meaning ‘three lobes’, which is due to their bodies having three longitudinal lobes, the head, body and tail. They are from the group Arthropod, all of which have exoskeletons and became extinct shortly after dinosaurs, dating back as far as 250 million years ago. Orthoceras, translated to ‘long horn’ is from the group Cephalopod ‘head-feet’. An exclusively marine animal with a prominent head and a set of arms or tentacles. The fossils show off an elongated shell which is often in limestone. Shark teeth, many different species of sharks teeth come from Morocco. The most popular being from the Carcharocles chubutensis, which are large averaging to about the size of a medium-sized hand, and the Carcharocles Megalodon, these are sandy brown to white and a lot smaller in size. Both these varieties are direct ancestors of the Megalodon.
Fluorite
Derived from the Latin word to flowù as the mineral was easily melted and used as a flux in metalwork. The most common colour we see is translucent to transparent purple, white and/or green ì especially in the material from China or Mexico used for jewellery. It is an important industrial mineral with many uses such as in the manufacture of refrigeration gas, non-stick coatings, toothpaste, and fluxes for the metal industry. The stone is popular with cutters and collectors as it also comes in bright colours such as yellow and blue ì as well as more common greens and purples. It is a soft stone that can easily be scratched. An extremely soothing stone helping in concentration and learning, it allows the body to operate at maximum efficiency. Well known in medicine for strengthening the bones and especially the enamel of teeth.
Emerald
Named in the 14th century, this green form of beryl takes its colour from the presence of chrome in the stone. It is probably the most valuable of all precious stones. Known from as early as 2,000 BC, the emerald was very popular with the ancient Egyptians. It was named the fourth foundation stone in the wall of the new Jerusalem. It was said to heal inflammation, was used as an antiseptic and even used to cure major infections such as the plague, by rubbing the stone on a sore. The jewel of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, emerald is known as a stone of successful loveù and is said to promote domestic bliss and to instil both sensitivity and loyalty in oneself as well as in others. It aids fertility, growth, honesty and self-discovery and is thought to be helpful if you are feeling vulnerable in a relationship. The emerald is said to solve complex problems by stimulating the brain and memory. It is considered to be an antidote for poison and to heal diseases of the eye and improve eyesight as well as being good for bones and teeth. Emerald is used as a cure-all, strengthening the heart, liver, kidneys and immune system and vitalising and toning the body and mind. It can be used to improve memory and to stimulate the use of greater mental capacity. Emerald is the birthstone for May, symbolising love and success, and the zodiac gem for Cancer (22 June to 22 July).
Dumortierite
Dumortierite was first discovered in 1881 by a French mineralogist M.F. Gonnard, who named the stone after Eugene Dumortier, a French palaeontologist. The stone varies in colour from browns, blacks and white to the most sort after violet-blues. Found in the USA, Sri Lanka and Brazil among others. Known as “The Stone of Learning”, dumortierite helps with concentration and the ability to understand and retain what we have learnt. Dumortierite stimulates all intellectual aspects of the brain and is especially useful when learning a foreign language. Also believed to be a natural healer and helper for neurological functioning. It is a highly stimulating stone for the pineal gland, located behind the Forehead Chakra. The pineal gland produces hormones that affect ones sleeping pattern. Sleeping with the stone beside you can regulate sleeping patterns and has been known to relieve insomnia.
Diamond
A native crystalline carbon that is usually nearly colourless, although white, black and various pale shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, green, blue and brown are found. All good gem diamonds are transparent and free of flaws, and colourless stones, known as white diamonds, are extremely valuable. Considered the hardest substance on the earth, diamonds are also widely used industrially. Named in the 14th century after the Greek word Adamas, meaning invincibleù. The diamond has traditionally played a part in history as a symbol of royal power. During ancient times it was commonly used as a talisman against cowardice and was valued as a stone to bestow invulnerability. The power of the diamond was believed to work only when the stone was freely given. In ancient times it was given to ensure love, promote harmony and dispel anger. It was first cut in the 14th century but it took until 1910 for the modern brilliant cut (a form of cut with numerous facets giving the stone a special brilliance) to develop. In Greek mythology, Eros, the god of erotic love, is said to have used arrows tipped with diamonds to stimulate people to fall in love with one another. The brilliance of diamonds was supposed to shine a light that kept negativity at bay. It symbolized durability, incorruptibility and invincibility. Amante de Dio (Italian for diamond) means òlover of God. The diamond stimulates clear mental sight and is said to amplify the full spectrum of energies in mind, body and spirit, inspiring innocence, faithfulness, abundance and serenity. It is also thought to be helpful in the treatment of poisoning. Diamond is the birthstone for April, symbolising innocence.
Danburite
The name originates from the Town of Danbury in Connecticut USA where the material was first discovered ì although most material today comes from Mexico. It ranges from milky white to pink but can also be brilliantly clear in wedge-shaped crystals with parallel striations like those of topaz. It is light and fairly fragile. A powerful stimulant of the Crown Chakra assisting concentration and clear thinking. An all-body healer and gentle energiser. Danburite will help detoxify the body, calm the mind and increase self-esteem. It’s a very soothing stone that will minimize personal stress and increase your tolerance levels when living and working around difficult people ì and can be used in the treatment of hearing disorders and physical and mental abilities.
Dalmatian Stone
A form of opaque, usually patterned, chalcedony which is found in massive formations. The mineral is usually stained by impurities and occurs in various colours such as red, green, brown or yellow. The popular red variety is fine-grained quartz, coloured by inclusions of haematite. The colours may be arranged in bands of red or a mottled mixture of many different patterns and colours. It was named in the 14th century. From ancient times this hard and durable gemstone was cherished for its beauty and mystical properties. The jasper mentioned in the Bible as one of the stones in the breastplate of the ancient high priest and in the wall of the New Jerusalem is believed to have been a dark green, opalescent stone. Jasper is believed to bring good health as well as courage and wisdom in undertakings involving risk. Because of its physical properties, engravers of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt carved this stone into exquisite cameos, intaglios and scarabs. Jasper was considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians. The jasper containing a yellow colour was used to assist and protect during times of travel (spiritual and physical), that contained the red colour was thought to induce health and rebirth, bringing fresh ideas to the holder and that containing the blue colour was used to connect one with the afterù worlds. Jasper can be used in the treatment of tissue deterioration of the internal organs and for disorders of the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver and stomach. It can also be used to treat the loss of the sense of smell and is thought to soothe the nerves.
Coral
Coral, the vacated housing of a marine animal, comes from the sea. The kind of coral traditionally used in jewellery is found in reefs in the tropical waters of Polynesia, off the coast of Japan and in the Mediterranean. Although red coral is most frequently used in jewellery, other colours include pink, white, black and blue. Coral was named in the 14th century. Coral was highly regarded as a symbol of vitality by the Tibetans and American Indians and was thought to be indispensable on bone formation, particularly for children. These beliefs applied particularly to red coral and it was even considered to be an indication of blood disease if the coral became paler when worn. In fact, red coral is believed to be useful for treating anaemia, circulation problems, menstrual disorders and infertility. Representing diplomacy and concurrence, coral is said to quiet the emotions and bring inner peace as well as promoting intuition, imagination and visualization.
Citrine
A variety of quartz, the colour ranging from yellow to golden brown to burnt amber. It was named in 1748. Citrine is said to be one of those stones used in the breastplate of the ancient high priest. It is thought to stimulate both mental focus and endurance. It can help dispel fundamental levels of fear, brightening even the darkest corners of ones perceived reality and helping one to laugh without restraintù. It is very useful in assisting to penetrate problems and expedite solutions. It can also be helpful in the treatment of digestive and blood circulation.
Chrysoprase
A fine-grained quartz (first recorded in the 13th Century) that derives its beautiful apple-green colour from the presence of nickel in the stone. Chrysoprase was called the Stone of Venusù by the Romans. In the middle ages, it was valued as a cure for restlessness, for making the wearer quick-witted and for imparting adaptability and presence of mind. It was also carried as a safety measure by those undertaking sea voyages. Chrysoprase is said to be a very inward-lookingù stone, helping with calming, balancing and inner metal healing while enhancing light-heartedness and joy. It can moderate superiority or inferiority complexes and is thought to encourage fidelity in business and personal affairs. It has been used in the treatment of disorders of the heart, to control bleeding, to increase one dexterity and to relieve frailty and infirmity. Chrysoprase is also thought to be helpful in childbirth.
Chrysocolla
Occurs in various shades of blue and green, often mixed with quartz and the green, black or brown of other associated copper-based minerals. Found in copper-rich areas of Peru, USA, Namibia and the African Congo. It crystallizes in the form of crusts, layers, druses and botryoidal configurations. Chrysocolla in its gemmy state is known as Gem-Silica ì a desired material for gem cutters. Known as the Women’s Stone as it is recommended for all gynaecological problems from puberty to menopause. It often helps in the hand whilst giving birth. Helps to allay fears in cases of emotional instability and brings greater inner strength. Chrysocolla is said to draw out negativity.
Charoite
Named after the Chara River in Yakutia (Russia) or possibly from the original word chary which means magic. Mineralogically this is a very complicated stone consisting of many minerals including potassium, calcium and sodium. It occurs in iridescent shades of purple with white and black swirls and patches. Although only first officially recorded in 1976, it was not long before carious mystical beliefs were attributed to it ì such as strengthening self-esteem, bringing peace and love generally accelerating spiritual growth. Said to relieve headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances and alleviate fears of the unknown, sickness and death. It warms the heart and changes loneliness to love.
Chalcopyrite
The most commonly seen is the Mexican massive material broken into small pieces and bleached to change from a coppery yellow to iridescent blue-green. This is a combination of quartz, pyrite and copper. Being a copper ore, it oxidizes easily. It provides inspiration, ideas and thoughts, helps bring happiness to those with constant worries and concerns, and improves prosperity.
Chalcedony
Named after an ancient city in Turkey near Istanbul (13th century), Chalcedony is a variety of quartz that can be transparent, translucent or opaque. There are many types and colours of chalcedony, some of which are covered in their own sections of this book including agate, bloodstone, chrysoprase, carnelian, jasper, onyx and sardonyx. Chalcedony was used for centuries to promote stability in the ceremonial activities of Native American Indian tribes and the Tibetans revered it as a symbol of the lotus flower. White chalcedony was given to nursing mothers to increase lactation. Stemming from the nurturing energy within the stone, chalcedony symbolizes benevolence, relieving hostilities, irritability and depression, and stimulating optimism and goodwill. The stone also promotes generosity, receptivity and responsiveness. Chalcedony is thought to bring relief from problems in the area of the throat and neck, both physical problems and those associated with using the voice, such as lecturing, etc. Chalcedony has been used to bring tranquillity to the nervous system and to dispel worrying thoughts. In addition, it is said to promote mental stability and cure various forms of dementia.
Cat’s Eye
The terminology Cats Eye (named in 1599) sometimes refers to a variety of Chrysoberyl but more commonly to silicified asbestos known as Tigers Eye or Hawk Eye (both shown above). Cats Eye shows a light-coloured line that changes position as the gem is turned, giving it a resemblance to the eye of a cat. The colour range is endless due to the numerous stones in which it may occur. This mineral is said to represent happiness and serenity and to amplify one’s luckù. It can act to stimulate intuition and enhance awareness and can also be used in the treatment of eye disorders or to increase vision responses during night driving. In addition, cat-eye has been used to relieve headaches and pain associated with the nervous system as well as asthma and bowel cramps. Cats-Eye is Thursdays stone.
Carnelian
A hard and tough translucent form of chalcedony (named in 1695) that usually occurs in a uniform colour of red, orange or red-brown. Known thousands of years before the birth of Christ, carnelian has been used extensively in jewellery ever since, particularly for signet rings, seals, cameos and scarabs because of its hardness and rich orange-red colour. Engraved with Arabic characters, it protected the wearer from tricks of the envious. Throughout the East, envy is feared, for it is believed that it will cause the envied to lose his possessions. It was the favourite stone of the prophet Mohammed and verses from the Koran have been found engraved on this stone. Carnelian is said to stimulate analytical capabilities and precision. It provides perceptiveness and awakens ones inherent talents and skills and also protects against fear and rage. It helps to alleviate sorrow and can also be used to dispel apathy and indolence. Carnelian has been used in the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatism, gall and kidney stones, pollen allergies and colds, and can aid in the relief of disorders of the spine, spleen and pancreas. It has also been effective in the treatment of infection, fever, blood poisoning and muscle spasms. Carnelian is the zodiac gem for Virgo (23 August to 22 September).