Lina's Jewelry - Hawaiian Style ::: Gemstones :::

KNOW THE GEMSTONES

Gemstone Information:

Alexandrite - The best known and most widely used variety of chrysoberyl is an alexandrite. It is one of several birthstones for the month of June. These unique stones have the ability to absorb certain colors, making it appear to change color in various amounts and types of light. Some believe that alexandrite helps in fighting low self-esteem. It is said to be a stone of good omen and assists one in centering the self and increasing ones ability to experience joy.
Amber - This stone can vary in colors from yellow, both light and richly golden, to shades of red. However, it is usually the color of a honey brown. This gem is said to be the stone that allows happiness to come through. Amber is a fossilized tree resin of now-extinct conifer trees and ancient pine trees. Amber is said to bring good luck to the wearer. It is associated with time, cycles and longevity. Amber is also regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic. Amber has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation, and is said to balance aggressive traits.
Amethyst - This gemstone comes in various shades of purple and is the birthstone for the month of February. The type of stone Amethyst comes from is called quartz. It is an extremely popular gemstone that is widely used in jewelry items across the world. Amethyst is said to magnify psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It can be known to strengthen immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches and improves blood sugar imbalance. Amethyst is often given as a gift to symbolize sincerity, security, and peace of mind. According to the ancient folk belief, the stone protects its owner against drunkenness. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.
Aquamarine - This stone is translated from Latin to mean "water of the sea" and is a gemstone-quality variety of beryl. It is a transparent, delicate blue or turquoise in color. In the middle ages, it was believed that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison. Ancient sailors used aquamarine as a talisman to ensure safe travels. Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March. It symbolizes beauty, honesty, and loyalty. Aquamarine supposedly has a soothing effect on "just married" couples, helping them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is also said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends.
Aventurine - This gemstone is a translucent to opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz. It contains small inclusions of shiny minerals which create a simmering effect within the stone. Different minerals will have different effects on the sparkle. Aventurine can come in many different colors ranging from brown to peach to blue to orange, but the most common color is a rich creamy green. The name aventurine comes from the Italian "a ventura," which means"by chance". The stone has been used as a lucky talisman and is a popular stone for gamblers. Legends say that this beautiful stone is an all-purpose healer. Some believe it reduces stress and develops confidence and imagination, improving prosperity. Many people have also said that aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring about inner peace.
Bloodstone - This stone is green jasper composed of bright red spots of iron oxide. During ancient times, this stone was considered a treasure and served as the birthstone for March for a long time. Even today, this stone is highly valued in India and is used as an aphrodisiac and medicine. It can be difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone on the market. It is mined in India, Australia, and the United States. It has been said that bloodstone aids one in becoming more knowledgeable in the ways of the world. Bloodstone is also believed to be a very magical stone.
Blue Topaz - This topaz stone is a light brown or colorless stone when it is originally mined, but then turns a brilliant blue when exposed to heat. This gemstone is an alternate birthstone for the month of December. Carnelian - This wonderful stone varies in color from red to reddish-orange and even sometimes reddish-brown. It is a variant of chalcedony and was highly valued and used by the Greeks and Romans in jewelry. It was once believed that Carnelian would benefit the health and love life of the wearer and protect the individual from evils. Some also believe that this stone is beneficial to infertility and should be worn to enhance passion and desire.
Chalcedony - This stone comes in all colors of the rainbow. It is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz and is said to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony is a relatively inexpensive stone and is one of the most collected gemstones today. This beautiful stone is believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. It is considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians and is used to nurture and promote brotherhood and good will. The gemstone is believed to absorb and get rid of negative energy while increasing physical energy, harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit.
Citrine - This is one of the most affordable gemstones due to the abundance of quartz on the earth. It is often golden in color, but can range in different shades of yellow. Citrine is one of three birthstones for the month of November. Brazil is the largest manufacturer of citrine. During ancient times, it was thought that citrine carried a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Citrine is often called a symbol of light-heartedness, joy and happiness. It is the signature of wisdom and peace. This gem has been known to stimulate creativity, especially for writers.
