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Jewellery / Semi- Precious Stones Explained

Gemstones

Gems are minerals with ornamental value. There are 3000 different minerals, but only 50 are commonly used as gemstones. Some are rare and unusual. 

Colour – the most striking property of most minerals. A mineral’s colour is caused by the way it absorbs light, impurities present or by variations in atomic structure or by structural defects in a crystal.

Green, Blue, Violet or Pink, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Colourless, White, Grey, Black, Multicoloured or Banded, Metallic.

Allochromatic gems – gems coloured by presence of trace elements or impurities are susceptible to colour enhancement or change. 

Iridescence - Reflection of light within the gemstone produces a rainbow effect called iridescence. 

Lustre – Lustre of a mineral is the way its surface reflects light. Lustre may be metallic, submetallic or non-metallic (glassy, brilliant, resin-like). The intensity of lustre may be described as splendent, shining, glistening or glimmering). A mineral with a rough, porous or lustreless surface is described as dull or earthy.

Hardness – Indicates how well it resists scratching or abrasion.

Romancing a stone

The mysterious appeal of gemstones with their natural beauty, durability, exquisite colour and play of light within them inspires beliefs in their supernatural origins and magical powers causing us to romance around them.

Over centuries the stones have gathered a wealth of history and associated with numerous myths and legends. Some stones are said to have special healing powers, to protect or give good luck.

Earliest humans sensed power trapped within stones and wore them as amulets to deflect negativity.

Since Greek and Roman times crystal balls have been used to see into the future.

Aztecs adorned the dead with turquoise to ensure speedy entry to the next world.

Medicine men in ancient tribes attest to the healing properties of the gems.

Crystal healing of today supplies healing energy from light reflected from the gems by placing them at vital nerve points. 

Birthstones

Ancient beliefs has prompted many cultures to associate gems with the signs of the zodiac for good luck. 

January – Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl

July - Ruby

August - Peridot

September - Sapphire

October - Opal

November - Topaz

December - Turquoise

Collecting Gems

Be it an expensive diamond, a piece of semi-precious stone jewellery or picking up a rock on a beach, collecting gemstone will give you hours of fascination and enjoyment. 

Semi-precious Stones used in Indiana’s Jewellery Collection

Agate – Quartz that occurs as nodular masses in cavities in volcanic rocks. When split open they reveal a distinct translucent curved banding with amazing colours (from the silica rich fluids) and patterns. Ancient man carried an Agate while gardening to ensure a bountiful crop. Worn to avoid envious thoughts and to remove spite. A truth amulet, worn to ensure favours from powerful persons. Given to children as a protective amulet. Found in Germany, Uruguay and Brazil.

Banded Agate – Agate with band like layers.

            Black Agate

            Black & White Agate

            Blue Lace Agate (Chalcedony) – Blue-banded fibrous Quartz

            Brown or Tawny Agate

            Coral Agate – Fossilised coral.           

Fire Agate (Chalcedony) – The iridescent oily rings of colour are caused by layers of iron oxide within the quartz. Found in Arizona and Mexico.

            Fortification Agate – when magnified, the parallel but angular bands resemble hill forts.

            Green Agate

            Lace Agate – Agate with twisting and turning bands.

            Landscape Agate – Iron oxides and hydroxides form tree-like inclusions to create a scenic landscape.

            Moss Agate (Chalcedony) – or Mocha Stone is translucent and colourless, pink, white or grey with dark moss or tree-like inclusions. Found in India, China and USA.

            Peace Agate – Colourless or white Agate.

            Pyrite Agate – Mixture of Chalcedony and Pyrite.

            Red Agate – Also known as blood Agate, with a natural red colour..

            Star Agate

            Tubular Agate – Agate with tube like inclusions.

            Water Agate – Agate nodule filled with water.

            Zebra Agate – Agate with black and white stripes.

Amazonite (a Microcline) – Microline, a form of alkali feldspar which may be colourless, white, yellow, pink, red, grey, green or blue-green. Amazonite (named after the Amazon River) is the bluish-green semi-opaque variety of Microcline. Its colour is due to the presence of lead and is most commonly used in jewellery. Worn by gamblers to attract money and luck or by anyone taking a chance to ensure success. Found in India, USA, Canada, USSR, Madagascar, Tanzania and Namibia. 

Amethyst (Quartz) – Amethyst is dichroic, showing a bluish or reddish purple tinge when viewed from different angles.  Has distinct tiger-stripe, thumb-prints or feather like inclusions. A stone worn to guard against drunkenness and to instil a sober and serious mind. Placed beneath pillow to ensure peaceful sleep, but not oversleep. Stone of peace, calms tempers and lends courage to wearer.   Found as geodes in Brazil, Srilanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, USA, Germany, Australia, Namibia and Zambia. Amethyst from Russia have a reddish tinge and Canadian Amethyst is violet.

          Amegreen or Prasiolite Amethyst – Violet-green crystal Quartz.

Ametrine (Quartz) – Crystals with part Citrine and part Amethyst are called Ametrine.

Aquamarine (Beryl) – The sea green or blue colour indicates the meaning sea water. Aquamarine is dichroic as it appears blue or colourless when viewed from different angles. A cleansing and purificatory stone which soothes and calms emotional problems. Stone of peace, joy and happiness an appropriate gift for a bridegroom to give his bride on the day of their nuptuals. Worn as a protective amulet while sailing or flying over water. Found in alluvial deposits of gravel in Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan and India. A dark blue variety is found in Madagascar. Care must be taken not to overheat the stones as they may become colourless.

Aventurine (Quartz) – Quartz containing inclusions of small crystals that reflect light.  Has a vitreous lustre. Green Aventurine has platy inclusions of green fuchsite mica. Brown Aventurine has pyrite inclusions. Greenish Brown Aventurine has goethite inclusions.  There are also bluish white, bluish green and orange varieties. Worn to increase perception, stimulate creativity and enhance intelligence. A good luck stone used as a popular gambler’s talisman. Found in Brazil, India, Russia, USA, Japan and Tanzania.

Bloodstone or Heliotrope (Chalcedony) – An opaque, dark green stone flecked with red spots and veins, due to the presence of iron oxides. Worn as a general health giving talisman and to lengthen lifespan. Found in India, Brazil, China, Australia and USA. 

In Germany Hematite is called Bloodstone, so this variety is called Bluestone.

Carnelian (Chalcedony) – A translucent, reddish-orange variety of chalcedony. Stones are uniformly coloured or faintly banded with shades of red due to presence of iron oxide. Thought to still anger and calm tempers. Worn by the timid and shy to bolster courage.

Chalcedony – A microcrystalline Quartz. Promotes peaceful feelings when held in the hand. Worn for success in all undertakings. Found in the USA. 

Chrysoberyl – Parallel fibres within the stone produces the cat’s-eye flash.

Chrysocolla – Held in the hand to drive off unreasonable fear. Worn to attract love. 

Chrysoprase (Chalcedony) – A translucent apple-green stone due to the presence of nickel. May fade in sunlight. A cheering stone, worn to lift emotions banish greed, eny, stress and tension. A lucky stone worn for eloquence, to ensure success in new undertakings, attracting new friends and shield against negativity. Found in Poland, Queensland, Russia, California, Brazil and Austria.

            Lemon Chrysoprase – Nickel magnesia and Chalcedony mixture.

Citrine (Quartz) – A quartz, yellow due to the presence of iron. A powerful cleansing stone, worn to remove fear and ensure a good night’s sleep. A happy stone of abundance that helps you hold on to wealth. Found in Brazil, Spain, Madagascar and USSR.  

Dalmation Stone or Aplite – Feldspar, Quartz and Pyroxene. Worn for stimulation and development.

Fluorite – A soft stone that is found in a wide range of colours including yellow, blue, pink, purple, green and multi-coloured. Worn to straighten thoughts and smooth emotions when depressed or angry. Found in Canada, USA, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, China, Poland, Norway and Germany. Pink crystals are found in Switzerland. A purple and blue, banded variety called Blue John is found in Derbyshire.

Garnet – Pyrope Garnet is derived from the Greek word meaning “fiery”. The blood red colour is due to iron and chromium content. Found in volcanic rock, in Arizona, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Burma, Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania.

Almandine Garnet is generally darker red than pyrope and may appear black or even pinkish red. Found in metamorphic rocks worldwide.

Slices of garnets have been used in church windows to disperse light. Said to cure melancholy and warm the heart. A protective stone, worn to repel negative energy.

Hematite – Iridescent opaque mass with metallic lustre, showing blood-red colour when cut into thin slices. Also called “Bloodstone” in Germany for this reason. A healing stone, in ancient times was used to protect wearer from bleeding. Found in North America, Brazil, Venezuela and England.  

Jade – Translucent variety is called Jadeite and the creamy variety is called Nephrite.

Jade is an overall good luck stone to attract wealth, not just financial, but a wealth of

friendship, health and happiness. Found in China, Myanmar, Italy, Russia, Middle East and USA.

            Black Jade – Frees from negative emotions.

            Blue or Blue-Green Jade – Peace and progress.

            Brown Jade – Grounding stone that brings comfort.

            Green Jade – Most common, harmonises dysfunctional relationships.  

            Lavender Jade – Jadeite with Manganese.

            Orange Jade – Energetic stone that brings joy.

            Red Jade – Associated with love.

            White Jade – Aids decision making.

            Yellow Jade – Energetic, stimulating stone.

Jasper (Chalcedony) – A fine-grained, opaque variety of chalcedony, which is a form of Quartz, occurring in shades of brown, greyish blue, red, yellow and green or in mixtures.  A protective stones against physical and non-physical dangers. Believed to protect against sight defects and drought. Red Jasper (colour due to iron oxide) is found in India and Venezuela. Mixed colours are found in USA. 

            Beige-brown or Bruneau Jasper – Worn for centering and grounding.

            Brecciated Jasper – Jasper with Chalcedony sealing. Rejuvenates and vitalises.

Green Jasper – Jasper with iron silicate. Worn as a healing talisman.

Iron Jasper – Jasper with Hematite. Increases stamina.

            Ivory Jasper – Microcrystalline, grainy Quartz. A cleansing stone, helps letting go of external thoughts.

            Landscape Jasper or Kalahari Picture Stone – A sandstone Quartz. Helps tirelessly make new attempts after failures.

            Orbicular Jasper or Ocean Jasper – Has white or grey eye shaped patterns surrounded by Red Jasper. Found in California.

Poppy Jasper – Brightly patterned Jasper. Brings cheerfulness and stimulates imagination.

            Rainbow Jasper – Multi-coloured Jasper..

            Red Jasper – Jasper with Hematite. Worn by young women to promote beauty and grace.

            Riband Jasper – is striped. Found in Russia, France and Germany.

            Turitella Jasper – Fossilised snails shells. Helps overcome feelings of guilt. 

            Vulvan Jasper – Jasper with Chalcedony and Hematite. Enhances one’s sixth sense for dangers.

            Yellow Japer – Jasper with Limnite. Promotes perseverance.

Labradorite – A coloured glittering feldspar, occurring in metamorphic and igneous rocks in orange, yellow, colourless and red. Reflection of light shows a play of colour within the gemstone producing a rainbow effect called iridescence, on the dark body colour. Sharpens intuition and enhances artistic talent.

            Spectrolite – Very colourful labradorite.

            White Labradorite or Rainbow Moonstone – Blue shining white Labradorite.

Lapis Lazuli – Distinctive royal blue rock with pyrite inclusions. Has timeless associations with kings and queens. Mask of Tutankhamun is made from Lapis Lazuli. An uplifting, spiritual stone, worn to protect from evil. A fidelity charm worn to strengthen bond between lovers. Found as boulders within limestone in Afghanistan, Argentina, USSR, USA and Chile.

            Spotted Lapis – Lapis Lazuli with Calcite.

Malachite – An opaque green mass with characteristic bands of light and dark green, due to the presence of copper. Malachite, a traveller’s guardian stone, worn to ward off danger and illness. Also a salespersons stone, increases ability to obtain good deals. Found worldwide, but mostly from Zaire.

Moonstone (Feldspar) – Moonstone is opalescent with a blue, white or pink sheen like the shine of the moon, after which it is named. Moon worshippers throughout the ages have used it in jewellery for intuition. Worn to renew or maintain a youthful appearance and attitude. Found in India, Srilanka and Australia. 

Obsidian – A natural glass formed by volcanic lava that cooled so quickly the minerals within did not have time to form. Usually black, but also found in brown, grey, red, blue and green colours. The colours may be uniform, striped or spotted. Inclusions give it a metallic sheen. A grounding and centering stone, which absorbs negative energy. Also worn for protection. Mostly found in Mexico.   

            Snowflake Obsidian – Internal bubble-like inclusions or crystals with feldspar produce a “snowflake effect”. A calming stone, worn for balance of mind, body and spirit.

            Gold sheen Obsidian – Gold iridescent volcanic glass.                       

Mahogany Obsidian – Brownish black volcanic glass.

            Rainbow Obsidian – Rainbow coloured iridescent volcanic glass. Absorbs negative energy and repels stress.

            Red Obsidian – The banding within caused by solidification of flowing lava.

            Silver sheen Obsidian – Silver iridescent volcanic glass.         

Smokey Obsidian or Apache Tear – Transparent volcanic glass.

Onyx or Black Chalcedony – A variety of chalcedony, formed by deposition of silica within gas cavities in lava. Onyx is similar to Agates, but the distinct banding is straight rather than curved. A protective stone worn when facing adversaries. Found worldwide.

Peridot – Gem quality of the mineral Olivine is called Peridot. Has an olive or bottle green colour due to the presence of iron. Has a distinct oily lustre. Attracts wealth and protects against “the evil eye”.  Found in Egypt, China, Burma, Brazil, Hawaii, Arizona, Australia, South Africa and Norway.

Petrified Wood or Agatized wood - is when fossilized wood has had its organic matter replaced by agate. Because of its antiquity, carried to increase lifespan. A protective amulet carried to deflect negativity and protect against drowning. Found in Arizona.

Phantom Quartz – Small “ghost” crystals encompassed within the main Clear Quartz crystal. Stimulates healing and used in meditation.

Pietersite – Helps in turbulent times and dissipates unpleasant feelings. Rare stone which was mined in Namibia for a short time. Mines had to shut down due to water shortage. 

Plasma (Chalcedony) – same as Bloodstone, but with yellowish spots and veins. Found in Zimbabwe.

Quartz – Pure crystalline Quartz is colourless and glass-clear.

If it contains traces of iron, it takes on a deep violet colour and is called Amethyst.  

Traces of manganese or titanium results in a pink variety called Rose Quartz.

Exposure to radioactivity at great depths changes it to a brown variety called Smokey Quartz.

            Clear Quartz or Quartz Crystal– A colourless, transparent rock crystal. The name “quartz” comes from the Greek word “krustallos” meaning “ice”. Since the Middle Ages crystal balls made of rock crystals have been used to predict the future. Powerful healing stone also used for meditation. Found in Brazil, Swiss and French Alps, Madagascar, USSR and USA. 

            Blue Quartz – A stone worn for peace and tranquillity.

            Green Quartz – Worn to stimulate creativity and increase wealth.

            Iris Quartz – looks similar to Fire Agate (Chalcedony), but this iridescence is caused by internal cracks.

            Lavender Quartz

Milky Quartz – Milky white or cream colour is from inclusions of gas and liquid bubbles. Found in Siberia, Brazil, Madagascar, USA and Namibia.

            Prase Quartz or Buddstone – Coarse Quartz with silicate inclusions.

Rhodochrosite – this fine grained, rock with red and pink bands gets its colour from manganese. Worn to lend extra energy during times of extreme physical activity. Found in Argentina where it is also called “Inca Rose” and from USA.

Rhodonite – The name comes from “Rhodos” the Greek God for rose. Usually opaque to translucent, has a distinctive pink or rose red colour with black veins. Worn to remain calm and cast off confusion. Found in Russia, Sweden, Australia

Rose Quartz – A pink Quartz due to the presence of titanium, usually cloudy or cracked. Worn to attract love and open the heart chakra. Promotes peace, happiness and fidelity in established relationships. Found in pegmatites in Madagascar, Brazil, Scotland, USSR, Colorado and Spain.

Rutilated Quartz or Sagenite - Quartz with needle like rutile crystals. An energy stone. Found in Madagascar, Brazil, South Africa, Indi, Srilanka, Germany and Switzerland.

Smokey Quartz – Crystal Quartz, exposed to radioactivity at great depths changes to a brown variety called Smokey Quartz. A grounding stone, worn as a mood elevator. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, Swiss Alps, Colorado, Australia and Spain.

            Caingorm - Brown Smokey Quartz from Caingorm Mountains in Scotland is called Caingorm.

Morion – Dark to black crystal Quartz is called Morion.

Staurolite – Opaque, cross-shaped stone formed by twinned crystals. “Cross-stones” have been used as amulets in religious jewellery. Found in Switzerland, Germany, USSR, USA, Brazil, France and Scotland.

Sunstone – A form of feldspar associated with the sun, has sparkly, bright metallic inclusions.  Worn to spread protective energy. Mostly comes from India.

Tiger’s Eye – A chatoyant quartz with inclusions of crocidolite (blue asbestos) that causes a “cat’s eye” effect known as chatoyancy. Tiger’s Eye is black, with iron oxide staining that gives the stripes. Roman soldiers wore Tiger’s Eye for protection during battle. A protective stone that creates courage and confidence. Found in South Africa. Hawk’s Eye Chatoyant Quartz is found in Australia and USA. Cat’s Eye Chatoyant Quartz is found in Srilanka and India.

Tourmaline (Quartz) - Transparent when viewed from side to side and opaque from either end. When rubbed, creates friction and becomes positive on one end (lights straws) and negative the other. A grounding stone worn to repel negativity, promote self-confidence and diminish fear. Found in Srilanka, Brazil, Africa, USA, Western Australia, Afghanistan and Italy.

            Black Tourmaline (Quartz) or Schorl is Quartz penetrated by black Tourmaline crystals. This opaque stone is an iron-rich form of Tourmaline.

Blue Tourmaline or Indicolite – Worn for peace and to de-stress.

            Green Tourmaline – Worn for success in business and stimulate creativity.

            Pink Tourmaline – Worn to draw love and friendship.

            Red Tourmaline or Rubellite – Worn for courage and strengthen will power.

            Watermelon Tourmaline (Quartz) – bi-coloured Tourmaline crystals with a red and pink centre and green rim or vice versa is called Watermelon Tourmaline. A love attracting stone. Bi-coloured Tourmalines are found in 15 different colours or shades. Found in South Africa, East Africa and Brazil.

Turquoise – One of the first gemstones to be mined. Colour varies from sky blue to green depending on quantities of iron and copper within. Turquoise is opaque to semi-translucent, has a waxy lustre, light, fragile and porous. Thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colour. Horse riders wear Turquoise to protect from falls. Given as a gift, said to bestow wealth and happiness upon receiver. Sky blue turquoise is from Persia. Greener variety found in Mexico, USA, USSR, Chile, Australia and Cornwall.

Unakite or Epidote Feldspar – Crystals are yellow, green or dark brown. When polished or tumbled, it is called Unakite. Helps overcome setbacks and not to derogate oneself. Dark green crystals found in Austria and French Alps. Also found in USSR, Italy, Mozambique and Mexico.

Organic Gems

Amber – Amber is fossilized resin of coniferous trees. Most Amber is golden yellow to golden orange, but green, red, violet and black Amber has been found. Transparent to translucent, amber may contain insects, moss, pine needles and so on trapped several millions of years ago. Air bubbles make it cloudy, but heating in oil can clear this. When rubbed against wool or silk, Amber produces a negative electric charge that gathers dust. Its old Greek name was “electron” from which the word “electricity” was derived. Since it was once a living substance, it is associated with longevity. Worn to enhance beauty and general attractiveness, to attract companionship and stimulate happiness. 

Ambroid – Scraps of Amber heated and pressed together.

Burmite – Burmese Amber

Succinite – Baltic Amber washed from the seabed that may reach as far as England, Norway and Denmark.

Simetite – Sicilian Amber.

Coral – Made of the skeletal remains of marine animals called coral polyps. Red, pink, white and blue varieties of Coral are made of calcium carbonate. Coral comes from the Greek word meaning “daughter of the sea”. Black and golden corals are made of horn-like material called conchiolin. Red coral, mostly used in jewellery is dull, but has a vitreous lustre when polished. They have a distinctive striped or wood grain patterning. Coral is sensitive to heat and acids and can fade with wear. Coral is given to the newborn and children for protection. Red and pink Coral is from Japan, Mediterranean and African coasts. Japan also has white Coral. Black and gold Coral is found in West Indies, Australia and Pacific Islands. Blue coral is found around Philippines. 

Mother-of-Pearl – The large Pearl oysters, Abalones (Paua) and topshells (Trochidae) are prized for their lining of the shell (Mother of Pearl), with blue & purple iridescence on the surface. Abalones are found in USA. Paua shells are found in New Zealand.

Pearl – Formed in shellfish, especially oysters and mussels as a natural defence against an irritant. Light reflecting from these layers of aragonite produce an iridescent lustre. Pearls were thought to be tears of the gods. In cultured pearls an irritant is introduced to initiate formation of a pearl. In a “nucleated” cultured pearl a small bead is introduced as the nucleus. Pearls vary in colour from white, white with a hint of pink, to brown or black depending on the type of mollusc. Pearls are sensitive to acids, dryness and humidity. Natural Pearls are harvested in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Manaar and the Red Sea. Cultured Pearls mainly come from Polynesia and Australia. Japan and China cultivate freshwater and saltwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls are also found in rivers of Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany and Mississippi.