Photo-Journal Ireland Pilgrimage
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Alphabetical Listing of Gemstones & Crystals |
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Jade There are two types of jade: jadeite and nephrite. The name jade originated with the Portuguese phrase piedre de ilharga meaning “stone of the loins” describing its use to relieve kidney problems. In Spanish it is piedra de ijade and French piedra de l’ejade. Nephrite comes from the Greek nephros meaning kidney. Lapis nephriticus is Latin for stone of the kidney. Both types of jade are technically rocks made up of microscopic interlocking crystals. Jadeite has a slightly more coarse crystalline structure. Nephrite is the jade that was used in ancient China as early as 3000 B.C.E. It was a status symbol and believed to endow powers of immortality. For these reasons it was used in the tombs of emperors and other important people. It was also a symbol of love and virtue. While the ancient Chinese were familiar with jadeite, they did not consider it “real” jade and preferred their nephrite. In the Americas, jadeite was used by Aztecs, Olmecs and Mayans for adornment and carvings. In Europe, jadeite axes and tools date back to the Neolithic period. It was also popular through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today it is the jadeite that is generally considered the “real” jade. There are three grades of jade: “A” jade is a natural stone with no enhancements, “B” jade is stone that has been treated to diminish any secondary colors; “C” jade is artificially colored. A plethora of imitators exist. These include aventurine, carnelian, chrysoprase, emerald, garnet, jasper, quartz, glass, plastic and others. Jade has been called the “stone of fidelity” because of its connection with love and virtue. It is also called a “dream stone” as it aids in remembering dreams. Like herkimer diamond it can be placed under your pillow for dream work. Unlike herkimer diamond it does not need a companion stone to soothe the energy. Jade promotes peace and harmony, and is connected with longevity. It helps in finding wisdom to solve problems and bring good luck. Color(s)
- Jadeite – black, brown, green, lavender, red, white, yellow
Jasper was called jashp in ancient Persia and ashpo in Syria. The Latin name is jaspis. Nowadays the many types of jasper names correspond with their attributes such as colors or patterns such as ribbon jasper or picture jasper (another one of nature’s “Rorschach” stones). This gemstone was popular throughout the ancient world for jewelry, bowls and other objects. Its early use dates to the Paleolithic Period. Native Americans employed it for protection when traveling, as well as connecting to the spirits. Red jasper is symbolic of blood and aids in connecting with earth energies. Jasper is a variety of chalcedony that fosters the ability to nurture. It provides grounding and protection against negativity. Color(s)
- Gray-blue, green, orange, red, tan, yellow
This gemstone takes its name from the Old French jaiet which comes from the Latin gagates after the town and river Gagas in Asia Minor where the ancient Romans mined it. Technically, jet is not a gemstone as it comes from an organic source. Woody plants that became submerged in bogs and swamps eventually turned into a form of coal. This low-grade coal called lignite gets its name from the Latin lignum meaning wood. When jet is rubbed vigorously with a cloth it will build up an electric charge and attract small pieces of paper or dust. For this it has been called “black amber” since amber also exhibits this characteristic. Jet has been used for ornamentation since the Bronze Age. It has been mined in the area of York, England, since approximately 1500 B.C.E. and used for jewelry. It was also used for adornment by the ancient Romans whose empire extended through York. In fourteenth and fifteenth century Spain it was used for carvings, jewelry and talismans. Through the eighteenth and nineteenth century in Europe it was used for jewelry and religious items such as rosaries and crosses. When Queen Victoria went into mourning in 1861, jet became a frequently-used gemstone for her black jewelry. In the Americas, the Aztec, Mayan, Alaskan and Southwest Native American tribes used jet for decoration. Jet is sometimes confused with obsidian and black tourmaline. Imitators include glass, plastic and canel (Pennsylvanian anthracite). Black glass in jewelry is referred to as Paris jet. In 1213, Arabian botanist Ibnv’I Baitar wrote that jet could “drive away venomous beasts”. This idea has come down to us in the belief that jet can protect the wearer from illness and banish fear. Jet has a calming influence and lifts one’s spirits. It is said to help with the darker side of life. Jet engenders honor and justice and provides protection during times of transition. Color(s)
- Black Kunzite Kunzite is a form of spodumene. Spodumenos, Greek for burnt ashes, describes the gray-white of many spodumene. Kunzite was named for George Kunz, an early twentieth century geologist and buyer for Tiffany and Company. This gemstone is frequently found with morganite and pink tourmaline. In addition to being pleochroic, Kunzite is occasionally phosphorescent. This feature and its sensitivity to sunlight – it will fade if exposed to strong light – are the reasons it was dubbed the “evening stone”. Kunzite engenders positive and loving thoughts. It removes negativity, as well as any obstacle that may impede your growth. It provides inner freedom, emotional support, guidance and protection. Color(s)
- Colorless, green, gray, pink, purple, yellow
Labradorite is a type of spectrolite in the plagioclase feldspar family. Its iridescent dispersal of different colors is called labradorescence. Frequently found with quartz, this gemstone’s most famous deposits are in Labrador, Canada, where it was “discovered” in 1770. Its use by Algonkian tribes in the state of Maine dates to the year 1000. It is sometimes confused with opal. Labradorite is instrumental in cultivating psychic abilities. With strong powers of transformation, it ushers thoughts from intuition to positive action. It aids in self-reliance and ridding oneself of insecurities. It symbolizes vitality. Color(s)
- Light blue, light green, gray, white, pale orange-red, black
Technically this gemstone is a rock made up of several minerals – mainly lazurite and calcite. Pyrite is also frequently included and gives lapis its gold speckles. Lapis lazuli gets its name from the Latin word for stone, lapis, and the Arabic word for blue, azul. This gemstone was a favorite throughout the ancient world and has been mined for at least 6000 years. The city of Ur, the Mesopotamian capital, had a trade in lapis lazuli that dated back to 3000 B.C.E. It was used extensively in Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, Persia and the Roman Empire. The Egyptians crushed it and used it for a cosmetic. They also employed it for seals, as well as carved figurines and vases. They believed that lapis lazuli helped one attain sacred wisdom. The Europeans called it ultramarine, referring to its blue color and meaning “beyond the sea”. In Europe it was also crushed and used as pigment for paint well into the nineteenth century. It was used for inlay in furniture and in St. Petersburg, Russia, it was used to adorn columns in a cathedral and panel a room in a palace. Its imitators include synthetic spinel, glass, plastic and a dyed jasper called Swiss lapis. Lapis lazuli is a powerful stone of wisdom that strengthens personal expression and intuition. The awareness it imparts aids in accessing ancient knowledge. It is also a protective stone and promotes tranquility. Color(s)
- Blue occasionally with a hint of violet, white or gold speckled
This gemstone takes its name from the Latin magnes meaning magnet – magnetite is one of two stones that are magnetic. A fable connected with its name tells of a shepherd, Magnes, accidentally discovering this mineral on Mount Ida (Northwest Turkey) when the nails of his shoes clung onto the rocks. Lodestone is one variety of magnetite which is an iron oxide. The Russian city of Magnitogorsk takes its name from the mineral, as well as its industry as a major iron manufacturer. In the Middle Ages the Polar Star became known as the Lodestar because it attracted the attention of sailors and helped guide them. Lodestone balances yin and yang energies, provides motivation and boosts confidence. It aids in finding one’s spiritual path. Color(s)
- Black, dark gray, brown-red with black streaks
This gemstone is from the carbonate class of minerals and takes its name from the Greek malaku meaning mallow, a family of herbs. It is a secondary mineral of copper that is created when copper is altered by other chemicals. Azurite, another secondary mineral of copper, is usually found with malachite. It is not unusual to find malachite and azurite banded together in one stone. This is called azure-malachite. Malachite has been used for centuries in jewelry and as household ornaments. Like other gemstones, it was crushed and used as pigment for paint. In Czarist Russia it was used to stunning effect to adorn cathedrals and palaces. Malachite has been called the “stone of transformation”. As such, its powers encompass everyday situations, as well as spiritual progression. It is an aid for introspection and balance. This gemstone attracts loyalty and comfort. Malachite is also instrumental in providing protection, promoting success and banishing negativity. It aids in navigating life’s setbacks and challenges. Color(s)
- Light to dark green
Moonstone is a type of feldspar that has a shimmering glow. This shimmering effect is caused by the combination of feldspars with different densities and different refractive qualities. An ancient Roman myth described this gemstone as being created by moonlight. It was used as jewelry by the Romans dating to the year 100. Many centuries later it was popular in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Romans believed that this gemstone held the image of the Goddess Diana. Moonstone was considered sacred in India. There it was believed that if one held it in one’s mouth during the full moon, the future could be seen. In sixteenth century Europe it was believed to help keep a person awake. Moonstone has been called the “travelers stone” and believed to provide protection during a journey. This gemstone’s association with the moon and the Great Goddess also connects it with mothers and unconditional love. Moonstone encourages inspiration, awareness and creativity. It also brings good fortune, alleviates fear, and balances yin and yang. Color(s)
- Colorless to gray, blue-gray, brown, green, pink, yellow Copyright - Sandra Kynes - Gemstone Feng Shui
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