The Properties of Gemstones

From the beginning of time, Gemstones have been cherished for their abilities and properties. All stones have different characteristics, abilities, spiritual, and metaphysical attributes. Know them and take advantage of Nature’s bounty! Wear them as Jewelry or carry them with you to harness their power. Artful Gems uses Gemstones from around the world in its creations!

Gemstones are the essence of Artful Gems’ Jewelry Creations. They are my source of inspiration. Without them, There would be no Artful Gems.

Abalone 

Although not a Gemstone, Abalone is cherished as such and used in jewelry. Abalone is a single-shelled, uni-valve saltwater mollusk, native to the Pacific Coast of California stretching up to Alaska and other places with cold-water regions. The most common form of abalone jewelry found today is either jewelry made using the shell, or Mabé Abalone jewelry. That is because Wild Abalone pearls are so rare. They take about 8 to 10 years to form. They are often an iridescent bluish color and commonly horn-shaped.

Abalone helps those who wear it handle emotional situations, and to soothe the emotions.

Abalone’s nicknamed the Sea Ears because of its flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior. It was used by the Native American as a  vessel for cleansing, offerings and prayers.

Agate

Agate is the birthstone of Taurus (Bull): April 20 – May 20.
Agate is the anniversary gemstone for the 12th year of marriage.

Moss Agate is the anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

Agate guards against danger. Wearers become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Wearing Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams.

Amber 

Writers find amber a good source of inspiration for their varied works. Jewelers and gemologists find this mineral a valuable piece of stone for its unique characteristics and beauty. Amber has been used and incorporated into bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks, and rings.

Some believe that amber has magical powers, especially the green and red varieties. It can also be used as an amulet or charm, which could repel evils. Some claim it can even provide protection against poisons.

Amber jewelry is said to help one be happier. The cheery yellow stone is believed to lighten the burdens of life. Healers say that amber activates our altruistic nature and helps us to realize the full power of our spiritual intellect.

Amethyst  

Amethyst is the birthstone of Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 and the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage. Amethyst is colorless in its purest form. The finest quality Amethyst is medium to medium dark in tone, vivid in intensity, and purple, reddish purple to bluish purple in hue.
Heating removes the color from amethyst or changes it to the yellow of citrine. Most commercial citrine is made in this manner.

The color purple  has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so popular through history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty.

It is a deep, passionate color that evokes emotions. People who desire purple colors are individuals who like to make a personal statement, and express their unique taste.
Designers celebrate Amethyst as the ideal choice for jewelry due to its regal color, variety in size and shape, affordability, and wide tonal range from light to dark purple. The pale colors are sometimes called “Rose de France” and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes.
It is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance.

The gemstone symbolizes sobriety.
Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings.
Amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha. 
Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

Aquamarine

The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words “aqua marina” which means “sea water” reflecting the color of the crystals. A transparent, pale green variety of beryl is often used as a gemstone.

This is the stone to help you be in touch with your spiritual being. This stone is used in deep meditations. Aquamarine also protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine is associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace. It will help reduce fluid retention. It has been used to calm the nerves.

Carnelian

It belongs to the chalcedony gem family, and could be opaque to translucent.

In the list of birthstones, it belongs to the month of August. The stone is mentioned in the ancient astrology of  the Hebrews, Arabs, and  Italians. It was believed that the stone brings good luck, good fortune and connects to religious resources.

The gem is popularly used in Indian and vintage jewelry, as it matches well with other gems and metals. It is said that it helps in healing mental and physical tensions and it is used in alternative medicine.

Carnelian has many benefits. One is its grounding properties. Used properly, Carnelian is also an energy booster and stabilizing force. Carnelian is also associated with the flow of abundance. It is a warm and peaceful stone.

The stone is said to have holistic properties, like an ability to change an individual’s outlook in life. It also assists in healing the wounds and cleansing of blood. It is also said to hold power afterlife.

Carnelian is used for targeting your body’s system: it motivates your circulatory system, kidneys, hunger, emotions, and sexuality. It grants confidence, assertiveness, and an unstoppable drive to succeed.

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a form of  quartz that comes in many different forms, colors, and patterns. Chalcedony is a nurturing stone and it absorbs negative energy.   It creates harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. The blue variety of the stone brings about calm and a feeling of stillness enabling the wearer to turn inward and introspect.

Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase encourages hope and joy. It comes from the chalcedony family and it has a mint green hue. It is used in meditation because it is said to facilitate it and help you relax. It helps break negative cycles and encourages positivity. It aids with anxiety and increasing self esteem.

