A very light grey blue color, which is sometimes produced by artificial dyes, this stone is opaque to semi-transparent. Its color makes it a calming contemplatory stone.
Usually a bluish-white or grey color. The lace refers to the gentle layered look usually seen in this stone. It ranges from opaque to semi-translucent. Its cool, subtle color reflect the peaceful calming qualities of this stone, which, by relieving stress and promoting good will, lightens situations and nurtures maternal impulses.
Eases stress and pain of a loss, reduces anxiety.
This is a hard stone, which takes a high polish and comes in a large variety of colors. These days the green color is usually achieved through the use of modern synthetic dyes. This in no way detracts from the strengths of the Agate, but instead adds to it the qualities of the color. It is a semi-translucent stone. Not only does this stone improve self-esteem and confidence; but also it promotes peace and harmony by means of honest, eloquent communication.
Restores energy and health, bring wearer happiness, emotional balance, wealth, health, and long life. A variety of Chalcedony, it is a semi-opaque stone, ranging in color from clear and pale to light blue with moss green like inclusions. Throughout history, because of its organic appearance, this stone has been thought to enhance a love of nature. It is sometimes called a Mocha Stone.
This variety of agate is a white form with green veins blended all over it. The green color varies from light olive green to dark forest green. A stone which is effective over a long period of time, not good as a quick fix.
Attracts success, money and luck. The color of this stone ranges from very light turquoise to aqua green. It has a sort of flaky appearance, the flakes having different shades of color. It is opaque. A stone that works on the inner self developing qualities of the individual, helping them towards personal awareness, aiding their creative imagination; clarifying vision and leading them towards God.
Fossils from pine tree resin, they add strength to magick and spells, attract love and increase beauty. This is not a true stone but petrified natural resin from the primeval forests. The color ranges from yellow, orange, red to brown, sometimes with black inclusions or with flakes. Sometime containing insects and vegetation. It can be found completely transparent or completely opaque. Called “Elektrikon” by the Greeks, because of its magnetic therapeutic properties, has always been greatly sought after, and is said to represent life and the sun. It repels negative influences, attracts friendship and love, and last but not least, it is thought to increase pleasure during sexual attivities. Humans have been using amber to make jewelry for at least 10,000 years. The Greeks called it electron.
Increases spiritual awareness, used in all workings for peace, love, happiness and protection, used in divination and pyschic work. The color of this stone ranges from dark violet to light lilac, and the transparency ranges from clear to cloudy. The clearer the stone, the greater the quality. Sometimes it is banded with a full range of its color in one specimen. The ancient Greeks used to place it at the bottom of their wine cups in order to prevent inebriation. Hence the name. It is considered to have a highly spiritual energy, which sharpens the mind, promoting wisdom, good judgment, and moral courage. It calms anger, violence and other negative passions, whilst inspiring true emotions and truly committed love and friendship.
Carry as a good luck charm. This is a transparent form of Obsidian, and dark brown in color. Obsidian is Lava which has cooled so fast that the minerals contained have not had the time to form. It is a natural form of glass. It is said that the Apache women cried so many tears that they cried for the whole world, and therefore thought that he who possesses an Apache Tear, will be protected from tears and sorrow, and need not ever cry another as all tears have already been shed. Hence the name. It is thought to promote courage, willpower and self-reliance.
Are a light blue variety of Beryl, usually a very light blue, varying in paleness. They range from completely transparent to milky. Its soothing beautiful color brings back memories of blue lakes and seas. Mystical and pure, it opens the world of the subconscious, towards a restored innocence and youthful attitude. By soothing emotions and bestowing patience and vision, it promotes the flow of communication between friends, lovers, and within families, smoothing the path of interaction.
Increases mental powers, perception and creative insight, gambler’s stone. This is an opaque stone, giving the impression of being made up of a multitude of tiny flakes or fibers. Although the most familiar color is a light mint green, Aventurines are also found as red, yellow, dark green, including a dark indigo blue form called “Vivianite”. A stone with apparently contradictory properties. It brings mental powers and level-headedness and encourages adventures and risky situations. People with a strong individuality will find that this stone promotes their creativity. It is thought to be the stone for Gamblers, and said to attract luck and wealth.
