Almandine
Almandine is the most commonly seen member of the red-garnet family. Its colour is usually deep red, sometimes almost appearing to be black when viewed from a distance. Found in large deposits worldwide, the almandine owes its deep colour mostly to the presence of iron.
Almandine is regarded as a strong, positive gem, bringing true happiness to those who wear it. Ancient people believed the almandine could bring relief from debilitating arthritis; some thought that when a wise man had a dream about garnets, he would soon reach a solution to the mysteries of life.
Amazonite
A green or blue-green member of the Feldspar clan. In the earth's crust, feldspars may be more abundant than all other minerals combined. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld which means field.
A form of microcline, the semi-opaque blue-green variety, Amazonite is named after the Amazon River, but although it does occur in Brazil, Amazonite has not been found in the vicinity of this great river. Amazonite gets its greenish colour from the presence of copper, and is suitable for carving and polishing.
The name microcline comes from two Greek words meaning little and inclined, referring to the cleavage’s slight inclination from ninety degrees (referring to the way a crystal splits along lines of weakness).
Microcline is a common, but not a well known mineral and has been used as a semi-precious stone under the name of Amazonite.
At some localities fine amazonite clusters are intermixed with smoky quartz crystals and this results in an outstanding classic mineral specimen.
Amazonite encourages self determination, balances extremes in moods and has a calming effect, dissolves sadness and encourages a healthy trust in God.
Alexandrite
This gem is the colour change variety of the mineral species chrysoberyl. When illuminated by sunlight and many types of fluorescent light its colour is green. Under candlelight and incandescent light, the stone appears red. Alexandrite is a fairly modern gem, unknown before 1830 when it was discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains. Discovered on Czar Alexander II's birthday, the day he became of ruling age, the stone was named after him. Also notable is that the gem's green and red colours were those of the Russian military. It is still looked upon as a stone of good omen in that country.
The rarest of all birthstones, Alexandrite is acceptable in clarity grades that would not be acceptable in other gems. It is considered one of the world's most valuable gemstones. It is used to celebrate the forty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Alexandrite encourages regeneration, renewal, protection, joy, emotional maturity, purity, grace and elegance.
Amber
Amber is technically not a gemstone or mineral, but instead is fossilized sap from prehistoric trees that grew as far back as almost fifty million years ago, primarily in Scandinavia and elsewhere around the Baltic Sea.
Today the most important source of this most unusual organic substance continues to be Russia, in particular the Kalinigrad mine.
Although the most common colour is golden yellow, amber also comes in shades of milky white, red-orange, green, black, and even violet.
It is usually seen cut en cabochon and polished to a high shine.
Amber has been spoken of with reverence by ancient tribal leaders and medicine men for its claimed healing properties. Early physicians prescribed amber as a cure for headaches, arthritis, heart problems, and a variety of other ailments. When embarking on a long journey, many travellers wore amber amulets to protect them from fatigue, heatstroke, and death. Christians thought that finding amber indicated the presence of God.
Certain Asian cultures still believe that amber is actually the soul of the tiger. Egyptian cultures tucked pieces of amber into the caskets of loved ones, in the belief that the body would then forever remain whole, even if it was transported to another life.
From time to time, tiny bits of ancient animal life have been found trapped inside amber, leading some people to consider it a key to information about the beginning of the world, a type of organic matter that transcends time.
This organic gem brings a care free, sunny disposition, promotes good luck and success, and enhances patience, altruism, strength and calmness.
Agate
This quartz, belonging to the Chalcedony family, comes in a wide range of colours, but the ones most commonly seen are blue and green. Most agates are banded, though there are exceptions.
Two of the many intriguing types of agates are the iridescent fire agate and the fortification agate, which has sharply angled bands.
Early Egyptians carved agate into receptacles and amulets, as well as other articles of adornment. In addition, agate has been used for thousands of years in the creation of the carved cameo. Today’s technologies allow intricate figures such as angels, animals, and Victorian women to be laser inscribed into ovals of beautiful blue and green agate.