Citrine

Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz.   Most citrine used in jewelry is not natural citrine. It is produced by heating Amethyst or Smoky Quartz. It is not a common color of quartz. The citrine is known as the success stone and it brings about prosperity and abundance in many areas of one’s life. It should be worn by the person who seeks success. If  you own a business, it should be placed in the cash register. 

Along with topaz, citrine is the birthstone for November. 

Coral

Coral is a winner when it comes to its benefits and spiritual nature. It is believed that it brings good luck and that wearing Coral on a ring is the best way to maximize this trait. Coral is filled with many beneficial properties. Coral increases energy and activity, boosts financial success; enhances courage, strength and leadership, and aids in the completion of tasks. It also protects against witchcraft, accidents, and lightning.

Coral is mined from the oceans. It grows underwater. It is very popular in jewelry. Though coral rings are popular, be aware that coral scratches easily. Red coral jewelry is often dyed; white coral jewelry is usually bleached.

Colors of coral range from white to red and sometimes pink and white. The most valuable corals are red, black and pink. Most coral is quite soft and, therefore, needs to be handled carefully. Red coral can be found in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic Ocean coastal regions of Portugal and Northern Africa. Other types of coral can be found all over the world, including the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia. Red coral is one of the coral species that is not on the endangered list of plant and animal life. Most coral is on the endangered list.

Coral jewelry has a long history, and is still made and worn in many parts of the world. Ancient civilizations used coral to make an ornament and then, very often, used gold to accent the piece.

The gem was also supposed to drive hatred out of a home.

Emerald

Emeralds occur in a variety of green colors. The magnificent green color that gives extraordinary value to this gem is due to small amounts of chromium and vanadium.

Emerald is the birthstone of Taurus, April 20 – May 20, and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage.

The Emerald is extensively used for physical and emotional healing. It has a soft, green color, which is said to have amazing healing powers for eyes, and eye problems.
If worn about the neck or finger, Emerald prevents convulsions in children. Emeralds are also an antidote for poisons and poisonous wounds. They aid with ailments of the spine. Emeralds help fight all mental illness and neurological disorders.

Emeralds are said to drive away evil spirits and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. The stone brings wisdom and empowers the owner with foresight into the future. It brings good fortune.
Ancient belief says that the Emerald gives faith, success in love, and discovery of false friends.

Garnet

Garnet comes in a  rainbow of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, violet, green, colorless, occasionally black, brown and many shades of red and green. The most common color of garnets is reddish brown. The ancient Greeks called it Garnets because the color reminded them of the pomegranate seed.

The garnet is  the birthstone for Capricorn, Dec. 22 – Jan. 19.

Garnet is believed to help with blood deficiency diseases. It stimulates bloodstream and pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain. It combats depression and lethargy.  Garnet protects against depression and impure thoughts. It cures fever and promotes good health.

Garnets should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates sexual drive. Garnet gives energy and courage. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It also offers protection to the traveler.

Hematite

Hematite occurs in opaque red or red-brown. Its name comes from the Greek word haem which means blood.

Ancient Egyptians used hematite as ornamental objects placed inside their tombs. Nowadays, hematite may also be used as a polishing powder and as a paint pigment.

Said to be a good healing and grounding stone, it strengthens the body and improves resistance to life’s stresses. Hematite inspires inner life and helps to keep inward peace.

Iolite

The name Iolite comes from Ios, the Greek word for violet.  Among its many properties, it enhances curiosity and achievement, helping the wearer in their spiritual journey. Don’t worry when you notice that you like yourself, even love yourself more while wearing iolite. One trait that it awakens in us is acceptance and love for oneself. This is of the utmost importance when it comes to love in general. It will transfer our own inner acceptance and love onto others in your relationships. 

Iolite carries a violet-blue energy that activates and clears the Third Eye. It opens communication and awareness from higher vibrations. It goes beyond the more physical senses into the realm of subtle energies.The third eye chakra helps to perceive the more subtle qualities of reality.

Early in history, Iolite was used by navigators. Looking through an iolite lens, they could determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate safely.

 Jade

Jade is the Mystical  stone for the month of March.  Jade may be given as a gem on the 12th, 30th and 35th wedding anniversary. The most valuable form of jade is known as imperial jade, an emerald green color. Jades also appear in colors of yellow, pink, purple, and black.

