Gemstone Guide

 

Rose Quartz 

Colour: Soft milky pink

History: The name derives from its soft rose colour. Rose Quartz is also called Pink Quartz, from the Greek ‘hyalos', meaning “glass.” Considered the Heart stone, a crystal of dedication and love. It was used as a love token, possibly as early as 600 B.C. and is still an important talisman of relationships. It is also a mothering crystal, nurturing a bond between mother and child. 

Beliefs:  Believed to bring new romance to your life. Restores emotional balance and instils peace and happiness to relationships.

 


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Tourmaline

Colour: Available in a rainbow of beautiful colours but best known for its mix of red, pink and green colours. 

History: Tourmaline originates from the Singhalese term “turamali”, which means “stone of mixed colours.” It is historically referred to as a “magic” stone that is capable of protecting whoever wore it.

Beliefs:  Tourmaline is believed to boost vitality and physical strength, and promote a healthy mood. A gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.

 


Ruby

Colour: Red

History:  In ancient India, the ruby was considered to be the ‘King of gems’. Ancient Hindus offered them to their god, Krishna, in the believe that they would be reborn as an Emperor. Dreaming of rubies was believed to indicate success and prosperity. 

Beliefs: The ruby is associated with love and harmony, protection, contentment,   success, integrity and strength.

 


Garnet 

Colour: Red is the most traditional colour of Garnet 

History: The name Garnet derived from the Latin word ‘Granatum’, meaning pomegranate.  According to Ancient folklore, a large garnet provided the only light on Noah’s Ark. The garnet dates back as far as the Bronze Age and was held in high esteem by many civilisations, for both sacred and protective beliefs.

Beliefs: Garnet is thought to assure the wearer of love, health, faithfulness and energy. It is considered a great gift to symbolise friendship and trust.

 


Amethyst

Colour: Purple

History: The word amethyst comes from the Greek ‘ametusthos’, meaning “not intoxicated,” and was considered to guard against drunkeness and ensure a balanced mind. In ancient times, it was the known as the “Gem of Fire,” as precious as a Diamond. It is the stone of St. Valentine and carries the energy of fire and passion. yet as the Bishop’s stone, it bears the logic of humility and sobriety.

Beliefs: Amethyst has many powers but is best known to soothe and stimulate emotions and the mind, and promotes the energy of passion and fire. It is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security

 


Citrine

Colour: Yellow

History: “Citrine” derives from the French word, “Citron,” meaning “lemon”. Citrineis believed to radiate positive energy.   It is known as the 'success stone’ or the ‘Merchant’s stone’, since it is thought to attract wealth and prosperity. It also encourages generosity and the sharing of good fortune.

Beliefs: Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and is uplifting, warm, and   invigorating. It is believed to dissipate negative energy and increase self-esteem.

        


Green sapphire

Colour: Pale green

History: The Greek goddess of spring, Persephone, who represents celebrations of   Earth, is attributed with the green sapphire. It is known as the ‘growth crystal’ because the spiritual healing energy of this stone is acknowledged for bringing prosperity and assists in achieving your dreams.

Beliefs: Because of its calm and relaxing colour, the green sapphire is known as the stone of tranquility.  It is connected with the qualities of loyalty, trust and integrity.


Peridot

Colour: Vibrant lime green

History: Peridot derives from the Arabic word, “faridat” meaning ‘gem’. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, the Romans wore them as protection from enchantment, melancholy, and nightmares. 

Beliefs:  Peridot is believed to instil power and influence. It is a healing stone and so aids digestion and insomnia, balances the mind and calms emotional storms.


Chrysoprase

Colour: Vivid green

History: The name originates from the Greek 'chrusos' and 'prason', meaning 'gold' and 'leek', in reference to its colour. It is considered to be the rarest and most valuable stone in the chalcedony quartz group.  

Beliefs: The chrysoprase is a symbol of new life in all its manifestations and considered to bring good fortune and prosperity. It is thought to offer spiritual protection and enhance friendships. 


Emerald

Colour: Green

History: According to Indian lore, the name Emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as Marakata, meaning “the green of growing things.” In French it became ‘Esmeraude’ and in Latin ‘Esmaraldus’, meaning ‘green stone’.  The Emerald spans back 4000 yrs to Babylon, the ‘cradle of civilisation’. It was dedicated in the ancient world to the goddess Venus, for its ability to insure security in love.

Beliefs: Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” the Emerald nurtures the heart and symbolises contentment and loyalty. It represents healing and fertility, and also encourages growth, reflection, peace and balance.   


Labradorite

Colour: Translucent to opaque grey/green with reflections of blue. 

History: Named after the location where it was originally sourced,  on the Canadian ‘Labradore' Peninsula.  The Innuit believe that the Northern Lights are concealed within this stone. Ancient folklore considered the Labradorite to be the stone of magic, taking on the energies of both the Sun and Moon. 

Beliefs: Believed to be a life changing stone, both physically and emotionally. It’s energies promote total relaxation from stress and enables innovation, transformation and enhances self-esteem. 


Aquamarine

Colour: Blue

History: The name derives from the Latin ‘aqua marinus,’ meaning "water of the sea. Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection. Used by the Romans to purify water and considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness. 

Beliefs: Said to symbolise youth, self-expression, hope and courage.


Aqua Chalcedony

Colour: Aqua

History: The name Chalcedony derives from the Ancient port of Chalcedon. The ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome used Chalcedony for jewellery and carvings, as it was believed to imbue them with certain powers. It was considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, who used it to promote stability during their ceremonial activities.

Beliefs: Considered a nurturing stone, Chalcedony is believed to absorb negative energy, open the mind to new ideas and ensure calmness.


Turquoise 

Colour: Opaque blue/green

History: Turquoise is a French term “pierre turquoise” meaning Turkish Stone ("pierre" translates as “stone”). For centuries, turquoise was considered a highly esteemed gem. The Aztecs considered it more valuable than gold. As one of the earliest stones mined, turquoise was used as an amulet for protection and symbolised wealth in ancient cultures.

Beliefs: Believed to protect from harm and negative energy, Turquoise signifies good fortune, happiness, peace and patience. It is a symbol of friendship.


Sapphire 

Colour: A ray of colours including Pink, yellow, green, but best known in it’s rich blue colour.

History: The name Sapphire derives from the Greek “sappheiros”, which means blue. It is considered regal and sacred, and worn for good luck by Kings and Queens. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and Bishops believed it symbolised heaven.

Beliefs: Represents loyalty and trust. Thought to promote purity of emotions - serenity, joy and peace, and opens the mind to love.


Rock Crystal (Clear Quartz) 

Colour: Clear

History: Rock Crystal derives from the Greek word "krystallos", meaning "ice", because crystal was believed to be water frozen so hard it could never thaw.  Known as the ‘Perfect Jewel, the six-sided prisms of light and energy contain the entire colour spectrum. Considered to be the supreme gift of Mother Earth, and a key source of light to Mankind. 

Beliefs: Believed to increase energy, improve self-respect and encouraging purity of heart, peace and clam, thus promoting happiness.   


Moonstone 

Colour: Opaque to transparent white/grey, with an effervescent like glow.

History: Named for its moon-like sheen.  The ancient Greeks called Moonstone "Aphroselene" after the goddesses Aphrodite (love) and Selene (moon). It is considered a sacred stone in India, and still used as a traditional wedding gift. Ancient folklore considered the Moonstone to be the Traveler's Stone, especially protective of those who travelled by night or upon the water when the moon shone.

Beliefs: A stone for “new beginnings”, Moonstone is considered a symbol of new love. It promotes emotional stability, health and longevity.


Smokey Quartz

Colour: Brown

History: Smokey Quartz was named for its colour, which was likened to smoke. It was known as a Stone of Power and Protection, considered to protect and ground one physically and spiritually. To the ancient Druids, it was sacred and signified the power of Earth gods and goddesses. 

Beliefs: Believed to enhance survival instincts and to reach personal goals, thus bringing good luck and prosperity. Excellent for overcoming negative emotions, thus elevating moods and enhancing inner strength. 


Rutilated Quartz

Colour: Clear or opaque with golden, reddish, or black strands of rutile.

History: Takes its name from the Latin ‘rutilis', which means ‘glowing’.  Legend has it that gold rutile was called the hair of Venus.

Beliefs: Rutilated Quartz is an illuminator for the soul, expelling negative energy and promoting spiritual growth.  Considered to relieve fears, phobias and anxiety.  Said to promote wellbeing and to slow down the ageing process.  


Onyx

Colour: Black. 

History: The name comes from the Greek word onyx, which means ‘fingernail’ or ‘claw.’  It is also widely associated with the goddess Venus, after Eros (cupid) cut her fingernails and because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them to stone, which later became known as Onyx. 

Beliefs: Onyx is believed to centre your energy, strengthen confidence, and help you master your destiny.