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| Paradox Falls Designs - Current Gemstones and Their Properties |
| This list features many of the gemstones I am currently working with and their various properties: |
Amazonite
A blue-green variety of microcline feldspar, this stone is mostly opaque and ranges in color from a very pale bluish green (Chinese
amazonite) to a deep turquoise green (Russian amazonite). The color is due to small amounts of lead and water in the feldspar.
Good for self-confidence and for noticing any kind of self-destructive behavior. It soothes the nerves and dispels negative energy.
Soothes all chakras, especially the heart and throat centers. Good for disorders of the nervous system and for muscles spasms.
Amber
A fossilized resin, amber is in the range of 30–90 million years old. Semi-fossilized resin is called copal, and will smell like incense when
burned. Amber sometimes has tiny air bubbles, fracture lines or tiny inclusions (insects or parts of plants can sometimes be seen).
Can be used to gain clarity, and helps the wearer to see what is true. It stimulates the intellect, and opens the crown (7th) chakra.
Purifies any environment it's in, and anyone who wears or carries it. Good for throat, kidneys, and bladder.
Amethyst
A violet form of quartz, it is often found as a lining in agate geodes, and the color comes from manganese and iron. On exposure to heat,
amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the citrine or yellow quartz on the market is said to be merely "burnt amethyst".
A stone of spirituality and contentment, it is also a great stone for meditation. It opens the crown (7th) chakra, and balances the entire
body. Useful for gaining freedom from addiction and addictive personalities. Helps the heart, stomach, skin, and teeth.
Aqua Aura
This is clear quartz that has been given a very thin wash of pure gold. The process permanently bonds the gold to the crystal structure of
the quartz, creating the iridescent blue surface color. Since this is a surface treatment, care should be taken not to scratch it.
Because this stone is still clear quartz, it has all the same helpful/healing qualities. However, due to the addition of gold, those qualities
are amplified (see 'Clear Quartz' below). Note: since this is an "enhanced" stone, I don't usually work with it unless a client requests it.
Aquamarine
The birthstone of March, it is a gem-quality transparent variety of beryl, that has a delicate blue or blue-green color, suggestive of the
tint of sea-water (in fact, its name means 'Water of The Sea'). It is closely related to emeralds, and is found wherever beryl is mined.
Good for projecting an aura of strength and courage, regardless of any insecurities. It lends emotional and intellectual stability, and
helps with reasoning and higher learning. A great stone for the throat (5th) chakra, it also helps the eyes, teeth, and bones.
Aventurine
A form of quartz, aventurine often contains a bit of mica which can give it a somewhat metallic appearance. The most common color is
green (which varies from very pale and translucent to dark and almost opaque), but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue or gray.
Used for calming anxiety and enhancing self-esteem, it also encourages moderation, communication, self-reflection, and emotional
availability. It is wonderful for the heart (4th) chakra, and helps the lungs, heart, adrenal glands, and the muscular system.
Azurite / Azurite-Malachite
Azurite is often found with malachite as a result of the oxidation of copper sulfide. There is not enough raw material to satisfy demand, so
azurite-malachite is often "reassembled" by powdering the stone and mixing it with glue. Note: I work only with the natural variety.
Azurite opens the third eye (6th) chakra, and is excellent for psychic development. Helps the bones, brain, and circulatory systems. The
combination of the two stones can be used to increase flexibility of the mind, body, and heart (see 'Malachite' for more properties).
Black Obsidian
Formed from volcanic glass, iron and magnesium give obsidian its dark green, brown, or black color. Currently used in cardiac surgery,
obsidian blades have a cutting edge much sharper than high-quality steel scalpels which allows faster healing and less scar tissue.
Calms anxiety, helps eliminate bad habits by reducing cravings, and enhances creativity and sincerity. Helps eliminate toxins from the
body. "Apache tears" (small nuggets of naturally rounded obsidian) are used to bring comfort and forgiveness during times of grief.
Black Onyx
A black, glossy stone that is a form of chalcedony. This stone is almost always dyed when used for jewelry because natural black
chalcedony tends to be a partially translucent gray stone. True onyx is black with banded layers of white, cream, gray, or tan.
Balances the energy of the mind, body, and spirit. Helps alleviate hostility and depression, eases grief, enhances self-control, and helps
the wearer make wise decisions. Used for disorders of the bones, soft tissues, and feet, it also helps to clear impurities from the veins.
Blue Lace Agate
This stone features lacy bands of pale blues and white and, like all agates, it is a variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz known for its
tight microcrystalline structure). Availability and price vary, since there is only one known source in the world at this time.
Soften stubbornness, and provides a sense of security, love, and peace. Activates the crown (7th), third eye (6th), throat (5th), and heart
(4th) chakras. Used for arthritic conditions, it also helps the skeletal structure, nervous system, pancreas, glands, brain, and eyes.
Brecciated Jasper / Poppy Jasper
Sometimes used interchangeably with the name 'poppy jasper', brecciated jasper tends to be the darker form of this stone. Deep reds,
browns, and tans are common, and (as with all jaspers) the stone is opaque. You may also find a patch of clear agate in some pieces.
Increases intellectual capacity, and helps the wearer to be logical and clear-headed. Used for animal-related allergies, it also helps in
building/strengthening bonds with animals. Helps all internal organs, especially the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver, and stomach.
Carnelian
A bright red-orange to rich brown form of chalcedony, it can also be a peach or tan color (its name is derived from the Latin word for
'flesh'). Chinese carnelian tends to be more translucent, and may have a streak of clear quartz, or bands of lighter orange or white.
