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Alphabetical Listing of Gemstones & Crystals |
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Beryl Beryl comes from the Greek word beryllos which was used to identify the gemstones known as beryl, as well as most other types of green stones. Beryl is a group of minerals that includes aquamarine, emerald, heliodor, morganite and others. The many colors of beryls are the result of varying amounts of metals within these minerals. Various beryls were used as cutting tools during the Upper Paleolithic period, however, the first recorded (by Pliny) technical use is the cut emerald Emperor Nero used as a monocle. Because of the size of a stone required to provide a slice for such use, later scholars believed that the gem was actually an aquamarine. Morganite was named for the nineteenth century industrial baron J.P. Morgan who was an avid gem collector. This name was applied by Tiffany’s George Kunz (to honor Tiffany & Company’s best customer) when it was discovered in California, however, this mineral was known and mined elsewhere in the world and popular from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. Helidor has been called the “gift of the sun” as its name implies from the Greek words helios (sun) and doron (gift). In Medieval Europe, helidor was believed to “cure” laziness. Bixbite is named for Maynard Bixby who catalogued the minerals of Utah, however, this is not a scientifically recognized type of beryl. Beryl was one of the gemstones mentioned in The Bible as included in the breastplate of Aaron. This gemstone stimulates communication, acceptance and healing. It also supports spiritual growth. Color(s)
- Gold, yellow, green, pink (colorless and red are relatively rare)
This form of chalcedony was called the “martyr’s stone” in Medieval Europe because of the legend that the green jasper at the foot of the cross was stained with drops of blood from Jesus. Due to the popularity of this story, bloodstone was believed to possess special powers and was a favored stone for carving scenes of the crucifixion. The most famous piece of this genre was created in 1525 by Matteo del Nassaro of Italy. It is entitled “The Descent from the Cross”. Bloodstone is also known as heliotrope. This name came from the Mediterranean regions where it was said that the stone’s coloring was reminiscent of the red glow of the sun (helios) setting over the deep green sea. This gemstone was used by the Babylonians for seals and amulets. Bloodstone was believed to render the wearer invisible – an attribute mentioned by Dante in his novel, The Inferno. Bloodstone is frequently confused with hematite. A gemstone of courage and strength, bloodstone is useful in helping to remove obstacles. It is associated with honesty and integrity. Bloodstone is believed to help connect with ancestors and support relationships especially love. It also neutralizes toxins, and attracts good luck and abundance. Color(s)
- Green with bright red spots Calcite This is not a glamour gemstone but its use has been important to people in the past as well as the present. Calcite takes its name from the Latin calcis which means lime. This is not unusual as it may first seem because limestone is one of the rocks formed from calcite. Calcite, calcium carbonate, is one of the most common minerals found on (and in) the earth and is one of the most widely collected minerals. Hot springs and other calcium-rich waters leave behind deposits of calcite. Many of earth’s caverns are made wondrous by calcite stalagmites and stalactites. As previously mentioned, limestone is formed from calcite – containing fifty percent or more. Chalk, because its composed of limestone, contains a great deal of calcite. Calcite’s glamour rock is marble which is simply a recrystallization of calcite. Calcite has also been called calcspar. Iceland spar is sometimes used in place of the name calcite, however, it usually refers to the large colorless crystals. Iceland spar has been utilized for prisms in microscopes and other optical instruments. Calcite is employed extensively as an industrial mineral in the production of metals, glass, paint and rubber, as well as the primary component of cement. Because it is used in a wide range of materials, it is no surprise that calcite is a stone of support, especially for those engaged in the sciences and arts. Calcite also amplifies energy. Color(s)
- Colorless and all colors, occasionally multi-colored
Carnelian is a form of chalcedony quartz and is found throughout the world. One of the earliest Uses - of carnelian was in jewelry found in the tomb of Queen Pu-Abi of Sumer which dated to approximately 3000 B.C.E. It is common in Egyptian tombs and was apparently as popular as lapis lazuli and turquoise for jewelry. Egyptian myth links carnelian with the Goddess Isis who is purported to have used it to protect the dead (more specifically, their souls) as they made the transition to the afterlife. Buddhists in China believed in carnelian’s protective powers and fashioned it into amulets. Tibetans used it for amulets as did Muslims who called it the “Mecca stone” because it was believed that Muhammad wore carnelian in a ring. This gemstone is also named in The Bible as one of the stones in the breastplate of Aaron. Ancient Greeks and Romans called carnelian sardius. It has also been known as sadoine and pigeon’s blood agate. The word carnelian comes from the Latin carneus which means fleshy and probably was so named because of the stone’s color. Carnelian was popular in Europe during the Renaissance and the nineteenth century. Belief in carnelian’s power of protection remains, as well as its power to calm fears of death. It also protects against anger and soothes grief and sorrow. Carnelian is useful for maintaining calm during times of transition and is helpful in drawing out a person’s talents. This gemstone aids in reaching goals through focus. Carnelian promotes harmony, creativity and self worth. Color(s)
- Red
Chalcedony
is a group of micro-crystalline quartz gemstones that includes agate,
bloodstone, carnelian, chysoprase, jasper, onyx, sard and others.