Increases physical strength and courage, brings victory in the courtroom, used to banish, exorcise. Heliotrope is the name given to a green form of Jasper. Ranging in color from a dark green with red flecks, to a gray green, again with red flecks. It is because of the inclusion of the flecks of red jasper that the stone is often called “Bloodstone”. Another reason for this name is that it is thought to be very effective in stauching hemorrhages. This is the stone worn by those seeking victory through wisdom, courage and discretion, since it is also though to bestow invisibility. It is believed that it bestows the protection of the original owner onto the new owner. It helps to prevail over competitors and adversaries, both in business dealings, court cases and other conflicting interests. It opens the past and brings prophetic dreams.
A semi-transparent to opaque stone with a flaky, fibrous quality. The color ranges from red, through orange to yellow, but is also found as green, pink and blue. The white form is known as Iceland spar and is transparent. Calcite has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine. It should be worn over long periods of time as a hand comforter or as a pendant.
Promotes self-confidence and peace, eases depression. The name given to the red to orange form of Agate, and means “flesh colored one”. It is a semi-transparent stone, sometimes banded. A cheerful, adaptable stone, presiding over famiy unity. It protects the wearer against an overheated imagination, feelings of jealousy, confusion and doubts, whilst bestowing self-confidence to the shy and timid. By the same token, it increases powers of communication.
Belongs to a cryptocrystalline variety of Quartz. This group includes the following stones; all Agates, Agatised wood, Banded Agates, Bloodstone or Heliotrope, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Chrysophrase, Eyed Agates, Fortification Agates, Hornstone, Jasper, Moss Agate, Onyx, Plasma, Sard, and Sardonyx. Chalcedony is a semi-transparent stone, sometimes banded, found in a variety of colors ranging from white, to dusty blue and pink. This lovely stone is sedate and discreet, and is therefore said to cure hysteria, depression, and is considered to be generally helpful with mental illness. It protects the wearer against the negativity in others, against irrational fears and delustions, bringing peace.
An opaque stone, with a swirly mixture of peacock green and blue, as well as black and gray. This stone is well known for its healing properties amongst the native american Indians, where it was used for its calming and strengthening effects.
This is a transparent to semi-transparent stone. The color ranges from very light yellow, to orange-yellow. In the more cloudy examples there may also be white sections. This transparent yellow stone ensures a sunny, cheerful disposition, whilst helping the wearer to focus the mind and to sensibly control his or her emotional life.
Used for healing, protection, peace and wisdom. Coral is not a stone, but the petrified remains of a living animal. It is now strongly protected. Because it is actually a living organism, it has also been considered highly magic. It is thought to be lucky by many cultures, associated with sea magic, Venus and the Great Mother. It is easy and cheerful to wear. Said to be very protective of children.
The diamond is the hardest substance in nature. Although it can be found in all colors, though its most familiar form is colorless. Unlike other colorless stones, however, diamonds have light or spark, which makes them look like a burst of white light. Because of this they are usually faceted in order to emphasize this quality. It is made up of carbon, which has undergone enormous pressure, and is a further evolution of common coal. It confers an aura of wealth and power to the giver and the recipient. It bestows strength, courage, and rationality and increases the ability for learning.
This is an opaque stone, which takes a high polish. It is made up of various colors, including violet blue, brown, black, but mostly blue. These colors seem to have been swirled together. It is a more recently discovered stone and therefore there are few traditions relating to its use. It takes its name from its discoverer, Eugene Dumortier.
A transparent to cloudy stone, depending on its quality, belonging to the Beryl family. A distinct green color, so distinct that the stone lends its name to this particular color green. The color can vary from ligth to dark. Often the stone has inclusions within it, most usually black Tourmaline crystals. This stone has always exercised its mysterious fascination on both sexes. Its positive powers dispel superficiality, strengthening commitment in love and marriage, whilst keeping the wearer youthful in mind and body.
Epidote is an opaque stone, which has the specs of being made up of flecks of different shades of olive green, ranging from a creamy green to dark olive. It takes a high polish. Unakite is a slightly different variety where the olive green color is mixed up with salmon pink sections. This variety is also called “Flower Jasper”.
Reduces emotional involvement, used to gain perspective, increase mental power. A transparent stone, made up of bands, which range in color from a cool green to violet. These usually blend into one another. One variety, which has no green, and consists of varying shades of violet purple, from very dark, nearly opaque, through lilac to clear, is called “Blue John”. This is one of the stones which reacts to UV light. By giving power to the intellect over the emotions, this stone promotes sensible, conscious decisions. These prevail over any angry or impulsive behavior or prejudiced opinions.
Enhances strength and endurance, protection, healing, enhances self-esteem and encourages success in business. This stone comes in a variety of colors, which have their own names:
This is not a real stone, but is artificially creatd by suspending copper dust in glass. It is best known in its rust colored variety, sometimes used as a stone in signet rings. There is also a variety that has been dyed blue, the result being a very deep purple black color, reminiscent of an egyptian night sky. Although it is a synthetic creation, it takes on the healing properties of the copper it contains, and is therefore thuoght to be protective and to attract love.
This is an opaque stone with a very similar aspect to Tigers Eye, but a very dark Prussian blue color, with golden, green, and sometimes orange bands running through it. It is also called Falcons Eye, or blue Tigers Eye. The iridescent quality of this stone, as it is moved in ight, explains how it gives the illusion of an eye, and how it got its name in the Middle Ages, this stone was worn as an amulet against witchcraft, demons and the evil eye.
Used for grounding, stabilizing, focusing, brings emotional balance. This is a dense, opaque stone, of a very dark metallic grey/black color. It is sometimes called “Bloodstone”, this is because when it is ground or cut, the ensuing dust turns blood red when mixed with water, suggesting to the ancients that the stone was bleeding. This stone has strong healing powers. It is said to bestow strength and courage as well as a focused purpose and resistance to stress. It is considered to be a very powerful healing stone, protecting the wearer by absorbing negativity into itself.
Other names for this stone are: Cordierite, Dichroite, and Water Sapphire, to which it has no connection. Iolite comes from Greek, meaning violet colored. The color of this stone ranges from a greyish blue to a violet, gray. It is a transparent stone. It was used by the Vikings for navigational purposes due to its very strong qualities of pleochroism, and was therefore sometimes called the Viking compass.
Attracts love and prosperity, and promotes healing and longevity. This stone comes in a variety of colors, ranging from whitish, to pink, lilac, violet and green. The green variety is also known as Jadeite, and the color can range from a very light creamy mint color to a dark pine green. It is usually opaque to translucent. Known and used throughout the ages for carving and jewelry making. Subtly soothing, this versatile, and powerful stone, seems to attract all the joyful elements of living, such as love, luck, wealth, a large family, longevity, and immortality in Chinese culture. Its influences on the disposition of the wearer is remarkable, bestowing a sense of justice tempered with mercy, as well as a modest patient attitude.
Sends back negativity to it’s source, reversing, used for stress. It is a totally opaque stone, which takes a high to low polish. It comes in a large variety of colors, some of which have separate names of their own. The most usual colors are rust red, brown red, sandy, yellow, brown, and light to dark green. It is not unusual for other unrelated minerals to be referred to as various forms of Jasper, for want of a more precise identification. It produces a variety of positive influences to the wearer according to its color. These influences range from repelling negative magic to helping shy people express themselves. It is said to protect against dangers associated with water, and promotes peaceful sleep.
Yellow Jasper: burnt yellow
Landscape: sandy cream
Turitella: brown and patterned with the small fossilized snails it contains
Heliotrope: the green variety of Jasper, which has already been dealt with under the heading of Bloodstone
Silex: the name given to the brick red, rust variety
Breccia: red variety mixed with cloudy white parts
Red: the most dynamic of the colors, it repels negative magic, returning it to the sender. Strengthens willpower, helping the wearer to achieve goals with determination. Promotes masculine qualities, and feminine grace.
Yellow: eases communication for people who have trouble expressing themselves. It is considered to be soothing and calming. Bestows endurance.
