Gemstone and Crystal Guide

Agate Agate is a banded variety of chalcedony composed of quartz layers. Agates are grounding stones, valued since ancient times. They are thought to be good for pregnancy, balance and skin problems. They are also thought to give the wearer greater insight unto the truth. Blue lace agate has a calming effect bringing peace of mind and helping solve conflicts. Moss agate is an ideal stone for midwives and can help recovery from long term illness. Affilated with the star signs Capricorn and Gemini.

Amber Amber is the fossilized tree resin of now-extinct conifer trees and ancient pines. Most amber is 25 to 50 million years old and much is found in the Baltic region. Amber jewellery is ideal for healers to wear as it is thought to improve healing skills and be generally beneficial to your health. It is affiliated with Geminis, Leos and Virgos.

Amazonite Amazonite is a rare blue-green variety of microcline and is mainly found in Russia, USA and Austrilia. Amazonite is thought to be good for self-expression, confidence and freedom from anxiety. It is sometimes worn by clairvoyants as it thought to increase psychic powers. Affiliated with the star sign Virgo.

Amethyst Amethyst is a much appreciated variety of quartz. It is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, USA, and Africa. It is considered to be the stone of meditation and spirituality. Amethyst is thought to both moderate emotion and enhance intuition and intelligence. It is believed to help alleviate both physical and emotional pain. Affiliated with the star signs Pisces, Aries and Sagittarius.

Aquamarine Aquamarine belongs to the beryl gemstone family and is found in Brazil, India, Russia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aquamarine is particularly good for sensitive people. It symbolises peace and is thought to be comforting and give courage in times of need. Affiliated with the star signs Aquarius, Pisces and Libra.

Aventurine Aventurine is a type of chalcedony (quartz) and is found in Brazil, China, Japan, Russia, Tanzania and the U.S.A. It is thought to encourage positive thinking, clearing emotional blocks. It is a powerful healing stone promoting general well-being. Affiliated with star signs Cancer, Taurus and Saggitaruis.

Carnelian Carnelian is a type of agate and is found in Brazil, India, Australia, Russia, Madagascar, South Africa, Uruguay and the U.S.A. It is thought to be both energising and stimulating. It is also traditionally thought to keep away evil spirits. Carnelian encourages boldness and is affiliated with the star signs Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Cancer, Leo and Virgo.

Chalcedony Chalcedony is a general name for cryptocrystalline (quartz). The waxy blue-green stone is what most refer to as chalcedony. The stone is found in Brazil, Germany, Russia, the U.S.A., Canada, Africa, Turkey and Indonesia. It is thought to encourage maternal instinct and breastfeeding. It is a calming gemstone helping with composure and protecting against bad energy and nightmares. It is affiliated with the star signs Cancer, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

Chrysocolla Chrysocolla is a minor ore of copper, it is thought to benefit musicians, lowering stress and tension. It is also thought to benefit children, calming over-excited nerves and giving confidence. It is associated with star signs Taurus, Cancer, Aquarius and Libra.

Citrine Citrine is a type of quartz and is associated with the sun It is thought to lift depression and considered to bring wealth and aid creativity. It is affiliated with the star signs Aries, Taurus, Scorpio and Virgo.

Coral Coral is a calcium carbonate built up by the skeletal material of small animals that live in colonies in the sea. Coral symbolises joy of life. In ancient China, red coral was a symbol of wealth, favor and high social status. Traditionally it is given to the new born as it is thought to be good for the bones and provide protection. It it affiliated with all star signs but especially Taurus.

Fluorite Fluorite's pretty colours include and green, white, purple and lavender and the stone is mined in England, Switzerland and the U.S.A. Fluorite is believed to stimulate the immune system. It is thought to help arthritis. This mineral's energy is purported to help the evolution of harmonious, peaceful, spritual awakening.Fluorite is affiliated with star signs Scorpio Pisces and Aquarius.

Garnet Garnets are a group of silicate minerals formed under high temperatures and pressures. Garnets are found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, the U.S.A., the Czech Republic and Spain. This stone symbolises hope and passion. It is said to release dark energy and enable self-realisation. It is also said to be good for travel. Garnet is affiliated with Aries, Scorpio and Capricorn.

Hematite Most hematite is simulated from iron oxide.Hematite is known as the "stone of mental mastery," and is believed to boost self-esteem and aid concentation. It is also believed to bestow courage and help with problem solving. It is affiliated with the star sign Scorpio.

Jade Jade applies to two types of gemstone, nephrite, an amphibole silicate usually only green and white. The second, jadeite, is a sodium aluminum silicate that can be many different colours. Jade is the symbol of purity and serenity. It is thought to sooth the mind bringing a feeling of inner peace. Nephrite is considered to be a powerful cleansing stone. It is also a lucky stone and is affiliated with the star signs Libra, Pisces and Cancer.

Jasper Jasper is a form of chalcedony and true jaspers are metamorphic rocks. Jasper is thought to help you endure stress and give you courage.It is also said to boost the immune system and due to its earthy properties help you feel in balance and connected to nature. It can help you let go off the past and overcome trauma. Jasper is associated with star signs Capricorn and Virgo.

Kyanite This aluminum silicate is a polymorph with andalusite and sillimanite. Kyanite is thought to increase psychic ability, removing energy blockages and replenishing the soul. It is sometimes known as the tripping stone. It is affiliated with Aries, Taurus and Libra.

Labradorite Labradorite is a sodium-rich variety of plagioclase feldspar found in igneous or metamorphic rocks. It is said to be good for intuition and mood swings. It is the ideal gemstone for a creative person. Affiliated with star signs Capricorn and Aquarius.

Lapis Lazuli Lapis lazuli is composed of grains of several blue minerals, including lazurite and sodalite with a matrix of calcite and speckles of pyrite.It was created millions of years ago in the course of a metamorphosis that turned chalk into marble. Lapis is associated with the third eye and has for thousands of years been worn to increase spirituality.It is also considered to be a stone of truth and friendship. It is affiliated with the star signs Aquarius and Sagittarius.

Moonstone Rainbow moonstone is usually chatoyant. Light is scattered by alternating layers of two kinds of feldspar and this produces a misty luster of white, dull yellow, yellow-gray or greenish-gray. The stone's main color also comes in shades of peach and gray. Moonstone is believed to increase intuitive powers and sensitivity. It helps you accept change and is good for keeping hormones in balance. It is affiliated with star signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Obsidian Obsidian is a natural glass that forms from volcanic activity.It is an extremely protective stone that protects the wearer from negativity and is also believed to help with overcoming emotional difficulties. It is recommended for those going through bereavement or other sad losses. It is associated with the star signs Taurus, Capricorn Scorpio and Sagittarius.

Onyx Onyx is a variety of agate and is believed to protect the wearer from negative energies, it is worn to encourage confidence and assertiveness. Onyx is purported to help eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. It is also beleived to improve intelligence making it a good stone for students. It is affiliated with the star sign of Capricorn.

Peridot This olivine variety is composed of magnesium iron silicate. Peridot is thought to be a useful stone for healers to wear. It can symbolise friendship and compassion and benefit relationships encouraging a gentle loving nature. It is also believed to bring prosperity. Affiliated with star signs Leo and Capricorn.

Rhodonite Rhodonite is an opaque, deep-rosy-pink-to-lavender gemstone with characteristic black veins called dendrites. Composed of manganese silicate it is thought to be good for hearing and for building confidence. It is recommended for musicians and is affiliated with Scorpio.

Quartz Quartz is a family of minerals with the same chemical composition (silicon dioxide) and similar physical properties. Clear Quartz is considered to be the most important of the healing crystals. It is thought to amplify postive energies, clear blockages and transmute negative energies. It is associated with the star signs Gemini and Leo.

Rose Quartz Rose Quartz is the gemstone of love and friendship. It helps promote self love, gentleness and openess. It is thought to increase self-esteem. It is particularily affiliated with the star sign Taurus and also Sagittarius.

Smoky Quartz Smoky quartz is thought to encourage the imagination and creativity making it an ideal stone for artists. It is useful meditation crystal, balancing energies and freeing negativity. It is affiliated with star sign sagittarius.

Sodalite Sodalite is a balancing stone said to enhance intuition and open the third eye revealing universal truths. It is helpful for those sensitive to electromagnetic pollution and suffering from phobias. It encourages confidence and assertiveness.

Tiger Eye Tiger Eye is a member of the quartz family. It is believed to help those suffering from anxiety as it releases stressful thoughts and emotions. It is the most grounding of stones that promotes a feeling connectedness with the planet. It is associated with the star signs of Gemini, Leo and Virgo.

Tourmaline Tourmaline is a complex crystalline silicate containing aluminum, boron and other elements. It is thought to be a highly protective gemstone that also improves performance and ability making it a beneficial gemstone for athletes and musicians. It is affiliated with the star sign Libra.

Turquoise This stone is a hydrated aluminum copper phosphate that often contains iron. Turquoise is thought to be one of the most ancient and most powerful of the healing stones. It protects the wearer from negative energies, is grounding and balances the emotions. Turquoise is thought to be useful for all star signs but especially Capricorn, Pisces, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagitarius.