Agate
Agate comes in a variety of colors and its main components are chalcedony and quartz formed within volcanic and metaphoric rocks. Agate mines are found in several countries around the world such as Canada, Russia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and U.S. The ornamental use of agate dates back to the ancient Greeks in its jewelry and warrior seals. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in a host rock giving it its unique bands. Agate is said to enhance one’s perceptive and increases analytical thinking. Agate is said to alleviate aches and pains in the body, as well as reduce migraines. It is also a stone to ward off dishonesty, arguments, and danger. It provides a balance and flow between one’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual states.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz and comes from the Greek word amethystos meaning not intoxicated believing this stone protected from drunkenness. Amethyst comes in light lavender, pale violet, to a deep purple. Amethyst can be found in South America such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The darker smaller amethyst are more sought after and can be found in Africa and Australia. Amethyst has been used in several religious practices such as ancient Egyptians, Catholics, and in Buddhism. This gemstone helps ward off danger, injustice, and transmit evil energy into love. Amethyst increases right brain activity developing intuition, clarity, spiritual channeling, boosts the production of hormones, balances metabolism, and increases blood flow throughout the body for better health.
Crystal
Clear quartz crystal are the most common type of crystals in the world and they can be found on every continent on Earth. The dominant mineral in this stone is silicon and they range from crystal clear stone to milky, cloudy, or almost opaque. Crystal stone is both beautiful and versatile. It embodies the “white ray” and resonates clear spiritual light with strong energy vibrations decreasing negative thoughts, illness, and behaviors. When worn regularly crystal gemstone can protect the aura, amplify your thoughts, and aids in spiritual awakening.
Howlite
Howlite was first discovered in 1868 by geologist Henry How in Nova Scotia. Howlite is generally white to cream with fine grey or black veining and often forms in nodules which resemble cauliflower heads. It’s a fairly soft gemstone, as gemstones go, with the ability to hold on to dye, making it an alternative to more expensive gemstones. Howlite is a stone of emotional healing giving off calming energy and absorbing negative energy away from the body. This gemstone helps with grieving, trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, helping rebuild and renew a stronger you.
Jade
Jade, or “yu” as it’s known in China means precious stone. The word Jade refers to a fine-grained, mineral aggregate composed of one or both the Jadeite and Nephrite minerals. Jade stone has been an integral part of Asian cultures such as those in Japan, China, and Korea due to its beauty and utility for thousands of years. Jade deposits can be China, Central Asia, Myanmar, Russia, Siberia, New Zealand, Mexico, and parts of the U.S. Jade is known to be the “stone of vision and dreams” bringing serenity and good luck. Jade is considered a very lucky gemstone, often facilitating peace and harmony in the four aspects of one’s life: Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual. When these aspects work together in harmony and peace, one’s goals become easier to imagine, manifest, achieve, and maintain.
Lampwork
Lampwork are glass beads made by artisans, by melting colorful rods of glass then wounding around copper wire or metal rods to create beads. Lampworking began in Syria during ancient times then spread to Asia, Africa, and later to Europe. Gaining popularity in Italy, France, and Germany. The elaborate shapes, designs, and colors makes lampwork admired and sought-after in jewelry makers and wearers alike. Lampwork beads can be beautifully combined with semi-precious gemstones to add healing properties.
Lapis
Lapis lazuli is a metaphoric rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense deep-blue color. Lapis has been greatly loved and prized in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome. The finest quality lapis is found to be mined in the mountains of Afghanistan where it was originally mined 6000 years ago. Lapis worn in jewelry is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but it also has natural healing properties such as warding off depression and dissipating emotional bondage. This bold blue precious stone increases clarity, creativity, objectivity, leadership skills, standing up for oneself, and taking charge of one’s life.
Onyx
Onyx is a solid black Chalcedony and the most popular black gemstone. This beloved beautiful black stone has been used since ancient times in jewelry and in ornate carvings since antiquity. It is found is various regions of the world including Yemen, Uruguay, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Asia, and some parts of U.S. With direct and long-term wear onyx is known to aid in skin ailments, emotional health, mental health, bringing balance and strength to both body and mind. Onyx is a grounding stone and will help in concentration with a greater confidence and determination in short- and long-term goals.
Quartz
Quartz is the most recognized crystal and is considered the “Universal Crystal” around the world. It is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust and has several varieties. Quartz come in different shapes, shades, and colors depending on the influencing elements of their formation. The name “quartz” is derived from the Greek word krustallos which means ice, as the Greeks thought quartz was ice left by their Gods. Quartz is a protective gemstone as it is known to protect the spirit, and aids in spiritual growth and wisdom. It’s also beneficial in clarifying the emotional process, increase creativity, and concentration.
Seashell
Fossilized nautilus seashells are ammonites that have changed shapes at different echelons influenced by the changing world, giving them a unique beauty only found in Mother Nature’s oceans. They are found in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and were omnipresent in Ancient Egypt and Ancient China. When used in jewelry they are a treasure to the eyes and enhances a person’s aura. Seashell balances both female and male energies, renews physical vitality, comforts during crisis, calms the nerves, allows for greater awareness, and growth. Seashells are known as stones of transformation and provides support to anyone going through any life changes.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye is a quartz composite, its fibers are altered and replaced by silica giving creating the stunning yellow, gold, red, orange, and brown colors. When cut and polished properly it can reflect light just like a tiger’s eye. The major source of this eye-catching gemstone is from Griquatown, South Africa. The ancient Egyptians used Tiger’s Eye to transmit the power of their sun god Ra to attain material success. Tiger’s Eye is a grounding stone that aids in spiritual awakening, strengthens focus, motivation, and clarity. Protects from adversity, negativity, and decreases personal negative emotions such as depression or addiction. It is a great stone to attract luck and money.
Topaz
Topaz is formed in large beautifully shaped crystals and comes in several different colors and can be enhanced by being heat treated. The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning fire. Topaz is a popular gemstone among jewelry designers for its different colors which is the chosen gemstone in birthday jewelry. Most varieties of topaz are found in Nigeria, Mexico, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Topaz is said to enhance spirituality, intelligence, creativity, compassion, kindness, heal a broken heart, and is also known as the stone “true love and success in all endeavors”.
Turquoise
Turquoise is highly admired around the world and one of the first gemstones to be mined. This could be due to its beautiful blue hues. Ancient Egyptians referred to turquoise as a “life stone” and Native Americans believed the vibrations created a bridge to the spiritual world. Turquoise is often found in areas with volcanic or thermal histories. Copper is credited in helping create turquoise by introducing it to host rocks by heated magma rising to the earth’s crust. When given as a gift, turquoise will bring good luck as well as strengthening friendships and increasing affection. It is also known to help heal female disorders, headaches, and draw sickness away from the body.
Wood
Petrified wood is fossilized wood that has decomposed and overtime mineralized into a gemstone. Its wood structure is maintained but the wood fibers are replaced by stone. Petrified wood comes from Argentina, Egypt, the Czech Republic, and Arizona. Petrified wood provides strength and support, calming your stressors and stabilizing negative emotions. Because petrified wood endured ravaging changes of time, from wood to gemstone, it is ideal for anyone experiencing life changes, business owners, or anyone in a leadership position as it will enhance your ability to push forward.