Diamond - One of the four most precious gemstones, diamonds are the hardest natural material known to man. A diamond is a transparent crystal of tetrahedrally bonded carbon atoms. They are treasured and sought after by individuals around the world. They have increased in their popularity since the 19th century. They are commonly judged by the "four C's": carat, clarity, color, and cut. Cubic Zirconia's are often the popular choice for synthetic diamonds and carry the expensive look of real diamonds without the heavy price tag. Throughout history, diamonds were believed to have possessed several super natural powers. It was said to be beneficial to sleepwalkers and those deemed insane and that a diamond brings victory to those who carry it on their left arm. It has been associated with fearlessness, virtue, power and wealth. Today, Diamonds are often the symbol of an engaged couple who are to be married. They stand for eternity and love.
Emerald - Known for its' rich green coloring, the emerald is a variety of the mineral, beryl. This highly prized gemstone represents the month of May on the traditional birthstone chart. It is also given for numerous wedding anniversary milestones. Pure emeralds are rare and precious. Well made synthetic emeralds allow individuals to continue using emeralds in jewelry design without the high price tags attched to true emeralds. Emeralds are a symbol of everlasting love. Emeralds are said to bring wisdom. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, an emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune. The emerald is supposed to strengthen faith, aide success in love, and help one in the discovery of false friends.
Fluorite - The stone fluorite is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride and is transparent to translucent. This crystal is often believed to increase the ability to concentrate and help connect mind to spirit. It can be found in bands of color such as blue, purple, yellow, and white (although green and pink fluorite sometimes occur). Fluorite is well known and prized for its glassy luster and rich variety of colors. The many colors of fluorite are truly wonderful. The rich purple color is by far fluorite's most famous and popular color.
Garnet - This gemstone is commonly found in various deep red shades. It can be found in a variety of other colors, each color having its' own name. Garnets are the January birthstone and are formed when high high temperature or pressure is a factor. They are said to be the stone representing commitment and health. Garnets were once believed to protect those who travelled and kept them in good health. They are also worn as a sign of truth and faith and vitality and passion.
Hematite - Hematite is an iron oxide, steel gray to iron black in color. Sometimes it has deep red spots on the surface. This silvery, shiny opaque stone almost looks like metal. In ancient times it was said that Hematite was a good healing and grounding stone that had the ability to strengthen the body and improve resistance to life's stresses. Even today, some believe that Hematite inspires inner life and helps to keep inward peace. This gemstone is often referred to as "a stone for the mind".
Jade - This semiprecious stone comes in a variety of colors. Often, however, people think of jade as green or yellow in color. Jade comes either from the rock called nephrite or Jadeitite. This stone is extremely tough and durable. It is often carved with intricate designs and was often referred to as the "imperial gem". Jade has been extremely popular in various cultures and continues to be so today. It has always been considered a treasure.
Jasper - This variety of quartz can be red, yellow or brown. There are many different varieties of Jasper and they are known for their highly polished look, similar to that of marble. This stone was once believed to have curative powers, especially against snake and spider bites. The name jasper translates as "spotted stone". In its' natural formation, bands or swirls form a pattern throughout the stone. This stone is said to bring joy into life. Leopard skin Jasper is said to bring one what they need. Poppy Jasper is said to help bring joy into life. Opalite Jasper is said to help one sleep.
Lapis Lazuli - Sometimes just referred to as "Lapis", this stone has one of the longest traditions of being considered a gem, with a history stretching back to 7000 B.C. Deep blue in color and opaque, this gemstone was highly prized by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and is still sought after today. Taken as a whole, lapis lazuli means "stone of azure". The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite. Patches of pyrite are an important help in identifying the stone as genuine and do not detract from its value. Lapis takes an excellent polish and has been made into jewelry, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments and vases. In architecture it has been used for bonding and covering the walls and columns of palaces and churches.
Moonstone - A translucent stone that has a beautiful shimmering affect. This stone reflects light in a unique way often causing it to have a white or blue sheen which has made moonstone very distinctive and desirable. In India, moonstone is highly regarded as a sacred stone and is often referred to as the "dream stone", believed to bring beautiful visions at night. It was also known in some countries as a fertility stone and would sometimes be a prized gift for lovers due to its' ability to arouse tender passion. It was also seen as being protective for women and babies. Even today, some believe that wearing a moonstone strengthens intuition and our capacity to understand. The more intense in colour, the larger and the more transparent, the more highly valued the moonstone. Moonstones are treasures of Nature with a sensual and seductive aura.