It gets its name from the ancient city of Chalcedon in what is now
Turkey. The use of chalcedony dates back to the Stone Age where
early people employed its durability for weapons, tools and bowls.
It is popular today for jewelry as it was in the classical period
of Greece and Rome, and nineteenth century Europe.
Chrysoberyl is the third hardest gemstone after diamond and corundum (ruby and sapphire). The name comes from the Greek words chrysos for golden or yellow and beryllos meaning the variety of stone, beryl. It wasn’t until 1789 that it was found to be a mineral separate from beryl. Chrysoberyl
imitators include andalusite, beryl, peridot, spinel, topaz and
zircon. Cat’s eyes have been used for centuries as amulets to attract luck, as well as to protect against bad luck. Cat’s eyes were treasured in first century Rome, but not popular in Europe until the late nineteenth century when Princess Louise Margaret’s (Prussia) engagement ring brought them into fashion. In Sri Lanka the cat’s eye was believed to protect its wearer from evil spirits. Hindus believed it provided protection against poverty. Cat’s eyes are popular for luck, especially in financial matters. This gemstone fosters optimism and renewal. Color(s)
- Golden yellow to honey brown and spring apple yellow-green
This gemstone derives its name from the Greek words chrysos meaning golden/yellow and prason which means leek. Nowadays we would refer to this yellow-green as apple green. Used by Egyptians before 3000 B.C.E., chysoprase is a variety of chalcedony that was also popular during the classical period of Greece and Rome. In an eleventh century manuscript, Michael Psellius of Byzantine wrote that it improved one’s eyesight. It became very popular in fourteenth century Europe. It was said to be a favorite of Frederick the Great of Prussia and was used to adorn the Sans-Souci Palace in Potsdam, Germany. This gemstone was also greatly admired by Emperor Charles IV who had it used in the St. Wenaslaus Chapel of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Its popularity continued into the nineteenth century. Chrysoprase is attributed with the power for attracting friends, success and abundance. It lifts emotions and aids in adaptability. This gemstone fosters communication. Color(s)
- Yellow-green
This gemstone’s name comes from the Latin citrus and French citron (lemon), however, it is anything but a lemon. Citrine is quartz that is yellow due to the presence of ferric iron. Ancient people used citrine for protection especially against snake bites and evil intentions of others. The earliest use of citrine was in first century Rome for intaglio (engraved figures/designs). Citrine has been called the “golden stone of wealth” and the “merchant’s stone” because of its power to attract wealth. Other names include Madeira citrine and ox blood. When citrine forms with amethyst crystals, ametrine is created. Natural citrine is not as common as other types of quartz. Most citrine gemstones are “created” by heating amethyst. Natural citrine is most often a pale yellow. It has sometimes been referred to a topaz quartz, citrine topaz, gold topaz, and Madeira topaz which is frequently a marketing ploy to pass it off as the more expensive topaz. Citrine symbolizes joy and aids in getting in touch with one’s higher self. As a protector, it raises personal power by helping a person to connect with their inner self and tap into their hidden strengths. Citrine is also an energizer that aids in emotional healing through awareness. It is useful in emotionally binding families and groups. Color(s)
- Pale yellow, lemon, yellow-brown, orange, dark orange/brown, reddish
brown
The coral that is considered a gemstone comes from the species Corallium rubrum. The best grows in clear, shallow (10 to 45 feet deep) warm water. Evidence of its use dates to the Paleolithic Period. Its use in Sumer dates to 3000 B.C.E. and it continued to be popular into the classical Greek and Roman era. Greek legend tells that when Medusa died, her drops of blood turned into red coral. In Rome it was used as a protective amulet for children. Even today the Italian “horn” luck charm is made of coral. Pliny mentioned a coral trade with India in his writings. Centuries later, Marco Polo wrote about the coral that adorned Tibetan temples. It was also used by Tibetans for mala beads – an aid for prayer and meditation. In twelfth century England, coral was used as an amulet of protection and an aid during childbirth. Coral was particularly popular in Victorian and Art Deco jewelry. Coral promotes love and harmony, and helps build community. It is useful to clear negative energies and provides protection. Color(s)
- From white to black, most valued are pink and red
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