Heightens the sense of self-worth, and eases the fear of being inadequate. Helps the wearer to be focused, creative, and organized. It
also protects against envy, fear, apathy, rage, and depression. It helps ease gall and kidney stones, pollen allergies, cuts, and colds.
Citrine
A quartz crystal that is yellow. Low-grade specimens of amethyst or smoky quartz are also sold as citrine after being heat-treated to
produce the more profitable orange color. Often confused with yellow topaz, citrine is sometimes sold as topaz by (dishonest) dealers.
Useful for problem solving, building stamina, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Aligns all chakras, and is one of only two minerals
that doesn't hold on to negative energy, so it never needs cleansing. Helps digestive disorders, blood circulation, and thyroid imbalances.
Clear Quartz
A colorless stone, sometimes with inclusions to provide depth. Some people prefer pieces that are completely clear, but I love to see
inclusions (fracture lines create rainbows, "phantoms" show the crystal's growth, etc.), so the stones I work with will not be totally clear.
This stone's uses are seemingly endless. Great for any of the chakras (esp. crown, third eye, and heart), it purifies the mind, body, and
heart. When worn, it acts as a physical and mental energizer. It brings wisdom and clarity to dreams, and helps one decipher their
meaning. An excellent healer, it helps with swelling, fever, pain, burns, infections, vertigo, digestive disorders, and much more…
Crazy Lace Agate / Mexican Crazy Lace
A variegated form of chalcedony (like all agates), this stone is mined only in Mexico. It has a very distinctive appearance, with
interesting wavy bands (often similar to paisley) of creamy whites, grays, browns, yellow, black, and sometimes pinks and reds.
An "intergenerational" stone that can help family members truly understand each other, it also encourages close friends to share their
emotions with each other. It balances physical energy, and can help the wearer achieve physical goals. Good for the skin and heart.
Crinoid Fossil / Fossil Agate
This stone is actually a fossilized 'Sea Lily', which is a small marine animal that often resembles a brightly-colored plant or flower.
Grays, creams, and black make up the background of this stone, and there will usually be some level of pink mixed in.
Has metaphysical properties common to all agates: balances masculine/feminine energies, stabilizes and cleanses the aura, helps with
self-examination or "soul-searching", stimulates analytical capabilities, helps awaken inherent talent and transforms negativity.
Garnet
The birthstone of January, this is a very popular gemstone due to its affordability, resistance to everyday wear and tear, high light
refraction (when faceted), and variety of natural colors (greens, yellows, oranges, browns, and all shades of red and pink).
Increases productivity and ambition. A "stone of health", it extracts negative energy from the chakras and also balances Kundalini
movement. It helps with purification, cleansing and elimination of most physical disorders, and helps the bones, cells, heart, and lungs.
Hematite
A shiny black mineral (iron oxide), hematite is extremely abrasive to the cutting tools that are used in making beads, so many of the
products on the market are actually a man-made substitute that is sometimes called hematine, which is slightly magnetic.
Promotes an awareness of personal issues and patterns. Grounds excess energy, balances the meridians within the body, and brings
emotional clarity. Helps with leg cramps, broken bones, spinal alignment, blood and nervous disorders, and insomnia.
Howlite
In its natural form, howlite is mostly white, completely opaque, and has light gray to black matrix marks throughout the stone. The
sample shown here is an extraordinarily dark matrix - it will usually be much lighter. Often dyed to look like turquoise or lapis.
Facilitates awareness and is good for artistic creativity. Encourages emotional expression and patience. Dispels criticalness, rage, and
selfishness, bringing both strength and innocence to confrontations. Balances calcium levels in the body and helps heal soft tissues.
Iolite
Exhibiting pleochroic qualities, iolite refracts light from different wavelengths in different directions, changing color depending on one's
perspective. Iolite can be many colors, but the most popular one is violet. Its name comes from the Greek word ios, meaning violet.
Producing an electric charge upon contact with the aura, it strengthens and aligns the energies of the body. One of the best stones for the
crown and third eye chakras when used for healing and meditation. Good for the liver, it helps rid the body of toxins. Enhances immunity.
Jade
Jade comes in a wide variety of colors, but the one familiar to most people is green. It can vary in tone from medium green to quite dark,
almost black. Most jade stock is "BC Jade", meaning that the jade comes from deposits in British Columbia, Canada.
Creates a mood of tranquility. Helps the wearer accept difficult aspects of their life that cannot be avoided. Helps with remembering
dreams and their messages. Motivates one to make their dreams a reality. Good for the heart, kidneys, spleen, hips, skin, and hair.
Labradorite / Spectrolite / Black Feldspar
This is a beautiful translucent grayish, greenish or brown stone that features a blue, green, gold, or pink (rare) iridescence. Gem-quality
labradorite, or spectrolite (the trade name given to the finest specimens), exhibits a high degree of iridescence called labradorescence .
Promotes self-awareness and self-love. Keeps the aura clear and free from energy leaks. Balances and re-energizes those who are
overworked. Refines intuition and promotes clarity of thought. Good for the brain, thyroid, eyes, intestines, and for reducing anxiety.
Lapis Lazuli / Ultramarine
One of the world's (and history's) most popular gemstones, it contains lazurite (coloring), calcite (white inclusions) and pyrite (sparkle and
depth). Lapis emanates a foul smell during cutting - the deeper the color, the stronger the odor. It's a soft stone, but can be buffed often.
Helps one see emotional issues more clearly. Energizes the throat and third eye chakras, and helps develop insight into dreams. Good
for soothing depression and enhancing joy in relationships. Helps the throat, bones/marrow, muscles, cells, thymus, and immune system.
Lapis Lazuli – Mixed / Denim Lapis
This is still lapis lazuli, just a lower grade. The large amount of white and gray inclusions (mostly calcite) give it the color of a pair of old
denim jeans. Some pieces still have a bit of pyrite, though not very much. This type of lapis usually comes from Chilean stock.
This stone has the same metaphysical properties as regular lapis, only the results will be "softer". With the addition of more calcite, the
stone takes on its properties: increases energy, enhances memory, activates the crown chakra, and balances the body's calcium levels .
Leopardskin Jasper / Agate
This distinctly patterned gemstone from Mexico is one of the easiest stones to identify. First, it has leopard-like spots in browns, creams,
pinks, and black. If you're still not sure, sniff it… If it smells (VERY faintly) like gasoline, then you know it's leopardskin.
Very grounding and healing when dealing with emotional issues. Reduces free-floating anxiety, and is good for anyone who feels like
their life is out of control. Helps one get in touch with instinctive fears so they can be conquered. Balances and heals the root chakra.
Malachite / Azurite-Malachite
Intricate bands and swirls make this a popular and easily identifiable gemstone. Found in association with copper deposits, malachite is
the more oxidized form of azurite. It is somewhat soft, and should be treated with care to avoid scratches and to preserve its glossy finish.
Promotes honest communication and tolerance toward others. Activates all chakras, especially the heart and throat centers. Useful for
clarifying emotions and the recognition / release of negative experiences. Helps treat asthma, arthritis, broken bones, and torn muscles.
Mexican Zebra Jasper
This black and white striped gemstone from Mexico is actually a mixture of quartz and basalt (igneous volcanic rock), but it is usually
sold as a jasper because of its opaque appearance when polished. It also sometimes has a bit of cream or brown mixed in.
Helps the wearer to look beyond superficial attributes and to recognize the loving spirit in everyone. Promotes compassion and
understanding for others. Stimulates physical energy and is a wonderful stone for athletes. Helps the bones, teeth, skin, and heart.
Moss Agate
These agates have beautiful moss-like patterns from a mineral called chlorite. Moss agate can be almost clear, with white or light green
inclusions, or it can have so many dark green inclusions that it looks completely opaque until it is held up to a light.
Helps improve self-esteem, providing emotional balance and strengthening of the positive personality traits. This is a healing stone, and
is especially useful for digestion, elimination of toxins from the body, and relieving the symptoms of cold, flu, and internal infections.
Mother of Pearl
This is a shell product, but I've listed it here since I occasionally use MoP beads. The bleached version is the most common product, and
it is a pearly white to tan color. It has a creamy look, with patches that are somewhat iridescent.
Helps inhibit boisterous behavior and enables the wearer to see how they appear to others. Enhances personal integrity and calm, and
helps to ease fears (especially of a survival-oriented nature). Helps the internal organs, increases fertility, and eases childbirth.
Picasso Jasper
A metamorphic form of chalcedony, this stone has dramatic spirals and lines reminiscent of Picasso's signature painting technique. The
background of this high-gloss stone has browns, creams, oranges, white and grays (most of the actual markings are black).
Like all jaspers, this stone possess strong healing and grounding energies. It also provides nurturing energy, protects against negativity,
and aligns the chakras. Helps heal deterioration of internal organs, soothes the nerves, and balances the body's mineral content.
Picture Jasper / Landscape Jasper
This is chalcedony that is opaque because of the presence of iron ore. The iron deposits form interesting patterns of browns, creams,
grays, and black that can look like an abstract painting. Sometimes, the markings can look like trees or other landscape features.
Aids in the evaluation and resolution of one's issues. Helps bring hidden thoughts, fears, and sadness to the surface so the causes can be
found and dealt with. Stimulates creative visualizations and a desire to help the environment. Helps the immune system and kidneys.
Poppy Jasper / Brecciated Jasper
A vibrant gemstone in every shade of brick red that you can think of with creams, browns, and tans. Most suppliers don't distinguish
between poppy and brecciated (fragments are usually more angular) jaspers, so every shipment will usually contain both kinds.
Increases intellectual capacity, and helps the wearer to be logical and clear-headed. Used for animal-related allergies, it also helps in
building/strengthening bonds with animals. Helps all internal organs, especially the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver, and stomach.
Rainbow Moonstone / White Feldspar
An intergrowth of orthoclase and albite, this opalescent stone is colorless, milky white, or light peach and exhibits a varying degree of
blue "flash" (similar to labradorite's iridescence). Occasionally mounted with a red backing and sold as 'cherry moonstone'.
Helps one see all of the possibilities in any given situation and eases any fears of the unknown. Enhances intuition and the connection to
the psychic self. It cleanses the chakras of negativity and helps ease PMS and menopausal symptoms, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Rainforest Jasper / Rhyolite
This felsic lava's background features a multitude of greens and browns, with patches of cream, tan, yellow, or orange. Some pieces also
have an intricate spider web pattern. Rhyolites that cool too quickly to grow crystals form a natural glass (obsidian).
Representing change, variety, and progress, rhyolite enhances creativity and helps bring goals to fruition. This is an excellent stone for
meditation, and for processing and clearing away problems in the past. Good for the veins, skin, muscles, and increased stamina.
Rhodonite
Formed in manganese ore veins, the black matrix that you often see in rhodonite is manganese oxide. Generally, this stone is an opaque
pink - sometimes bright, sometimes a duller ("muddy") pink. Occasionally, you can even see yellowish or white traces in the stone.
Helps one stay calm and focused in all situations. A "stone of love", rhodonite activates, stimulates, clears, and energizes the heart
chakra while providing grounding for mental and physical energies. Helps with joint inflammation, throat infections, and heart disorders.
Riverstone
As its name implies, this stone comes from just about any kind of river bed and has been worn smooth by water movement. It is usually a
cream, tan, beige, or gray stone in random blends, with very few markings at all.
Energizes the aura and helps one move swiftly through any changes associated with therapeutic processes. When used with meditation, it
helps in reaching a higher spiritual level. Because of its high-energy nature, it is good to have a focal point in mind when using this stone.
Rose Quartz
A pink form of quartz, it is often dyed when sold in bead strands (my main supplier only sells natural rose quartz, so the majority of my
stock is not dyed). The color is due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese (among others) in the massive material.
Helps one appreciate the beauty of the arts. Calms the chakras (esp. heart and crown), removes negativity and enhances self-love. An
excellent stone for healing emotional "wounds", it balances the love emotions of the top four chakras. Helps the heart, thymus, and skin.
Serpentine / China Jade / Bowenite
Often dyed to look like jade, this stone comes in many colors and patterns. Bowenite (antigorite) is a translucent "precious" variety of
serpentine and China jade is a form of bowenite that has cloudy to opaque white patches with darker (usually green) markings.
Helps the wearer accept difficult aspects of their life that cannot be avoided, without feeling victimized or helpless. Great for meditation,
it clears the chakras and stimulates the crown to help draw up Kundalini energy. Helps in the treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Smoky Quartz
The color can vary from quite light to very dark brown, but should always be transparent. Some smoky quartz is heat-treated or
irradiated to enhance the color, but it is impossible to tell from the appearance. I always try to purchase untreated stones, however.
Eliminates negativity and clears the solar plexus chakra, as well as chakras in the hands and feet. Used for meditation, it enhances
mental clarity and helps set aside the "thinking mind". It grounds and protects the wearer and helps the solar plexus, hands, and feet.
Snowflake Obsidian
This stone is black obsidian with inclusions of cristobalite or phenocryst crystals in the black glass that produce a blotchy "snowflake"
pattern. These patterns form during the cooling and crystallization process of molten volcanic glass (usually after strombolian eruptions).
Eases anxiety and helps one to recognize and redesign unnecessary patterns in one's life, providing relief from undesired conditions. A
"stone of purity", it purifies and balances the body, mind and spirit. Helps in the treatment of vein and skeletal structure disorders.
Sodalite
Known for its blue color, sodalite may also be gray, yellow, green, or pink and has white veins or patches of calcite. It is often confused
with lapis (similar in composition), though it lacks the pyrite inclusions that give lapis its sparkle and is more royal blue than ultramarine.
Encourages one to use their inherent creativity. Enhances sensuality and sexual interest. Stimulates and equalizes one's intellect to help
promote rational thought and eliminate confusion. Helps treat metabolic and digestive disorders, insomnia, and calcium deficiencies.
Tiger Eye / Red Tiger Eye
This is actually quartz that contains numerous inclusions of fibrous, yellow oxidized minerals. When cut and polished, these inclusions
give the stone its characteristic "flash". Red tiger eye is simply golden tiger eye that has been heat-treated and maintains its luster.
Softens stubbornness and helps one to slow down. Promotes clarity, calm, intuitive and psychic awareness, optimism, and a passion for
life and love. Brings awareness of one's personal needs and the needs of others. Helps the eyes, throat, bones and reproductive systems.
Tiger Iron
Often found in association with tiger eye, this stone has undulating, contrasting bands of tiger eye with layers of red jasper and iron oxide
(black hematite). Most pieces are a very dark red or chocolate brown with occasional streaks of red and gray or gold shimmer.
Enables one to be powerful and influential in one's relationships and career. Promotes the mastery of necessary skills and stimulates
ambition. Good for artistic endeavors. Helps strengthen the muscular structure (see 'Tiger Eye' and 'Hematite' for more properties).
Tree Agate / Dendritic Agate
This stone is a colorless or white-gray chalcedony (a mixture of quartz and moganite) with green or black dendritic (tree-like) inclusions.
Dendritic agate tends to be much clearer, while tree agate is the more opaque variety. Often, the two names are used interchangeably.
These stones are excellent healers. Tree agate's healing properties are a bit "softer" than those of true dendritic agate, but both stones
open, clear and heal all chakras. They are also great for the bone structure, nervous system and veins and help ease pain and anxiety.
Unakite
This is a granite composed of quartz, pink feldspar, and green epidote that features mottled shades of greens, pinks, and peaches. First
discovered in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina (USA), unakite is now mined in South Africa, Brazil and China, as well as the USA.
Enhances personal power and the ability to take charge of one's own life. Helps one deal with past events that are inhibiting personal
growth. Balances the emotions and helps one gain weight (when needed). Also helps with pregnancy and the reproductive systems.
A blue-green variety of microcline feldspar, this stone is mostly opaque and ranges in color from a very pale bluish green (Chinese
amazonite) to a deep turquoise green (Russian amazonite). The color is due to small amounts of lead and water in the feldspar.
Good for self-confidence and for noticing any kind of self-destructive behavior. It soothes the nerves and dispels negative energy.
Soothes all chakras, especially the heart and throat centers. Good for disorders of the nervous system and for muscles spasms.
Amber
A fossilized resin, amber is in the range of 30–90 million years old. Semi-fossilized resin is called copal, and will smell like incense when
burned. Amber sometimes has tiny air bubbles, fracture lines or tiny inclusions (insects or parts of plants can sometimes be seen).
Can be used to gain clarity, and helps the wearer to see what is true. It stimulates the intellect, and opens the crown (7th) chakra.
Purifies any environment it's in, and anyone who wears or carries it. Good for throat, kidneys, and bladder.
Amethyst
A violet form of quartz, it is often found as a lining in agate geodes, and the color comes from manganese and iron. On exposure to heat,
amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the citrine or yellow quartz on the market is said to be merely "burnt amethyst".
A stone of spirituality and contentment, it is also a great stone for meditation. It opens the crown (7th) chakra, and balances the entire
body. Useful for gaining freedom from addiction and addictive personalities. Helps the heart, stomach, skin, and teeth.
Aqua Aura
This is clear quartz that has been given a very thin wash of pure gold. The process permanently bonds the gold to the crystal structure of
the quartz, creating the iridescent blue surface color. Since this is a surface treatment, care should be taken not to scratch it.
Because this stone is still clear quartz, it has all the same helpful/healing qualities. However, due to the addition of gold, those qualities
are amplified (see 'Clear Quartz' below). Note: since this is an "enhanced" stone, I don't usually work with it unless a client requests it.
Aquamarine
The birthstone of March, it is a gem-quality transparent variety of beryl, that has a delicate blue or blue-green color, suggestive of the
tint of sea-water (in fact, its name means 'Water of The Sea'). It is closely related to emeralds, and is found wherever beryl is mined.
Good for projecting an aura of strength and courage, regardless of any insecurities. It lends emotional and intellectual stability, and
helps with reasoning and higher learning. A great stone for the throat (5th) chakra, it also helps the eyes, teeth, and bones.
Aventurine
A form of quartz, aventurine often contains a bit of mica which can give it a somewhat metallic appearance. The most common color is
green (which varies from very pale and translucent to dark and almost opaque), but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue or gray.
Used for calming anxiety and enhancing self-esteem, it also encourages moderation, communication, self-reflection, and emotional
availability. It is wonderful for the heart (4th) chakra, and helps the lungs, heart, adrenal glands, and the muscular system.
Azurite / Azurite-Malachite
Azurite is often found with malachite as a result of the oxidation of copper sulfide. There is not enough raw material to satisfy demand, so
azurite-malachite is often "reassembled" by powdering the stone and mixing it with glue. Note: I work only with the natural variety.
Azurite opens the third eye (6th) chakra, and is excellent for psychic development. Helps the bones, brain, and circulatory systems. The
combination of the two stones can be used to increase flexibility of the mind, body, and heart (see 'Malachite' for more properties).
Black Obsidian
Formed from volcanic glass, iron and magnesium give obsidian its dark green, brown, or black color. Currently used in cardiac surgery,
obsidian blades have a cutting edge much sharper than high-quality steel scalpels which allows faster healing and less scar tissue.
Calms anxiety, helps eliminate bad habits by reducing cravings, and enhances creativity and sincerity. Helps eliminate toxins from the
body. "Apache tears" (small nuggets of naturally rounded obsidian) are used to bring comfort and forgiveness during times of grief.
Black Onyx
A black, glossy stone that is a form of chalcedony. This stone is almost always dyed when used for jewelry because natural black
chalcedony tends to be a partially translucent gray stone. True onyx is black with banded layers of white, cream, gray, or tan.
Balances the energy of the mind, body, and spirit. Helps alleviate hostility and depression, eases grief, enhances self-control, and helps
the wearer make wise decisions. Used for disorders of the bones, soft tissues, and feet, it also helps to clear impurities from the veins.
Blue Lace Agate
This stone features lacy bands of pale blues and white and, like all agates, it is a variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz known for its
tight microcrystalline structure). Availability and price vary, since there is only one known source in the world at this time.
Soften stubbornness, and provides a sense of security, love, and peace. Activates the crown (7th), third eye (6th), throat (5th), and heart
(4th) chakras. Used for arthritic conditions, it also helps the skeletal structure, nervous system, pancreas, glands, brain, and eyes.
Brecciated Jasper / Poppy Jasper
Sometimes used interchangeably with the name 'poppy jasper', brecciated jasper tends to be the darker form of this stone. Deep reds,
browns, and tans are common, and (as with all jaspers) the stone is opaque. You may also find a patch of clear agate in some pieces.
Increases intellectual capacity, and helps the wearer to be logical and clear-headed. Used for animal-related allergies, it also helps in
building/strengthening bonds with animals. Helps all internal organs, especially the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver, and stomach.
Carnelian
A bright red-orange to rich brown form of chalcedony, it can also be a peach or tan color (its name is derived from the Latin word for
'flesh'). Chinese carnelian tends to be more translucent, and may have a streak of clear quartz, or bands of lighter orange or white.
Heightens the sense of self-worth, and eases the fear of being inadequate. Helps the wearer to be focused, creative, and organized. It
also protects against envy, fear, apathy, rage, and depression. It helps ease gall and kidney stones, pollen allergies, cuts, and colds.
Citrine
A quartz crystal that is yellow. Low-grade specimens of amethyst or smoky quartz are also sold as citrine after being heat-treated to
produce the more profitable orange color. Often confused with yellow topaz, citrine is sometimes sold as topaz by (dishonest) dealers.
Useful for problem solving, building stamina, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Aligns all chakras, and is one of only two minerals
that doesn't hold on to negative energy, so it never needs cleansing. Helps digestive disorders, blood circulation, and thyroid imbalances.
Clear Quartz
A colorless stone, sometimes with inclusions to provide depth. Some people prefer pieces that are completely clear, but I love to see
inclusions (fracture lines create rainbows, "phantoms" show the crystal's growth, etc.), so the stones I work with will not be totally clear.
This stone's uses are seemingly endless. Great for any of the chakras (esp. crown, third eye, and heart), it purifies the mind, body, and
heart. When worn, it acts as a physical and mental energizer. It brings wisdom and clarity to dreams, and helps one decipher their
meaning. An excellent healer, it helps with swelling, fever, pain, burns, infections, vertigo, digestive disorders, and much more…
Crazy Lace Agate / Mexican Crazy Lace
A variegated form of chalcedony (like all agates), this stone is mined only in Mexico. It has a very distinctive appearance, with
interesting wavy bands (often similar to paisley) of creamy whites, grays, browns, yellow, black, and sometimes pinks and reds.
An "intergenerational" stone that can help family members truly understand each other, it also encourages close friends to share their
emotions with each other. It balances physical energy, and can help the wearer achieve physical goals. Good for the skin and heart.
Crinoid Fossil / Fossil Agate
This stone is actually a fossilized 'Sea Lily', which is a small marine animal that often resembles a brightly-colored plant or flower.
Grays, creams, and black make up the background of this stone, and there will usually be some level of pink mixed in.
Has metaphysical properties common to all agates: balances masculine/feminine energies, stabilizes and cleanses the aura, helps with
self-examination or "soul-searching", stimulates analytical capabilities, helps awaken inherent talent and transforms negativity.
Garnet
The birthstone of January, this is a very popular gemstone due to its affordability, resistance to everyday wear and tear, high light
refraction (when faceted), and variety of natural colors (greens, yellows, oranges, browns, and all shades of red and pink).
Increases productivity and ambition. A "stone of health", it extracts negative energy from the chakras and also balances Kundalini
movement. It helps with purification, cleansing and elimination of most physical disorders, and helps the bones, cells, heart, and lungs.
Hematite
A shiny black mineral (iron oxide), hematite is extremely abrasive to the cutting tools that are used in making beads, so many of the
products on the market are actually a man-made substitute that is sometimes called hematine, which is slightly magnetic.
Promotes an awareness of personal issues and patterns. Grounds excess energy, balances the meridians within the body, and brings
emotional clarity. Helps with leg cramps, broken bones, spinal alignment, blood and nervous disorders, and insomnia.
Howlite
In its natural form, howlite is mostly white, completely opaque, and has light gray to black matrix marks throughout the stone. The
sample shown here is an extraordinarily dark matrix - it will usually be much lighter. Often dyed to look like turquoise or lapis.
Facilitates awareness and is good for artistic creativity. Encourages emotional expression and patience. Dispels criticalness, rage, and
selfishness, bringing both strength and innocence to confrontations. Balances calcium levels in the body and helps heal soft tissues.
Iolite
Exhibiting pleochroic qualities, iolite refracts light from different wavelengths in different directions, changing color depending on one's
perspective. Iolite can be many colors, but the most popular one is violet. Its name comes from the Greek word ios, meaning violet.
Producing an electric charge upon contact with the aura, it strengthens and aligns the energies of the body. One of the best stones for the
crown and third eye chakras when used for healing and meditation. Good for the liver, it helps rid the body of toxins. Enhances immunity.
Jade
Jade comes in a wide variety of colors, but the one familiar to most people is green. It can vary in tone from medium green to quite dark,
almost black. Most jade stock is "BC Jade", meaning that the jade comes from deposits in British Columbia, Canada.
Creates a mood of tranquility. Helps the wearer accept difficult aspects of their life that cannot be avoided. Helps with remembering
dreams and their messages. Motivates one to make their dreams a reality. Good for the heart, kidneys, spleen, hips, skin, and hair.
Labradorite / Spectrolite / Black Feldspar
This is a beautiful translucent grayish, greenish or brown stone that features a blue, green, gold, or pink (rare) iridescence. Gem-quality
labradorite, or spectrolite (the trade name given to the finest specimens), exhibits a high degree of iridescence called labradorescence .
Promotes self-awareness and self-love. Keeps the aura clear and free from energy leaks. Balances and re-energizes those who are
overworked. Refines intuition and promotes clarity of thought. Good for the brain, thyroid, eyes, intestines, and for reducing anxiety.
Lapis Lazuli / Ultramarine
One of the world's (and history's) most popular gemstones, it contains lazurite (coloring), calcite (white inclusions) and pyrite (sparkle and
depth). Lapis emanates a foul smell during cutting - the deeper the color, the stronger the odor. It's a soft stone, but can be buffed often.
Helps one see emotional issues more clearly. Energizes the throat and third eye chakras, and helps develop insight into dreams. Good
for soothing depression and enhancing joy in relationships. Helps the throat, bones/marrow, muscles, cells, thymus, and immune system.
Lapis Lazuli – Mixed / Denim Lapis
This is still lapis lazuli, just a lower grade. The large amount of white and gray inclusions (mostly calcite) give it the color of a pair of old
denim jeans. Some pieces still have a bit of pyrite, though not very much. This type of lapis usually comes from Chilean stock.
This stone has the same metaphysical properties as regular lapis, only the results will be "softer". With the addition of more calcite, the
stone takes on its properties: increases energy, enhances memory, activates the crown chakra, and balances the body's calcium levels .
Leopardskin Jasper / Agate
This distinctly patterned gemstone from Mexico is one of the easiest stones to identify. First, it has leopard-like spots in browns, creams,
pinks, and black. If you're still not sure, sniff it… If it smells (VERY faintly) like gasoline, then you know it's leopardskin.
Very grounding and healing when dealing with emotional issues. Reduces free-floating anxiety, and is good for anyone who feels like
their life is out of control. Helps one get in touch with instinctive fears so they can be conquered. Balances and heals the root chakra.
Malachite / Azurite-Malachite
Intricate bands and swirls make this a popular and easily identifiable gemstone. Found in association with copper deposits, malachite is
the more oxidized form of azurite. It is somewhat soft, and should be treated with care to avoid scratches and to preserve its glossy finish.
Promotes honest communication and tolerance toward others. Activates all chakras, especially the heart and throat centers. Useful for
clarifying emotions and the recognition / release of negative experiences. Helps treat asthma, arthritis, broken bones, and torn muscles.
Mexican Zebra Jasper
This black and white striped gemstone from Mexico is actually a mixture of quartz and basalt (igneous volcanic rock), but it is usually
sold as a jasper because of its opaque appearance when polished. It also sometimes has a bit of cream or brown mixed in.
Helps the wearer to look beyond superficial attributes and to recognize the loving spirit in everyone. Promotes compassion and
understanding for others. Stimulates physical energy and is a wonderful stone for athletes. Helps the bones, teeth, skin, and heart.
Moss Agate
These agates have beautiful moss-like patterns from a mineral called chlorite. Moss agate can be almost clear, with white or light green
inclusions, or it can have so many dark green inclusions that it looks completely opaque until it is held up to a light.
Helps improve self-esteem, providing emotional balance and strengthening of the positive personality traits. This is a healing stone, and
is especially useful for digestion, elimination of toxins from the body, and relieving the symptoms of cold, flu, and internal infections.
Mother of Pearl
This is a shell product, but I've listed it here since I occasionally use MoP beads. The bleached version is the most common product, and
it is a pearly white to tan color. It has a creamy look, with patches that are somewhat iridescent.
Helps inhibit boisterous behavior and enables the wearer to see how they appear to others. Enhances personal integrity and calm, and
helps to ease fears (especially of a survival-oriented nature). Helps the internal organs, increases fertility, and eases childbirth.
Picasso Jasper
A metamorphic form of chalcedony, this stone has dramatic spirals and lines reminiscent of Picasso's signature painting technique. The
background of this high-gloss stone has browns, creams, oranges, white and grays (most of the actual markings are black).
Like all jaspers, this stone possess strong healing and grounding energies. It also provides nurturing energy, protects against negativity,
and aligns the chakras. Helps heal deterioration of internal organs, soothes the nerves, and balances the body's mineral content.
Picture Jasper / Landscape Jasper
This is chalcedony that is opaque because of the presence of iron ore. The iron deposits form interesting patterns of browns, creams,
grays, and black that can look like an abstract painting. Sometimes, the markings can look like trees or other landscape features.
Aids in the evaluation and resolution of one's issues. Helps bring hidden thoughts, fears, and sadness to the surface so the causes can be
found and dealt with. Stimulates creative visualizations and a desire to help the environment. Helps the immune system and kidneys.
Poppy Jasper / Brecciated Jasper
A vibrant gemstone in every shade of brick red that you can think of with creams, browns, and tans. Most suppliers don't distinguish
between poppy and brecciated (fragments are usually more angular) jaspers, so every shipment will usually contain both kinds.
Increases intellectual capacity, and helps the wearer to be logical and clear-headed. Used for animal-related allergies, it also helps in
building/strengthening bonds with animals. Helps all internal organs, especially the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver, and stomach.
Rainbow Moonstone / White Feldspar
An intergrowth of orthoclase and albite, this opalescent stone is colorless, milky white, or light peach and exhibits a varying degree of
blue "flash" (similar to labradorite's iridescence). Occasionally mounted with a red backing and sold as 'cherry moonstone'.
Helps one see all of the possibilities in any given situation and eases any fears of the unknown. Enhances intuition and the connection to
the psychic self. It cleanses the chakras of negativity and helps ease PMS and menopausal symptoms, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Rainforest Jasper / Rhyolite
This felsic lava's background features a multitude of greens and browns, with patches of cream, tan, yellow, or orange. Some pieces also
have an intricate spider web pattern. Rhyolites that cool too quickly to grow crystals form a natural glass (obsidian).
Representing change, variety, and progress, rhyolite enhances creativity and helps bring goals to fruition. This is an excellent stone for
meditation, and for processing and clearing away problems in the past. Good for the veins, skin, muscles, and increased stamina.
Rhodonite
Formed in manganese ore veins, the black matrix that you often see in rhodonite is manganese oxide. Generally, this stone is an opaque
pink - sometimes bright, sometimes a duller ("muddy") pink. Occasionally, you can even see yellowish or white traces in the stone.
Helps one stay calm and focused in all situations. A "stone of love", rhodonite activates, stimulates, clears, and energizes the heart
chakra while providing grounding for mental and physical energies. Helps with joint inflammation, throat infections, and heart disorders.
Riverstone
As its name implies, this stone comes from just about any kind of river bed and has been worn smooth by water movement. It is usually a
cream, tan, beige, or gray stone in random blends, with very few markings at all.
Energizes the aura and helps one move swiftly through any changes associated with therapeutic processes. When used with meditation, it
helps in reaching a higher spiritual level. Because of its high-energy nature, it is good to have a focal point in mind when using this stone.
Rose Quartz
A pink form of quartz, it is often dyed when sold in bead strands (my main supplier only sells natural rose quartz, so the majority of my
stock is not dyed). The color is due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese (among others) in the massive material.
Helps one appreciate the beauty of the arts. Calms the chakras (esp. heart and crown), removes negativity and enhances self-love. An
excellent stone for healing emotional "wounds", it balances the love emotions of the top four chakras. Helps the heart, thymus, and skin.
Serpentine / China Jade / Bowenite
Often dyed to look like jade, this stone comes in many colors and patterns. Bowenite (antigorite) is a translucent "precious" variety of
serpentine and China jade is a form of bowenite that has cloudy to opaque white patches with darker (usually green) markings.
Helps the wearer accept difficult aspects of their life that cannot be avoided, without feeling victimized or helpless. Great for meditation,
it clears the chakras and stimulates the crown to help draw up Kundalini energy. Helps in the treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Smoky Quartz
The color can vary from quite light to very dark brown, but should always be transparent. Some smoky quartz is heat-treated or
irradiated to enhance the color, but it is impossible to tell from the appearance. I always try to purchase untreated stones, however.
Eliminates negativity and clears the solar plexus chakra, as well as chakras in the hands and feet. Used for meditation, it enhances
mental clarity and helps set aside the "thinking mind". It grounds and protects the wearer and helps the solar plexus, hands, and feet.
Snowflake Obsidian
This stone is black obsidian with inclusions of cristobalite or phenocryst crystals in the black glass that produce a blotchy "snowflake"
pattern. These patterns form during the cooling and crystallization process of molten volcanic glass (usually after strombolian eruptions).
Eases anxiety and helps one to recognize and redesign unnecessary patterns in one's life, providing relief from undesired conditions. A
"stone of purity", it purifies and balances the body, mind and spirit. Helps in the treatment of vein and skeletal structure disorders.
Sodalite
Known for its blue color, sodalite may also be gray, yellow, green, or pink and has white veins or patches of calcite. It is often confused
with lapis (similar in composition), though it lacks the pyrite inclusions that give lapis its sparkle and is more royal blue than ultramarine.
Encourages one to use their inherent creativity. Enhances sensuality and sexual interest. Stimulates and equalizes one's intellect to help
promote rational thought and eliminate confusion. Helps treat metabolic and digestive disorders, insomnia, and calcium deficiencies.
Tiger Eye / Red Tiger Eye
This is actually quartz that contains numerous inclusions of fibrous, yellow oxidized minerals. When cut and polished, these inclusions
give the stone its characteristic "flash". Red tiger eye is simply golden tiger eye that has been heat-treated and maintains its luster.
Softens stubbornness and helps one to slow down. Promotes clarity, calm, intuitive and psychic awareness, optimism, and a passion for
life and love. Brings awareness of one's personal needs and the needs of others. Helps the eyes, throat, bones and reproductive systems.
Tiger Iron
Often found in association with tiger eye, this stone has undulating, contrasting bands of tiger eye with layers of red jasper and iron oxide
(black hematite). Most pieces are a very dark red or chocolate brown with occasional streaks of red and gray or gold shimmer.
Enables one to be powerful and influential in one's relationships and career. Promotes the mastery of necessary skills and stimulates
ambition. Good for artistic endeavors. Helps strengthen the muscular structure (see 'Tiger Eye' and 'Hematite' for more properties).
Tree Agate / Dendritic Agate
This stone is a colorless or white-gray chalcedony (a mixture of quartz and moganite) with green or black dendritic (tree-like) inclusions.
Dendritic agate tends to be much clearer, while tree agate is the more opaque variety. Often, the two names are used interchangeably.
These stones are excellent healers. Tree agate's healing properties are a bit "softer" than those of true dendritic agate, but both stones
open, clear and heal all chakras. They are also great for the bone structure, nervous system and veins and help ease pain and anxiety.
Unakite
This is a granite composed of quartz, pink feldspar, and green epidote that features mottled shades of greens, pinks, and peaches. First
discovered in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina (USA), unakite is now mined in South Africa, Brazil and China, as well as the USA.
Enhances personal power and the ability to take charge of one's own life. Helps one deal with past events that are inhibiting personal
growth. Balances the emotions and helps one gain weight (when needed). Also helps with pregnancy and the reproductive systems.
| The stones listed above have so many properties, I couldn't begin to list them all on this page. For more information, I highly recommend the following books: |
| by Melody |
| by Scott Cunningham |
| by Daya Sarai Chocron |
| by Judithann H. David and JP Van Hulle |
| by Chris and Helen Pellant (with photography by Harry Taylor) |
| Please do not use gemstones in place of appropriate medical or medicinal treatment. If you are ill or injured, please seek the advice of a professional. |
| I worked hard to create a comprehensive list to help my clients learn more about the stones in my designs. If you wish to include this list on your site, please link to it instead of copying and pasting it. Thanks! |
| Jessika ~ Paradox Falls Designs 2007 |
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