An explanation of some gemstone properties and beliefs.
Aventurine is normally green, but has varieties of red and peach. It is thought to be a “brain stone” and is said to be useful in relieving migraine and soothing the eyes.
CARNELIAN
From pale to dark orange, Carnelian is believed to be a
highly evolved healer and good balancing stone, which can energise the
physical, emotional and mental self.
Shades of yellow from pale lemon to rich golden yellow-orange. Known
as the “cuddle quartz”, citrine is understood to help those who feel they have
lost their way in life to find a new sense of direction and purpose and raise
the self-esteem.
FLUORITE
Fluorite has a range of colours: yellow, blue, green, red purple, with the most amazing colour striations on one stone. It is thought to enhance spiritual energy, focuses the will and balances the psyche. A brittle stone, that needs gentle handling as it can be easily damaged.Deep rich red is often associated with garnets, but the rhodolite garnet is pinker, hessonite garnet is in shades of yellow-brown and grossular garnet is green. Said to be a regenerative and revitalizing tonic for the whole body, especially the bloodstream, where it can help with circulatory problems.
HEMATITE
A heavy stone in a metallic charcoal colour, this
is a stone you either like or don’t.
Hematite is believed to help improve blood disorders and generally strengthen the body,
helping you to cope with stress, lift depression and combat insomnia.
The best quality lapis lazuli is a bright, rich blue with pyrites of gold, lapis also ranges to paler blue with white inclusions, often known as "denim lapis".Called
by the Ancient Egyptians “The Stone of Heaven”, lapis lazuli is thought to
improve the eyesight and protect against strokes. It may help to acquire wisdom and truth.
A black stone, often with speckles of white (snowflake obsidian). It is a grounding stone that makes the user face up to responsibility. The stone reflects negative energies and is excellent to have around electrical equipment such as televisions or PCs to protect the body from harmful emissions.
OPAL
With
"the fire of the carbuncle, the brilliant purple of the amethyst and the
sea green colour of the emerald, all shining together in incredible union"
opal clearly impressed Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman historian and author
of the world's first encyclopaedia. The Romans had been wearing opals for
centuries and considered them a symbol of hope or purity, while for the early
Greeks they embodied the powers of foresight or prophecy. Opals are very brittle stones that require careful handling as they can crack and thought to be an unlucky.
The
“all singing all dancing” crystal. It
attracts the powers of light and energy and is said to be a powerful general
healer that works on all levels – strengthening, cleansing and protecting.
The pale pink “love stone”. A very healing stone for inner wounds, it promotes forgiveness, love and friendship. Rose quartz is also thought to increase fertility.
RUBY
Rubies were first mined more than 2,500 years ago in SriLanka. Historically, many believed that mystical powers lie within this intensely coloured red gemstone. The ancient Burmese believed that when inserted beneath the skin, rubies generate a mystical force that protects the wearer from accidents and attack. Rubies were also once believed to contain prophetic powers, enabling wearers to predict the future based on changes in their ruby’s colour intensity.
SAPPHIRE
Sapphires come in all spectrums of colour, except for red, but people normally associate this stone with blue. Other colours of sapphire are known as "fancy sapphires".
Dark to mid-blue and similar to lapis lazuli without the gold pyrites. A good stone for oversensitive and defensive people, it can help to improve courage and endurance and to calm and clear the mind. It is also reputed to assist in lowering blood pressure and balance the metabolism.
TIGERS EYE
A bright mid-brown stone with stripes of irridecent darker browns. It is believed to aid clear thinking, courage and confidence.First used during
the Ancient Egyptian Empire, topaz's popularity grew tremendously during the
Middle Ages, when people believed it to have the power to strengthen the mind.
Traditionally, topaz was regarded as a yellow to orange gemstone, but due to
the abundance of blue topaz, many now incorrectly assume that topaz is
exclusively a blue gemstone, although it also comes in shades of pink.