Couples celebrating their twelfth or fourteenth anniversary consider agate their anniversary gem. It is believed that a dream about agate means a long journey is just ahead.
Agates foster love, abundance, wealth, good luck, longevity, acceptance, courage, protection, balance, harmony, generosity, strength, security and appreciation of nature.
Amethyst
Amethyst is the lavender-through-purple variety of quartz, a mineral found in many parts of the world. Natural quartz takes shape in a number of different ways, and it can be crystal clear, translucent or opaque, spanning just about every colour in the spectrum.
A popular stone with religious leaders, amethyst, the sobriety stone, was believed to control evil thoughts and aid in a person’s spiritual development.
This gemstone is associated with increased nobility, spiritual awareness, balance, healing and positive transformation.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue-green member of the beryl gem family, a most important mineral group. Its family of gems include also the emerald, goshenite, heliodor and morganite.
Aquamarine literally means “seawater” and it is said that the earliest sailors would take aquamarines along and toss them in the water to satisfy the often angry god Poseidon. It’s therefore a stone attuned to the ocean, allowing one to get in touch with the spirits of the sea, promoting safe travel.
It is associated with cleansing, serenity, peace, prophecy, inspiration, tranquility, strength and the wise use of inner power. It is used to soothe, calm and alleviate fears and phobias.
Chalcedony
Comprising storied gems that have been cited since history began, the chalcedony group is actually a form of quartz, a mineral found in many parts of the world.
It has a large immediate family, consisting of many varieties of agate, as well as bloodstone, blue chalcedony, carnelian (also known as cornelian), chrysoprase, jasper, onyx, sad, sardonyx and petrified wood.
The members of the chalcedony group are mostly translucent to opaque in appearance, and they are usually seen in bead form, as drops, cut en cabochon, or with a flat cut.
Blue Chalcedony is one of the most popular forms of its mineral group today.
Considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, chalcedony nurtures and promotes brotherhood and good will. It is considered that it absorbs negative energy and dissipates it, harmonizes mind, body, and spirit and instills generosity.
Cat’s Eye
Cat’s Eye is a rare beautiful colour-change variety of the Chrysoberyl mineral group. This stone displays the unusual cat’s–eye phenomenon, also called chatoyancy, resulting from very narrow inclusions lined up in one direction within the stone.
Although other minerals display this cat’s-eye effect, the chrysoberyl is the variety that many gem purists consider the only true form of cat’s eye in the world, and only it can be referred to simply as a cat’s-eye.
Cat’s Eye builds determination, strength of mind, steadfastness, will power, moral courage, tenacity, vigour, self control, intelligence and knowledge. It also fosters constancy, stability and the ability to weather all storms.
Citrine
Citrine is the brown-through-gray variety of quartz, a mineral found in many parts of the world. Natural quartz takes shape in a number of different ways, and it can be crystal clear, translucent or opaque, spanning just about every colour in the spectrum.
Citrine has been called the “stone of the mind”, because of the ancient belief that placing a citrine on the forehead of an elder could bring him great psychic powers. In addition, the citrine has been thought to aid in emotional healing, offering happiness, prosperity, generosity, creativity, protection, strength, confidence and warmth.
Emerald
A green member of the beryl clan, Emerald is one of the gem minerals known earliest to man.
The name emerald is thought to be from the Ancient Greek word smaragdos meaning green stone, which was originally applied to a variety of green coloured minerals. The most desired colour is an intense grass green which is considered very valuable, even when visible inclusions are present in the faceted gem.
A very large number of occult properties have been assigned to the Emerald over the last 6000 years. Some of these traditional beliefs are that an emerald is a symbol of immortality, protects against illnesses, physical danger and evil and that it can improve mind and character. It is also said to instill and nurture mutual love and loyalty in marriage, and to ensure honesty and success in business dealings and other relationships.
