Amethyst
Amethyst is the best known and most valuable form of quartz.
According to Greek legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, created this beautiful purple gemstone. To avenge an insult, Bacchus vowed to have a tiger devour the first person he met. That person happened to be a beautiful young maiden named, Amethyst. The maiden cried out for the goddess Diana to save her and was turned into a brilliant white crystal. When Bacchus saw what he had done, he was full of remorse.
He poured wine over the stone maiden, turning her to a lovely violet.
Ancient belief held that anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated. It is also believed that this stone eases compulsive and obsessive behavior, calms fears, raises hopes, increases self-esteem, aids sleep and increases psychic awareness and sharpens the sixth sense.
Black Onyx
Black Onyx is one of the most popular stones on the market today. It is a fibrous opaque black quartz, a form of chalcedony. This gem is treated with a black dye to achieve a more uniform color, then polished to a brilliant luster. From the spiritual perspective, Black Onyx is associated with Saturn and is said that this stone works most positively for those born under the sign of Capricorn, but not limited to just them. It is believed to be one of the most powerful protection stones, absorbing and transforming negative energy. People have found it helpful in relieving stress and to assist with emotional stability. In India, it was commonly worn to cool the ardor’s of love, helpful to those having a difficult time letting go of past relationships.
Blue Topaz
The name topaz is derived from the old Sanskrit word tapaz, meaning fire. Pure Topaz is colorless, but this popular gemstone comes in many colors in addition to the blue. Ancient Greeks called the topaz the “Stone of Strength”. When worn, Topaz is believed to provide protection against envy, disease and injury. Others believe it to heal physical disorders such as rheumatism and arthritis as well as to regulate the digestive system providing weight loss. Topaz is also believed to heal mental disorders like, depression , anger, fear, greed and all disturbing emotions. Specifically, Blue Topaz is believed to have the ability to help to balance energy so that one is neither stressed nor depressed.
Chinese Turquoise
Chinese Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone. These gemstones sometimes have varying shades of colors ranging from blue-green, to yellow-green. They sometimes have a rock matrix and shades of Grey, black or brown veining to them. Much Chinese turquoise was used for carving and in other art and decorative ways. Turquoise jewelry, has always been popular in the Orient. In China, Turquoise dates to the thirteenth century A.D. Although mining did exist, most stone came from trade with the Persians, Turks, Tibetans, and the Mongols. Tibet had it’s own source of turquoise usually a green cast, very hard stone with significant amount of spider webbing. The Tibetans highly revered the stone and was used in many areas as currency. Ancient doctors thought it to prevent injury through accident and would place perfect stones over the eyes to prevent blindness. They also ground it into a salve or powder to cure stomach disorders, internal bleeding, ailments of the hip and bites and stings. Turquoise is believed to protect the wearer from danger. In various countries, it is believed to fade when illness or danger is near. Another belief is that a fading stone indicates a lover’s faithlessness or a friend’s disaffection.
Citrine
Citrine, a golden-hued stone, belongs to the quartz family. The name citrine comes from the French word citron which means lemon. The Greeks and Romans wore citrine as a protective talisman. They also believed it had medicinal qualities such as aiding in digestion and cleansing toxins from the body. To some, citrine symbolized lightheartedness and joy. Citrine has been known to increase self-esteem, making it possible to exercise one’s personal power and the ability to make and act on decisions which will be in your best interest. Others believe that a Citrine worn at night will remove fear, prevent nightmares and basically ensure a good nights sleep.
Labradorite
Labradorite is gray in appearance, and displays iridescence flashes of blue, red and gold. The name labradorite comes from the province of Labrador in Canada, which is a famous locality for labradorite. According to Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and a wandering Eskimo warrior found and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear, but some of the lights were still trapped within the stone, thus giving us this beautiful gemstone. Labradorite is believed to promote intuitive, mystical and physic wisdom, sharpening one’s mind.
It aids in the reduction of anxiety and stress. It brings forth the individuals strengths. Labradorite has also been known to aid digestion and metabolism. It can promote an easy, restful sleep.
Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl comes from the shell of various types of marine shellfish, found near tropical seashores. They have a beautiful white natural iridescence. It is believed that Mother of Pearl will help to know a mother’s love, to provide protection & wealth.
Green Agate
Green Agate is a fibrous quartz, a form of chalcedony. This gem is treated with a green dye to achieve its striking green color, then polished to a brilliant luster. Agate is named after the Achates river in Sicily (now known as the Drillo river) which is the major source for this gemstone. Agate was used by the Egyptians before 3000 B.C. and was discovered with the Stone Age man found in France. Agate is believed to provide strength, courage, longevity, love, healing and protection to the one who wears it. Agate when worn on the arm or carried while gardening was also believed to ensure the fertility of your plants and bring a bountiful harvest.
Garnets
Garnets have been treasured for thousands of years, truly one of the world’s most ancient gems. In their natural form, garnets are in a seed-like crystal formation. In the 13th century Garnets were worn to repel insects. This lovely red stone is thought to cure fever, promote good health, relieve skin conditions and regulate the heart and blood. The Asiatic tribes believed that these blood red stones were more deadly than lead bullets and used them in place of bullets. They are also believed to protect one from muggers and thieves.
Hematite
Hematite is a stone that is heavy, solid and silvery black with a metallic luster. Hematite’s are made from common iron ore. Since very early times, hematite’s have been mainly used for ornamental purposes. Sometimes they are erroneously referred to as a “black diamond”. Hematite’s are said to possess a strange property of healing itself. When scratched, rub your finger over it and the scratch may disappear. Hematite’s have been found in the ruins of ancient Babylon, engraved and used as seals on tombs. The ancient Egyptians used hematite’s to treat hysteria and to reduce inflammation. Native American’s used Hematite as a remedy for dental problems, pimples, canker sores and alcohol abuse. Hematite is also said to be powerful in drawing illnesses from the body.