“Jade” is a cultural term used for a very durable material that has been fashioned into tools, sculptures, gemstones, jewelry, and other objects for over 5,000 years. It was first used to manufacture ax heads, weapons, and tools for scraping and hammering because of its toughness. 

Jade is believed  to protect the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, larynx, thymus, and thyroid. Ancient people thought that wearing jade would increase body strength and add longevity. Jade is an ancient symbol of love and virtue.

Jade is revered throughout the world for helping those who carry it attain wisdom. Many also look to Jade for protection. It also attracts good fortune. In many Asian countries, it is believed a dream stone as it is thought to access the spiritual world and dream-solve. It also helps with gaining knowledge and encouraging creativity.  Jade brings energy to those who wear it, but also quiet thoughtfulness and reflection. It brings about happiness and joy. 

Nowadays, most people treasure Jade for its metaphysical and spiritual attributes. Jade is said to bless whatever it touches and it is valued for its beauty and powers of healing and protection. 

Jasper

Leopard skin Jasper is said to bring one what they need. Jasper brings joy into life. It also helps to ground you. Since there are so many to choose from, pick the one that you are attracted to right away.

Jasper will bring unity and help with your energy.

This stone will help with protection.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is the traditional birthstone for December. Lapis may be given as a gem on the 7th and 9th wedding anniversary.

It is said that Lapis strengthens total awareness, creativity, and helps to expand viewpoint. It is believed to improve sleep and cure insomnia. The Romans used lapis as an aphrodisiac.

Some people associate Lapis Lazuli with wisdom, love, and healing. It also nurtures and promotes psychic ability.

Lapis was treasured by the ancient Egyptian and Babylonian civilizations, and was often worn by royalty (blue being the color of royalty in many ancient cultures), and the funerary mask of the young Egyptian king Tutankhamen was heavily decorated with inlayed Lapis Lazuli. Powdered lapis was also used as a pigment in paint, cosmetic eye shadow, and in medicines. Lapis was also a popular gemstone with the ancient Chinese, Greeks, and Romans.

The ground powder was mixed with milk and used as a compress to relieve ulcers and boils and, during the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was believed to maintain the skeleton in healthy condition while keeping the spirit free from the negative emotions of fear and jealousy.

Larimar

Larimar, also called Stefilia’s Stone, is a rare blue variety of Pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic, one of the Greater Antilles. Its color varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue. 

Larimar is said to help us to view events from a different perspective. It enlightens and heals on a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual way. It stands for peace and clarity and radiates healing and love energy. It works well if combined with Amazonite for the throat Chakra and to better communication. It is also a useful stone to wear during pregnancy. It helps with inflammations and is beneficial if you have symptoms of the flu.

Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling rediscovered Larimar in 1974 on a beach at the foot of the Bahoruco Mountain. I say rediscovered because according to records in the Dominican Republic, Father Miguel Domingo discovered it in 1916 and was denied permission to mine the blue rock he had found. The natives believed that the stone came from the sea, and they called the gem Blue Stone. Miguel took his young daughter’s name Larissa and the Spanish word for sea (mar) and formed Larimar.

The use of Larimar was almost exclusive to the Caribbean and I learned of the stone very early in my life. A cousin was married to a Dominican woman and she gave my grandmother a pair of earrings in Larimar. My grandmother treasured them and after her passing, they came to me. I too treasure the beautiful blues and have always been drawn to them.

Visit the Larimar Museum in the Dominican Republic yo learn more. If you can’t visit, check out the Museum online. Although their information is scarce, they have some nice pictures and a shop.

Malachite

The name “malachite” is derived from the Greek word molochitis, meaning “mallow-green stone.” Malachite is a form of copper ore. The colors in the individual bands range from a very light green to deep forest green, with occasional irregular black banding.

Its powers include:  protection, power, peace, love, and success in business.   It is worn to detect impending danger, and is assumed to break into pieces when danger is near. It is the guardian stone of travelers. Promotes inner peace and hope, provides protection and security.

Obsidian 

Though obsidian is typically jet-black in color, the presence of hematite produces red and brown varieties. It gives insight to those who wear it.

Onyx 

Onyx  is the birthstone of Leo (Lion): July 23 – Aug 22.
Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. This gemstone eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control.

Black Onyx is used to help one change habits.

Opals

Opal colors range from yellows and reds that come from iron oxides to black from manganese oxides and organic carbon.
The milkiness of many white and gray opals comes from tiny gas-filled cavities in them. Precious opal reflects light with a play of brilliant colors across the visible spectrum, red being the most valued.  Opals are translucent to transparent and are distinguished by a combination of milky to pearly opalescence and an attractive play of many colors. These colors flash and change as a stone is viewed from different directions.The name opal comes  from the Latin word opalus, meaning “seeing jewel”.

It is the birthstone for Libra (Balance): Sept. 23 – Oct. 23. and  the anniversary gemstone for the 14th and 18th years of marriage.

It comes in many varieties: Black opal, with a very dark gray or blue to black body color, is particularly rare and highly prized.

White opal has light body colors. Fire opal is characterized by yellow, orange, or red body color. White and Fire opals are much more common.

Some of opals attributed healing abilities are: cure for diseases of the eye, blood disorders; depression; apathy; lethargy; bone marrow; depression, especially of sexual origin; It is said to balance left and right brain hemispheres for neuro disorders.

Mystically, Black opal is regarded as an extremely lucky stone. In ancient times, opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It is said to increase mental capacities such as creative imagination. Black opals worn near the heart on necklaces made of gold are said to protect one from the evil eye.

Pearl

The Pearl is said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.

Pearls are calming and help to center the wearer.

Shiva Shell

Shiva shell or Pacific Cat’s Eye, is a natural gem formed by mother nature. It is found in the seabed of Thailand and Indonesia. It is the protective door at the opening of the Turban snail’s shell which detaches at the end of the snail’s natural life.

It represents wisdom and symbolizes our ability to look beyond the obvious and into the deeper aspects of life. More importantly, it is considered to be the chakra point that brings the enlightenment that all Hindus seek. It is a stone of wisdom and helps us understand our world and events. The Eye of Shiva is used principally in meditation to help you understand yourself and the issues that are happening in your life. Meditation is not only to relieve stress, you know. It should be practiced to facilitate deep understanding of your inner self so you can effectively be who you truly are in the real world.

When using Shiva’s eye in the home, it should be in the north area of your home. The flowing energy of this stone balances the push of life currents and will protect or guard against its ill effects. 

The Eye of Shiva will reflect and fight back against the Evil Eye because it has the qualities of the Hindu deity Shiva and he is the destroyer and/or transformer of evil. So its use in jewelry is protective. It watches over the one who wears it. The coil on the rear of the Shiva is an important symbol for security against bad energies. It rolls up and strengthens optimistic energies. The Shiva Eye will have a positive effect on your well being. 

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is the brown variety of quartz. It ranges in color from light grayish-brown to deep black. Smoky Quartz can be opaque, but is almost always transparent to translucent, even when in its darkest color shade. 

Smoky Quartz helps detoxify the body so it is a great stone when seeking to stop a habit. It rules the root chakra, and improves the user’s connection with the physical world.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger eye is quartz that contains oriented fibers of crocidolite that have been replaced by silica.
It has a vertical luminescent band like that of a cat’s eye. Tiger eye has lustrous alternating yellow or brown bands. It is the anniversary gemstone for the 9th year of marriage.
Tiger eye is said to relieve high blood pressure. They say that wearing it is helpful with the following diseases: bronchial asthma, kidney, rheumatic heart disease, and psoriasis.
Tiger Eye is used for focusing the mind. It offers protection during travel, strengthens convictions, and confidence.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline along with opal are birthstones of Libra (Balance): Sept. 23- Oct. 23. 
Multicolored Tourmaline is the anniversary gemstone for the 8th year of marriage. Tourmaline is said to dispel fear, negativity and grief. 
According to legend, the tourmaline of all colors protects the wearer against many dangers and misfortune. It brings tranquility and serenity into your life.

Turquoise 

The color of turquoise ranges from sky blue through various shades of green to greenish and yellowish gray. Turquoise is an opaque stone. It is made up of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate.
Turquoise is the birthstone of Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21. and the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage.

Legend has it that the Native American Indians danced and rejoiced when the rains came. Their tears of joy mixed with the rain and seeped into Mother Earth to become SkyStone Turquoise.

It is also said that turquoise is the stone of water. It brings about blessings, good fortune, and protection. Those who wear it will be recompensed with good health and a long life.

Native Americans believe that the earth is alive and that all things, no matter how insignificant they may seem, are precious. To the Native Americans, turquoise is life.

Turquoise is said to be a guard against all diseases. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening.
Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color. It is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. It attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone.
Believed to be a protective stone, turquoise is worn to guard against violence and accidents.

***** I do not own all of the pictures. Some of them come from Pixabay or the public domain.*****