Emeralds promote love, romance, joy, cleansing, clairvoyance, clear vision, memory, faith, intuition, serenity, intelligence and communication. This is a truth-promoting stone, inspiring deep knowledge from within.
Garnet
This is one of the most interesting mineral groups of all. It is such a large and varied group that it can probably be said that some kind or other of the garnet mineral group can be found pretty much anywhere in the world.
Garnet gets its name from the Latin word granatum meaning seed or grain, a red seed being associated with those of a pomegranate.
Garnet can range in colour from the common, yet dazzling, deep reds to bright orange and lime greens. Garnets can be found in both igneous and metamorphosed rock which are those produced under the conditions of intense heat (such as volcanic or crystallization due to heat conducted from magma).
One of the world's most ancient gems, garnet has been treasured for thousands of years. Egyptian artisans in the Nile Delta in 3100 B.C. created beautiful garnet beads, bracelets and other jewellery.
Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates the sexual drive, giving energy and courage, enhancing the wearer's imagination.
Iolite
This gem is considered the only gem-grade variety of Cordierite found in the world today. Most experts consider iolite a gem with very strong pleochroic properties, meaning it may show many colours from different angles. The predominant colour is blue, with flashes of violet, gray, or yellow, or all of these.
The blue variety is found in alluvial deposits, primarily in the form of water-worn pebbles; this is why iolite is sometimes known as “the water sapphire”. Since such pebbles are quite small, large solitaires are virtually nonexistent. Iolite can also be found in lumps where they are embedded in granite or other rock formations, or in lava rock where volcanic activity is common.
Iolite is a fascinating stone with a well documented past. Ancient mariners used a blue-violet crystal as a compass to guide their way when out at sea. It was noted that the crystal would show different colours when held to the northern sky than it would when held to the southern sky. Because of its vivid pleochroism, most gem historians now believe that this crystal was in fact the iolite.
Iolite helps to develop leadership capabilities and to maintain emotions under control. It prevents the feeling of being a victim of circumstance and helps to maintain the chosen life path.
Jade
This is one of the world’s oldest-known gems, dating back to the Stone Age. There are references in recorded history tracing jade to about 4000 BC. It was of such importance to the Chinese that some scholars have suggested there existed a Jade Age, between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.
Jade is regarded as a stone that imparts great wisdom, which makes it popular to this day with leaders in certain cultures. In fact, some Asian business people keep a jade stone close at hand, believing it will allow them to make wise decisions that will result in great prosperity.
Besides the history and superstition connected to it, jade was also considered to have many medicinal properties. Since jade is cool to the touch, some earlier cultures believed that it could control the fever of a sick child.
Kunzite
This stone gets a lovely pink-to-violet colour from traces of manganese. Kunzite has an acceptable hardness rate of 7.00 and perfect cleavage (referring to the way a crystal splits along lines of weakness), which actually makes it brittle and most difficult to facet. For this reason is considered a gem of the evening.
In some circumstances, it is possible that kunzite will fade in direct sunlight, when exposed for long periods of time. It can also fade when cleaned in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner.
Kunzite was discovered at the Pala Chief Mine near San Diego, California, and named after the gemologist G.F. Kunz, who first described it just after the turn of the twentieth century.
Those who wear kunzite are believed to be blessed with good fortune. Its soft pastel colour is said to stand for purity and innocence, and its presence is sometimes regarded as a symbol of pregnancy and a beginning of a new life. A dream of a kunzite is believed to guarantee a hospitable welcome by strangers while on a journey to an unfamiliar land.
Morganite
Sometimes confused with the pink tourmaline or the kunzite, the morganite is a variety of beryl ranging from pastel pink to soft peach. In fact, the first stones of its kind were discovered in Southern California by an expedition mining the region for pink tourmaline.
