| An
Alphabetical Listing of Gemstones & Crystals |
S |
||
Sapphire This aluminum oxide corundum comes in almost every color except red. As previously mentioned, when it is red it is called a ruby. In ancient India and Southeast Asia, sapphires were thought to be “unripe” rubies. In Latin it is sapphiru and in Greek sappheiros – both referring to the color blue. The Sanskrit saripruja which may have been closer to the origin word for sapphire was also applied to lazurite/lapis lazuli. Sapphire’s long history has connected it with the heavens and the heavenly realms. An ancient Persian legend told of the earth balancing on a huge brilliant sapphire whose reflection gave its color to the sky. Another legend tells of the Ten Commandments being delivered to Mosses on tablets of sapphire. For these reasons, rulers of both church and state have used sapphires as emblems of their sincerity and wisdom. Sapphire was used by Etruscans, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It was used frequently in Medieval Europe by royalty in brooches and rings. The British crown jewels sport a number of sapphires. This gemstone has been extremely popular since the eighteenth century. In addition to its use for adornment, sapphire was utilized in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as one of a number of mineral ingredients in the varnish of Stradivarius and Guarner violins. Some believe that the use of crystal particles is what gave these instruments their rich sound. This gemstone is particularly known for its star variety. This effect is caused by tiny “needles” of rutile that align within the stone’s planes. Centuries ago these stars were used as amulets and “guiding stars” by travelers. These were also called the “stone of destiny” with its three lines symbolic of faith, hope and destiny. The six-ray star is somewhat common, but twelve-ray stars are rare. Also rare is the sapphire cat’s eye. Some sapphires are color changing from blue in natural light to violet. Another rare type of sapphire is the padparadscha. This reddish-yellow-orange sapphire was named for the color of the lotus flower. The earliest source for these was in Sri Lanka near Ratnapura whose name meant “city of gems”. While sapphire comes in a wide range of colors, the most popular is blue. Many of these are heated to remove unwanted trace elements that cause a stone to look cloudy, too dark or too light. Sapphires in colors other than blue are sometimes called fancy sapphires. Sapphire is a gemstone of prophetic wisdom (gained through mental clarity and intuition) that helps one find their purpose in life. It also provides healing energy. Color(s)
- Blue, green, pink, purple, violet, orange, yellow, black, colorless
This gemstone takes its name from the Greek sard meaning reddish-brown. It is a type of chalcedony that if a little more red, would be carnelian. Sard was used by the Mycenaeans (1450-1100 B.C.E.) and the Assyrians (1400-600 B.C.E.). Along with carnelian, sard was used for engravings and seals by the ancient Romans. In the fourth century, sard was used to heal wounds. It is a strong protector against negativity and boosts self-confidence. Color(s)
- Rich reddish-browns
This banded form of cryptocrystalline quartz takes its name from the Greek sard meaning reddish-brown and onyx, Latin meaning “veined gem”. In ancient Egypt (2000 B.C.E.) sardonyx became popular because it was commonly available to most people, whereas precious gemstones were accessible only to royalty and upper classes. It was mentioned as one of the stones in the breastplate of Aaron. Jews frequently wore it and used it to adorn their temples. Cameos of sardonyx became popular in classical Greece and Rome and continued for many centuries. It was also frequently used as the stone at the end of the chain in the fob watch. Napoleon is said to have worn a carved sardonyx from Egypt on his watch chain. In the Middle Ages sardonyx was used for healing, especially the eyes. The coolness of the stone when placed on the eyelids was said to bring respite from discomfort. During the Renaissance its power of communication made it a favorite for speakers. It was also a symbol of happy marriage. A cameo of Queen Elizabeth I of England was carved in sardonyx and given by her in a ring to the Earl of Essex. This is the ring with which she also pledged her help to him. Years later when the Earl was convicted of treason and sentenced to death, the ring fell into the wrong hands and did not get back to the queen in time to save him. Sardonyx aids in clear, focused thinking and is used to enhance communication between partners. Color(s)
- Red-brown
This gemstone takes its name from the Latin serpens meaning snake, referring to its patterns and coloring which bears a resemblance to snakeskin. Since ancient times it was worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from snakebites. It has been used for decorative objects and is a popular stone for African sculptors in Zimbabwe. Serpentine has been utilized as a substitute for jade and is called Korean jade or immature jade. This gemstone’s connection with serpents extends to its ability to draw up kundalini energy. It augments meditation. Color(s)
- Green, brown-green, back-green, brown, yellow
Sodalite is a rock-forming mineral that is frequently confused with and used as a substitute for lapis lazuli. Its name may have come from the Latin sodanum meaning a cure for headaches. (Suda in Arabic means headache.) Since the seventeenth century it has been used for jewelry. Sodalite enhances community relationships and aids in resolving issues logically. It helps clarify purpose and direction in life. This gemstone is supportive for meditation and the pursuit of wisdom. Color(s)
- Blue, lavender-blue, green, gray, white and colorless
This gemstone takes its name from the Greek sphen meaning wedge – a reference to its wedge-shaped crystals. Sometimes called titanite, sphene is an ore of titanium and is used industrially in the manufacturer of airplanes. It is confused with topaz, yellow beryl and, because it can be pleochroic, chrysoberyl. Sphene promotes intellectual and spiritual endeavors. Color(s)
- Green, black, brown, yellow, white
This gemstone is said to take its name from the Latin spinella, little thorn, as well as spina, spine or thorn. Either way it is most probably because of spinel’s pointed octahedral shape. Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide and is frequently found with rubies and sapphires – aluminum oxide corundums. In ancient Sanskrit writing spinel is referred to as the “daughter of ruby”. As it turns out, many famous rubies have been identified as spinel. The Timur ruby which has been traced back to fourteenth century India is now among the British crown jewels. The Black Prince ruby – named for Edward (1330-1376), son of King Edward III of England – had been given to him in 1367 by the King of Castile. This spinel now has a place in the Imperial State Crown and is housed with the other crown jewels in the Tower of London. The ruby in the crown of Russian’s Catherine II (1762) is a spinel. Spinel has also been called “balas ruby” which was a name generally applied to gemstones that were borderline red/red-violet. Color-change spinels have been found. These change from blue in natural light to purple in artificial light. Spinel has been popular in classical Greece and Rome, during the Renaissance and in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A green variety of spinel is sometimes called chlorospinel. Ceylonite is a black variety of spinel that is also called pleonaste. Spinel is a gemstone to have during difficulties as it is a general healer that helps reconcile differences and relieve sorrows. It is also a stone of protection and can aid in attracting wealth. It enhances one’s ability to overcome obstacles and setbacks. Color(s)
- Red, blue, purple, pink, violet, orange. Colorless, green and
yellow are rare
This gemstone takes its name from the Greek stauros meaning cross. The “twinning” of its crystals frequently occurs at right angles creating the shape of a cross. It has also been called the “fairy cross” because, according to legend, these crystals were formed from the tears shed by fairies upon the news that Jesus had been crucified. Staurolite crosses, like those of andalusite, were worn as amulets by Christian pilgrims. Staurolite is a stone of protection and good luck. It is also good for grounding energy. Color(s)
- Red-brown, yellow-brown
This
gemstone is a type of feldspar that glitters because of inclusions
of hematite and/or goethite. While the most common colors are like
those of the sun, a green sunstone is commonly called aventurine
feldspar. Sunstone has been used by people in ancient India and
Greece, as well as Native Americans in Canada for rituals of sun
healing and connecting with spirit guides. Color(s)
- Yellow, orange, red, brown, pink, peach, green and gray
More on Gemstones & Crystals
|
|||