Brown: brings dreamers down to earth
Mottled: Protects against water dangers
Green: Dispels hallucinations and promotes peaceful sleep as well as bestowing courage.
This is a translucent stone. It is usually a brown to whitish-gray color, sometimes containing black inclusions. When it is turned in the light at different angles, it displays a full spectrum of iridescent colors. A relatively new stone, there are therefore few traditions associated with it. It is called “Labradorite” because it was first found off the coast of Labrador.
Stimulates wisdom, truthfulness, psychic awareness, healing. An opaque stone, distinctive for its vibrant deep blue color. It often has Pyrite inclusions, as well as particles of white marble. The name comes from the Persian word “Lazur” which means blue stone. A vibrant cheerful stone considered to strengthen the bonds of love and fidelity between lovers and friends. It is uplifting, soothing and calming, bestowing self-confidence and a gentle, helpful frame of mind.
A calming stone, this is carried for peace, spirituality and to drive off negativity. This is an opaque stone, with a flaky appearance. The color ranges from creamy lilac, through pink to violet. Another name was “Lilalite”. This was given by Abbe Poda, who wanted to make a play of words between the color and the Hindu word “Lila”, which means play.
Lodestone, Green:
Draws money, employment, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings.
Lodestone, Red:
Draws love, friendship, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings.
A totally opaque stone. White in color with thin gray/black veins running through it. There are also gray, yellow and brown varieties. Originally it was called “Pure Talc Earth”. A recently discovered stone with therefore few traditions attached to it.
Draws in money and protection, guards wearer from danger. An opaque stone, banded or marbled, mainly light to dark green in color, but usually also including black. A stone with a very ancient history, and due to its copper content, always considered to be a woman’s stone, and therefore dedicated to Goddesses in almost all cultures. It has been used since medieval times to alleviate menstrual cramps and to aid labor. Because of this it is often called the “Midwives stone”. Such an exciting stone cannot but correspond to powerful magic and energy. It is said to promote success in business, but also helps shy people to cope with circumstances. It rids the wearer of compulsive behavior patterns and helps uncover underlying traumas, so that these can then be dealt with. The only weakness of this stone is that whilst it brings things out into the open, that is all it does. How to deal with the results of this new awareness is up to the individual.
Sometimes called “Tektite”, it is a translucent bottle green stone, covered with ridges on its surface. Moldavite if the result of splatters of molten rocks that were propelled into the air at the impact of a giant meteorite, approximately 15 million years ago. The splatters cooled as they fell back to the ground over a 250 mile radius, in the general area of Moldavia, hence the name of the stone.
Draws love, hope and protection, promotes unselfishness and helps settle disputes, induces prophetic dreams. This is a translucent stone, found in a variety of colors ranging from white to peachy, to clear, with an iridescent, sometimes bluish color. Again this is a stone with an old history, and, as its names suggests, is traditionally associated with the moon, and therefore women. A feminine stone, unusual and subtle, it dissipates misunderstanding and soothes bitterness. Not only does it enhance the youthful appearance of the woman who wears it, but also it strengthens all feminine qualities.
Mother of Pearl:
Draws money, wealth and protection, relates to the ocean, depth and movement.
This stone is a dark pistachio green, and opaque. Often passed off as Jade, it also sometimes has a fibrous quality reminiscent of Green Aventurine. The name is derived from the Greek word “Nephron”, meaning kidney. Its healing traditions are very old, and found throughout the world. Often it was used to carve images of the gods.
Used for grounding and centering, divination, and increasing spirituality. Obsidian is volcanic lava that has cooled very rapidly; not allowing the minerals contained the time to crystallize thus creating volcanic glass. In the case of Snowflake Obsidian, the snowflake effect is formed when some of the frey feldspar contained in the molten lava manages to crystallize. Most obsidian is an opaque black, and with snowflake obsidian the black surface has white flecks on it, like snowflakes. Another example of obsidian is reddish brown with black flecks on its surface, and is called Mahogany Obsidian. A gray variety is called Silver Obsidian, and yet another variety is iridescent and called Rainbow Obsidian. Man has used obsidian since Paleolithic times, to make blades for tools and weapons, as well as mirros and other artifacts. In Mayan cultures these mirrors were employed to predict the future. The name is derived from a Roman called Obsius, who found examples of the stone, in what is Ethiopia. This is considered to be a masculine stone, which frees the adventurous spirit of the individual. At the same time it is said to bestow order, organization, and a subtle kind of energy, which combats flightiness and confusion.
This is a black form of Chalcedony. Sometimes banded with white. The reputation of Onyx has not always been good, depending on cultural traditions. The only point of warning is not to take its uses to extremes; i.e. one of the strongest qualities is that it strengthens self-control, but if taken to extremes this can become repression. A stone known through the ages for its versatility. It increases concentration, depth and seriousness of mind, whilst at the same time protecting the wearer from hostile influences. It is believed to be very helpful in settling karmic debts. Onyx should be worn over a long period of time as its effects take some time to enfold, but should not be worn at night during sleep.
This stone comes in a large variety of colors and forms, some of which have their own names:
Green Opal: Encourages the wearer to find new perspectives and meanings to life
Pink Opal: Activates generosity and warmth towards others
Black Opal: Is thought to store power and energy
Pearls are not stones but of organic origin, formed within a variety of shellfish, from the calcification of the animals natural secretions, called “Mother of Pearl”. This is produced in order to cover irritation, sharp grains of sand, which have floated into the animal when they open their shells in order to feed on passing plankton. Due to their organic origins, and therefore current controversy attached to them, they are included here, only out of interest due to their ancient history and traditions. They have been venerated in most cultures throughout the ages. The Greeks called them “Margaitas”; the Romans had a special market for them. In nearly all cultures they are associated with Goddesses, the Moon and the sea. At times they have been considered unlucky and thought to bring tears, but maybe this was due to the fact that until modern times, real danger was involved in fishing them out of the sea, and the extraction of the pearl itself will after all cause the death of the shellfish. They are found in most colors. The most familiar are: white, cream, yellowish, pink, gray, bluish, and black, and all the shades in between. Usually they tend to be round, but they are also found in irregular shapes and these are called “Baroque” Pearls. They symbolize all that is feminine and have been immensely popular throughout the ages. They are thought to attract wealth and good fortune, as well as ensuring a happy marriage.
This stone is also called: Olivine or Chrysolite. It is a transparent stone, and olive green color, which ranges from a light, yellowish green to a dark bottle green. This stone has been used in Ancient Egypt for jewelry and healing for over four thousand years. In the middle ages it was used to ward off evil spirits and to bestow wisdom and friendship.
Petrified Wood:
Good for past life work, nervous conditions, and grounding.
This stone is a gold metallic color and is therefore often called “Fools Gold”. The name Pyrite means “Fire stone”, because it forms spraks when it is struck, and has been used since the Stone age to start fires. Because of this property it has always been thought to be highly magical, and considered to be a “Warming Stone”.
Another large group of rocks, which can be found in all sorts of colors, and usually have individual names of their own.
Rutilated Quartz:(clear with golden brown needles) Bestows energy. The healer of the torn and broken. Brings new hope, transmitting uprightness, independence, and spiritual greatness. Helps the wearer to defend him or herself without losing sight of goals. Helps with sexual problems caused by severe tension. Promotes vision, and the ability to think big.
Smoky Quartz: (Brown, blackish color) Mood elevator, overcomes negative emotions and depression. Increases fidelity. Promotes tolerance of stress. Helps bear sorrow. Produces great effort in order to cope with hard times and do whatever is necessary. Encourages a realistic outlook on life.
Tourmalated Quartz: (Clear with black tourmaline crystals) Stimulates astral projections and travels. Dissipates negativity, suppressing evil thoughts. Alleviates isolation and loneliness.
Yellow Quartz: Draws protection, pyschic ability.
A marbled stone, made up of various shades of pink, ranging from very light to a deep raspberry color, so much so that it has also been called “Raspberry Spar”, as well as “Manganese Spar”. Rhodochrosite in greek means “rose colored”.
The name is derived from the Latin “Rubeus”, meaning red. It belongs to the Corundum group. The color ranges from blood and wine red to pink. It has an ancient history and has been valued in all cultures. Unanimously considered to be a stone of the sun by all civilizations. It represents the life force, inner fire, passion and love. A masculine stone, said to protect warriors, making the wearer invulnerable and capable of withstanding aggression in all its forms. Bright pink or red it eminates warmth and energy.
This is another member of the Corundum group. It is found in a large variety of colors, ranging from colorless, yellow, pink, violet, green, blue and black. The best known is the blue variety. The blue is a cool shade of blue, whoe middle shade often gives its name to the color. In some examples the color can be so dark as to seem black, but is on closer inspection a dark prussian blue. The name comes from the sanskrit word “sani”, meaning saturn. It was considered to be a stone of Saturn by most cultures throughout Europe and India. A feminine stone, with strong connections to water, mirroring our best feelings. It lifts the spirits, encourages meditation and wisdom, as well as cosmic awareness and peace of mind.
There are many different forms of Serpentine, some with specific names of their own, depending on their colors.
Used for meditation, brings wisdom and calms inner conflicts. This stone is opaque, with a mixture of greyish and dark blues, ranging from white, through blue grey to dark blue and nearly black. The meaning of the stone is “Sodium stone”.
An opaque stone, it is a variety of Zoisite. It receives its name from the legendary island of Thule of Germanic lore supposed to form the northern most rim of the world. It is usually reddish or pink, but can be found mixed with greyish green.
Draws wealth and money, protects travelers, increases clarity of thought. An opaque stone, with a silky sheen and natural iridescence, which gives the illusion of an eye. Hence the name. The color usually consists of golden, brown and black shimmering bands, but examples are also found in a reddish brown color. Unusual and suggestive both in name and appearance, it is thought to produce self-insight, clarity of thought, and the strength of opinions.
A transparent stone, which comes in a large variety of colors that all have individual names and qualities. Often there is more than one color in an individual specimen; these are called “Polychrome Tourmaline”.
Dravite (brown, yellow, green, grey)-Encourages social commitment and sense of community. Strengthens empathy. Helps with family problems, and apprehension of large groups. Stimulates practical, simple creativity and promotes skill in crafts.
Elbaite (all colors)-Helps combine spirit, soul, intellect, and body into a harmonious whole. (Colorless) Stimulates imagery, creative daydreams and night dreams. Encourages thinking in images, bringing perfection and imagination.
Indicolite (blue)-Strengthens the urge for spiritual freedom. Encourages fidelity, ethics, and a love of truth. Dispels sadness and blocked feelings. Broadens horizons, promoting tolerance and a sense of responsility.
Rubellite (red/pink)-Makes the wearer targeted but flexible enough to check goals and correct them when necessary. Makes the wearer sociable and outgoing, ready for action and charming. Helps to actively devote oneself to one task.
Verdelite (green)-Bestows “Joie de vivre”, bringing gratitude for the wonders of life. Promotes patience, openness, and an interest in others. Aids awareness of possible solutions, and which to choose.
Schorl (black)-Gives neutrality and a relaxed attitude. Discharges tensions, and protects from negative thoughts, relieving stress. Stimulates clear, logical and rational thought processes. Helps recognize mistakes and analyze them.
Watermelon-Encourages understanding, friendship and love. Helps to express intentions in a clear, focused way. Makes the wearer patient, loving and tender. Alleviates depression, fears, helping to develop an inner sense of security.
An opaque stone, which is turquoise in color. The turquoise color can range from green to blue. It also sometimes has inclusions of white marble and pyrites. However, it receives its name from the country where the Crusaders first came into contact with the stone. A delicate stone, which is easliy tarnished from contact with chemicals or grease. In this same way it is thought that the stone will discolor if the health of the wearer deteriorates.
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Herbs, Flowers, and Trees: Acacia through Hazel
Herbs, Flowers, and Trees: Heliotrope through Nutmeg
Herbs, Flowers, and Trees: Oak Moss through Ylang Ylang
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