Named for the wealthy gem fancier J. Pierpont Morgan, the morganite first appeared in the early twentieth century. The morganite gets its colour from manganese, while its higher specific gravity is due to the presence of cesium and lithium, two rare elements in nature.
Like the aquamarine, the morganite is dichroic in nature (exhibiting two different colours when seen from different angles), and occasionally aquamarine and morganite are even found growing together in the same resident crystal, producing a stunning effect.
Morganite is a 'love attractor', helping to bring long-lasting love into life and encouraging you to have loving thoughts and actions. It also helps to bring awareness of ignored, unfulfilled needs, and to aid in recognizing and releasing unexpressed feelings and emotions.
Opal
Precious Opal can be divided into three groups: white, black and fire opal. Technically speaking, opal is classified as a non crystalline (or amorphous) variety of quartz, which makes it a distant relative of gems such as the amethyst and the various chalcedonies.
The White Opal exhibits a gem phenomenon called colour play, a colourful effect caused by diffraction. As light enters the opal, it bends around the edges of tiny particles of hydrated silica, spheres (or “chips”) of silicon and oxygen suspended in water within the stone. When it is diffracted, the light (which is made up of all visible colours, each with its own wavelength) produces an entire rainbow of colours.
Because it contains every colour of the rainbow, early peoples felt that white opal was a gift from the heavens. They also believed that the opal had magical powers and could heal the sick and bring good fortune to those in need. According to ancient beliefs this stone carries both the sun and moon's energy. The flashes of iridescent colours represent an "inner fire" that gently stimulates the spiritual realms. It is believed today that White Opal enhances competency and efficiency.
Black Opal is actually a generic term given to any opal with a dark body colour when viewed face front. In structure it is similar to that of the white opal, but with a deep gray or black background. Black Opal promotes cosmic awareness and oceanic consciousness.
Fire Opal has a very different look from its cousins, the White and Black Opal. It can usually be found faceted, but it can also be seen en cabochon. This gem spans a range of colours from yellow to red, with the best stones usually showing a vivid burnt red-orange combination. Good-quality fire opals are clean and clear, while lesser grades tend to take a cloudy appearance. Fire Opal encourages spontaneous action, the emerging of new ideas and stimulates enthusiasm and joy.
Pearl, cultured
The pearl is the oldest-known gem, and for many centuries it was considered the most valuable of all. Unlike virtually all gems, the pearl is actually organic matter, derived from a living creature – in this case, oysters and other underwater animals called molluscs. Some of the best known varieties of cultured pearls are the Akoya and the Mabe pearls.
A Freshwater pearl is a cultured pearl produced by molluscs that are cultivated in freshwater. Freshwater and saltwater molluscs differ in that freshwater pearls can produce several pearls at once, and the pearls do not need to be initiated with an irritant.
Couples celebrate their twentieth anniversary with the pearl. Some early cultures believed a single drop of rain once fell from the heavens and became the earth of the oyster, thus bringing forth the birth of the pearl. Others referred to pearls as the “teardrops of the moon”, speculating that oysters were drawn to the surface of the water by the rays of the moon and fertilized by droplets of dew when they opened their shells. Still others popularized the notion that pearls were formed by the passage of angels through the clouds of heaven.
Early civilizations spoke of the medicinal properties of the pearl, employing it to treat everything from indigestion to heart disease. Actually, in some instances, they were not all that far off: calcium carbonate, its primary substance, is used even today as an antacid.
Over time, the pearl has become the symbol of purity and innocence, and as such is considered an ideal wedding gift. Many brides incorporate it into the bodice of the dress, and a strand of pearls, together with similar earrings, has become an almost essential part of the bridal wardrobe. In certain religions, an undrilled whole pearl is presented to the groom during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of chastity and grace.
Pearls can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they may occur either naturally or through a process known as cultivation. Although the oyster is by far the most common mollusc used in cultivation, the pearl can be found within a wide variety of species, including the mussel, clam, abalone and conch.