Mother-of-pearl - Also called nacre, mother-of-pearl is a naturally occurring composite. It is found on the inside of mollusk shells such as mussels, abalone, and oysters. This iridescent layer created on the inside of the mollusk's shells serves as a defense mechanism, creating a barrier of safety against parasites and other possible damages. Mother-of-pearl varies in shades of white, yellow, pink and gray. Care should be taken not to expose this stone to chemicals as it is extremely fragile. It is sometimes said that mother-of-pearl soothes, reduces stress and worry, and increases knowledge that everything is okay. Some believe that this stone also heals friction and helps individuals to flow with life. It is believed to promote feelings of safety and security and bring about emotional shelter.
Onyx - Onyx is a member of the chalcedony family of minerals and can commonly be found in black, white, or tan. This semiprecious stone is often used in creating cameos. It is looked upon as a symbol of eloquence. This gemstone eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control.
Opal - The milkiness of many white and gray opals can be attributed to the large quantity of tiny gas-filled cavities in them. Precious opals reflect light, causing a brilliant array of colors across the visible spectrum, red being the most valued. Opals are one of the two birthstones representing the month of October. Opals have been described in medieval times as a cure for diseases of the eye. Black opasl are considered an extremely lucky stone. In ancient times, the opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It has a reputation for containing healing properties, especially to increase mental capacities such as a creative imagination.
Pearl - There are many colors of pearls due to the different types of mollusks and their environments. Cultured pearls are being created in almost every color of the rainbow. Pearls are one of three birthstones for the month of June. Jewelers commonly refer to saltwater pearls as Oriental pearls and to those produced by freshwater mollusks as freshwater pearls. It has been said that pearls have the ability to eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra. As a symbol of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness. Legends have claimed pearls as Cleopatra's love potion, Krishna's wedding gift to his daughter, and Aphrodite's tears of joy.
Peridot - Peridot is the gemstone of the month of August. It comes from the variety of the gemstone of olivine. Peridot is a very old stone and is one of the few gemstones that come in one color only. Peridot's range between light and deep green hues. The slight tinge of gold gives the peridot a unique coloring with a hint of yellow. According to old folklore, the wearer of Peridot can expect success, peace, and good luck. It is a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green hue of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot is also said to calm raging anger and is useful to dispel negative emotions.
Pink Tourmaline - Tourmaline is a mineral of complex and variable composition. It comes in many different colors. However, pink tourmaline is one of two birthstones for the month of October. Tourmaline is said to bring tranquility and serenity to the wearer's life. It is supposed to balance energy flow by dispelling fear, negativity and grief. Some believe that tourmaline has the ability to calm nerves, regulate hormones, and fight against genetic disorders. Tourmaline has been said to induce a tranquil sleep.
Quartz - The most common mineral found on the earth's surface. It is a naturally occurring crystal that is used to create a variety of colored stones for many jewelry pieces. The most common variety is "clear" or "crystal" quartz. Other popular types of quartz are Pink, Cherry, Rose, and Smoky. This gemstone is often referred to as the "stone of power" as it is believed to amplify energy and facilitate growth and awareness. Quartz is known to dispel negative energy and act as an emotional balancer. Rose quartz is thought to be the most important stone for the "heart chakra" and is the crystal that represents unconditional love and infinite peace. It is believed to soothe internalized emotional pain and suffering.
Rhodolite - This garnet is a variety of Pyrope or Red Garnet with a distinctive violet or raspberry-red undertone. Rhodolite is one of the birthstones for the month of June. Some believe that this gemstone provides guidance during times of contemplation. Originally found in the USA, rhodolite now comes mainly from the gemstone mines in East Africa, India and Sri Lanka.
Ruby - One of the four precious gemstones, ruby is a member of the corundum family whose color comes from chromium oxide in the stone. Rubies are most commonly red in color and very hard and durable. Synthetic rubies are difficult to distinguish and have the same rich look of real rubies. The ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. They have long been believed to symbolize love, beauty, charity, power, passion, and royalty.