An oyster creates a cultured pearl in much the same manner as a natural pearl, but under a controlled environment induced by humans. In this process, called nucleation, a small piece of live tissue is taken from an oyster and placed around a tiny bead that is harvested from a mollusc known as a pig-toe clam. The irritant is subsequently inserted into another oyster, which is then gently lowered close to shore for a period of not less than two weeks, so that it can adjust to its new life and purpose.
The mother oyster generally takes from one to three years to yield a mature pearl. Because the oyster is such a delicate organism, cultured-pearl farmers observe and protect each one, closely monitoring water temperature and keeping away potential invaders. In a continuous process the oyster reacts the same way it does when forming a natural pearl, surrounding the bead first with black conchiolin and then with thin, pearly white nacre. Nacre forms an extremely thin layer, accumulating at a thickness of only 0.15 millimeters per year.
Extreme variations in temperature, longer-term climatic conditions, tidal waves, pollution, and predators all combine to destroy untold numbers of molluscs that could potentially bear a pearl. As many as 50 percent of the fragile akoya oysters die soon after implant, for example, and of those that survive, only one in five will ever actually yield a pearl.
Peridot
Peridot is the name given to the gem variety of the olivine mineral group and it was introduced to Europe by the earliest crusaders.
At that time this gem was known as Chrysolite, and was documented in many ancient references. It is mentioned in the Bible, and early Christians believed the stone to be sacred. Even today the peridot, along with the amethyst, is part of the tradition of Catholic bishops, found in a ring that symbolizes purity and morality.
The peridot is considered a stone of springtime, and the ancients believed it was a gift of Mother Nature in celebration of the annual creation of a new world. Napoleon gave a peridot to the Empress Josephine as a symbol of his undying love and admiration. National leaders who publicly wore peridot were held in the highest regard and thought to be gentle, fair and wise. In ancient times a dream about peridot was believed to foretell impending danger, causing the dreamer to exercise complete caution the next day.
Pyrope
Pyrope is a bright cherry red garnet, coloured by chromium. These garnets are usually found in areas of volcanic rock or within waterworn pebbles in alluvial deposits.
The mineral pyrope is a member of the garnet group. Pyrope is the only member of the garnet family to always display red colouration in natural samples, and it is from this characteristic that it gets its name: from the Greek for fire and eye.
Ancients believed that its deep, bloodlike colour would protect the wearer from injuries and blood loss; warriors often carried it into battle. In early times pyrope was often mistaken for a ruby, therefore this gem was often considered among the most powerful gems of the universe, as well as a gift from the sun.
Although it can sometimes be confused with almandine, the pyrope should be red, with no undertones of brown whatsoever. Because it is sometimes found in areas of carbon deposits, its presence can indicate a diamond find in the vicinity.
Rhodolite
A variety of one of the most interesting mineral groups of all – the garnet. The name of this exuberant gem derives from the Greek words “rhodo”, which means rose, in allusion to its colour, and “lithos”, meaning stone.
The ancient civilizations believed that the power of the sun and the fire had been captured inside the grenade and that rhodolite had magical properties assuring the wearer love and faithfulness.
Rhodolite is a stone of romantic love and passion. Metaphysically it is used to enhance sensuality, sexuality and intimacy, as with the garnet group of gems overall.
It is believed to help with building self-confidence as well as success in one's chosen profession and is also often used for gentle spiritual healing.
Rubellite
Rubellite is generally considered one of the rarest member of the tourmaline mineral group.
With its vibrant red colour, the rubellite resembles the world’s finest ruby, sometimes confusing even the most savvy gem shopper. In certain instances, inclusions transform the clear, sparkling rubellite into a translucent variety, cut en cabochon to display a cat’s eye effect. On rare occasions, rubellite can be found in a bi-colour state, usually in combination with indicolite.
Like the ruby, the rubellite has for a long time been considered a positive, powerful gem. Early astrologers believed the rubellite to be a gift from the sun, making it an excellent treasure for those who are in need of some positive reinforcement in their lives.
Rock Crystal Quartz
Ranging from transparent to translucid, this is the clear variety of quartz, a mineral found in many parts of the world. Natural quartz takes shape in a number of different ways, and it can be crystal clear, translucent or opaque, spanning just about every colour in the spectrum.
Like rose quartz, quartz crystal is a very romantic gemstone. In fact, it is widely accepted as a gem for those celebrating their fifteenth wedding anniversary. In addition, like jade, quartz crystal has been said to have cooling powers.
Part of the faith placed in quartz comes from its scientific properties that make it useful in electronic devices. It is believed that its crystal formation can align the harmonies within the human body, that it can be “programmed” easily, that acupuncture needles coated with quartz are more effective, and that it has the ability to receive and send energy.
Spiritualists believe this crystal to be an important self-esteem stone. It is credited with having the ability to balance chaotic emotions and to increase emotional energy and motivate for action.
Rose Quartz
This is an eye-pleasing pink-to-peach variety of quartz crystal. It gets its colour from traces of manganese and titanium within the crystal. Rose quartz is almost always seen in bead form or cut en cabochon. In certain rare cases, these rounded cabochons will display the star phenomenon called an asterism. Rose quartz also sometimes contains gold flakes or iron oxide, bringing forth an impressive display of sparkle.
Rose quartz has been around for thousands of years, with recorded references dating all the way back to approximately 800 BC..It is a gem that ancients felt promoted gentle healing; its presence was believed to foretell love. In fact, dreaming of rose quartz was suspected to announce the arrival of one´s true love.
Rose Quartz is regarded as an essential stone for increasing love and for times of extreme emotional turmoil, such as divorce, bereavement or career set backs, because it helps to remind the wearer of the importance of self-love. It stimulates the body’s love centres and can result in peace and fidelity in committed relationships.
Ruby
The ruby is a member of the corundum mineral group, one of the most highly prized of all, along with the sapphire. All corundums have a hardness of 9.00, which makes them the hardest coloured gems in the world; only the diamond is rated higher on the Mohs scale..
The ruby is technically red corundum, coming in many shades of red, and is the stone for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.
It is considered a very powerful gem, often associated with the sun. It fosters integrity, devotion, courage, passion, romance, enthusiasm and generosity.
Rutilated Quartz
Certain varieties of the quartz mineral group feature inclusions that give these gems a most unusual look. That is the case for rutilated quartz, a variety that displays the golden needle-like inclusions known as rutiles.
Rutilated quartz has been used as a gemstone and for other ornamental and religious objects for thousands of years. It has been referred to as Venus hair stone, Cupid's darts and Fleches d'amour.
Rutile is believed to intensify the metaphysical properties of its host quartz crystal. Rutilated quartz is also said to enhance one's understanding in difficult situations, thus facilitating timely and appropriate solutions. It is also said to relieve depression and loneliness, and to help provide new direction and enhance creativity.
Sapphire
Member of the corundum mineral group, the sapphire is one of the most highly prized of all, along with the Ruby. All corundums have a hardness of 9.00, which makes them the hardest coloured gems in the world; only the diamond is rated higher on the Mohs scale. Sapphires are the fifth and the forty-fifth anniversary stone.
The most popular sapphire of all is blue, yet the sapphire comes in a wide variety of other shades as well.
Dark Blue Sapphire inspires creative expression, intuition and meditation. Green Sapphire brings luck. Orange Sapphire promotes wisdom, optimism and friendliness. Pink Sapphire encourages generosity, love and loyalty. Star Sapphire develops independence, centreing and balance. White Sapphire is associated with self-appreciation and spiritual development. Yellow Sapphire enhances intellect, knowledge and memory.
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is the brown-through-gray variety of quartz, a mineral found in many parts of the world.
Natural quartz takes shape in a number of different ways, and it can be crystal clear, translucent or opaque, spanning just about every colour in the spectrum.
It is believed smoky quartz helps the wearer to reach personal and business goals, by bringing pure emotions of patience, perseverance and innocence. As a stone of purity, it can calm the mind, ease depression, and cure addiction and obsession, as well as remove negative feelings of jealousy, anger, burnout and fear. It inspires us to simplify our lives and live in a sacred manner.
Tanzanite
In a gem world in which stones date back thousands and even millions of years, tanzanite is just an infant. Tanzanite is a stone with strong pleochroism, generally appearing not only blue but also purple and slate gray, depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
First discovered in 1967 in a single deposit in Tanzania, tanzanite was initially believed to be a form of sapphire that would rival the Ceylon for quality and colour.
Because tanzanite is a sole-source gemstone, found only in one country, its future remains uncertain and once its supplies are depleted, tanzanite is likely to disappear forever.
Tanzanite is a calming stone. It is believed that it has a positive action when life becomes chaotic or extremely busy and one is starting to feel out of balance.
Tanzanite is credited with giving personal insight and power, being a protective stone.
Tourmaline
Unlike most mineral groups, which are coloured by one or two trace elements that reside in the crystal, the tourmaline mineral group is home to a wide variety of these “invaders”.
This is why the tourmaline family is found in a rainbow of colours considered by experts to span the widest and most colourful gem spectrum of all. Chromium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, vanadium and titanium are just some of the elements that are found in the tourmaline crystal and give it rich, vivid colours and a worldwide appeal.
Tourmaline is known for enhancing happiness, objectivity, compassion, serenity, positive transformation, strength and understanding. Blue Tourmaline is linked with peace, eloquence and emotional purification. Black Tourmaline protects from negative energy. Brown Tourmaline encourages stability and practicality. Green Tourmaline fosters prosperity, success, purification and communication. Yellow Tourmaline brings heightened intelligence and spiritual awareness. Violet Tourmaline inspires meditation. Pink Tourmaline attunes to love and opens the heart. Multi-coloured Tourmaline inspires harmony in life.
Topaz
Topaz is one of the most popular and diverse mineral groups in the world today. The name 'topaz' is thought by many to be derived from the ancient Sanskrit word tapas meaning fire.
The term imperial topaz was originated in Russia in the 19th century, when topazes with pink tones were discovered there, and proclaimed by the Czar to belong only to him and the royal family. This kind of topaz is now very rare, existing only in some limited mines in Brazil.
Historically, topaz has been thought to give long life, good looks and intelligence, protecting from poison, disease and sorcery. It is known for enhancing one's spiritual potential, increasing intelligence and creativity, and imparting wisdom. Its great value during meditation, and in the manifestation of the desired outcome, is accepted and recognized. Blue topaz enhances communicative abilities, helping an easily and clearly defined self expression.
Turquoise
One of the oldest and most popular of all gems is the turquoise. The rich colour of turquoise depends on the ratio of copper and iron found in the content of rough (word missing here); copper contributes to the blue part of the spectrum, while the presence of iron turns the blue to green. The crystal is also often invaded by manganese oxides, which contribute to a variety of black lines sometimes known as veins. These veins contribute to the character of turquoise. Because of this, no two stones will ever be exactly alike.
A stone of historical and even biblical significance, turquoise was mined by the Egyptians in the Sinai Peninsula. Other ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Incas, and Mayans, were all enthralled by its unparalleled colour. In the Victorian era, children often wore turquoise inset in gold lockets and rings. According to legend, the first person ever to wear turquoise was Isaac, the son of Abraham.
Earlier cultures believed turquoise had the power to protect people from the bite of a poisonous snake, and it was said to be able to overcome sight disorders and even blindness. Turquoise is believed to increase serenity, wisdom, honest communication, friendship and love.