Sapphire - Another one of the four most precious gemstones, sapphires are most associated with a deep blue color. Like rubies, sapphires are also members of the corundum family. Blue sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. It was once believed that the sapphire was the "gem of the sky" and that the earth was embedded in an enormous blue sapphire.
Sodalite - Sodalite is a rare, rich royal blue mineral that is widely enjoyed as an ornamental stone. Although massive sodalite samples are opaque, crystals are usually transparent to translucent. Sodalite is thought to be a stone of logic, rationality, and efficiency and is said to be helpful in healing breaches in communication. It is sometimes called a stone of truth and is believed to help end arguments or disagreements by bringing about a sense of honesty and stimulation of thought.
Tanzanite - This stone is a relatively new stone and is named after the place where it can be found, Tanzania, Africa. Over the years, Tanzanite has increased in popularity and has become more scarce as a result. Tanzanite comes in a brilliant, deep periwinkle or purple color. It is believed that the owner of tanzanite will have good luck and good fortune in their endeavors. It is also said that tanzanite is a good stone for changing one's mental views, beliefs and attitudes. Those who believe this say they have experienced more efficient ways of doing something and more effective goal planning.
Tiger's Eye - This popular stone is said to promote courage, energy, and luck. Tiger's eye is a usually rich yellow color with golden brown stripes and has a fine golden luster when polished. However, this stone also can be found in deep reds and blues. Tiger's Eye has been referred to as the "stone of perception" and is used for focusing the mind. It is said that Tiger's Eye offers protection during travel, strengthens convictions and confidence. This very warm stone is supposed to be beneficial for the weak and sick.
Topaz - Topaz is known as the stone of strength. The name topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire. Pure topaz is colorless, but topaz can be found in a wide variety of colors. Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November. Topaz is known as a spiritual rejuvenation gemstone. It is believed by some that topaz helps to balance emotions and calm passions. It has also been said to release tension and give feelings of joy.
Tourmaline - Tourmaline crystals are hexagonal, prismatic crystals that commonly have a rounded triangular cross section, striated lengthwise. Colors include blue, green, pink, red, yellow, brown, black, bi-colored, tri-colored, and colorless. Tourmaline may be found in Brazil, Russia, Burma, Afghanistan, Malagasy Republic, Maine, California. It is believed that these crystals protect the wearer against negativity while encouraging intellectual thought and vitality. It is also said to ground and center oneself and enhance feelings of security and stability. Green tourmaline is supposed to represent the life energy of plants and is especially good for those who garden and work with herbs.
Turquoise - This semiprecious stone is known for its true "Robin's Egg Blue" coloring. Turquoise was originally found in Turkey and can often be found in desert regions worldwide. It is a very porous stone that is usually coated with a protective layer to keep it from losing color or absorbing moisture. It is a stone that has been said to bring good fortune and happiness. It has been said that turquoise attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone. Turquoise is also a valuable amulet for travelers as it has been known to guard against violence and accidents.
Unakite - First discovered in the United States in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina, unakite is an altered granite composed of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and generally clear quartz. Unakite comes in various shades of greenish-olive and pinkish-coral and is considered a semiprecious stone when it is of good quality. The gemstone, Unakite, is said to balance out the emotions and encourage love. It is also considered to be a positive stone for enhancing self-assertiveness, power, control over situations and recovering from illnesses.
White Topaz - This is one of two birthstones for the month of April. The topaz is a colorless, blue, yellow, brown, or pink aluminum silicate mineral, often found in association with granitic rocks and valued as a gemstone, especially in the brown and pink varieties.The name topaz comes from the Sanskrit word for "fire". According to ancient lore, wearing a white topaz will bring endless positive benefits. It is supposed to increase the wearer's leadership abilities and alleviate stress.
Zircon - Zircon is known as a colorless stone and can be used to imitate diamonds. However, it can come in many different colors. Zircon is one of several birthstones for the month of December. It is a stone that has been said to relieve pain and ward off nightmares. It supposedly helps individuals become find a state of peace within themselves. Zircon is believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches.