Stones and Metals

From the earliest known times through present day, the earth's stones and metals have held a combination of beauty, mystery and magic.  They are believed to contain various energies that can either, heal, harm, protect, increase psychic awareness, or help or attain some of the things we desire. Here is a list of some of the more commonly used gemstones and metals found in jewellery and what properties they are known for.

Amazonite is a variety of feldspar that ranges in colour from mint green to bluish-green. It is said to attract success in financial matters, which is why some gamblers wear the stone or keep it in their pocket to ensure winning hands. It also aids in communication and creativity, and promotes psychic awareness.

Aventurine is a form of quartz and is considered an all-around good luck stone that attracts money, peace, healing and happiness. Due to its money-attracting power, gamblers carry it to increase their winnings, and merchants sometimes keep a stone of it tucked within their money. 
Agate is a form of silica whose colourful, grainy look makes it take many forms with many names. It is said to protect and guard against sorcery and evil. Centuries ago, warriors wore agate when engaging in battle to protect them from serious injury and promote courage, strength and bravery. 

Alexandrite is a very rare, colour-changing expensive gemstone that is said to bring good luck, love and make a person more peaceful. The alexandrite is the traditional birthstone for the month of June, however due to its rarity and price it has been replaced by the pearl. It is associated with zodiac sign of Gemini, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary.

Amber is not a gemstone at all, but rather fossilized tree resin from trees that lived millions of years ago. Its colour ranges from a honey yellow, to a golden brown, to green, and it can sometimes contain plants and insects. Used primarily as an amulet in magic, it is thought to bring luck, strength, protection and love.

Amethyst is a purple gemstone that comes from the quartz family. It attracts peace, happiness and love, promotes courage, and is said to banish bad dreams if placed under your pillow before you go to sleep at night. In ancient times, an amethyst set in silver was given to a woman by her lover to ensure their love for eternity. The amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February, is associated with zodiac sign of Aquarius, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary.

Aquamarine is a gemstone from the beryl family that ranges in colour from a very pale blue, to a sky blue, to a greenish-blue.  It is named after the sea because legend has it that mermaids gave the stone to sailors right before a storm to protect them from the treacherous weather. Aquamarine is also said to enhance psychic powers, and promote courage and peace. It is the birthstone for the month of March, is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their nineteenth wedding anniversary.

Azurite is a deep blue copper mineral that has long been used in magic to increase psychic powers. It is said to have healing powers that help maintain good mental and physical health. 

Bloodstone is generally a mix of green jasper with red inclusions of hematite showing through. It is a popular stone with athletes because it is said to promote courage, increase physical strength and bring victory.

Blue Lace Agate is a calming gemstone that promotes happiness and peace. It is helpful to gaze at it during stressful situations and keep it visible on your workstation.

Blue Topaz ranges in colour from a pale blue to a deep peacock blue and is a symbol of love and affection.  It is also said to promote healing, increase one's strength, and protect the wearer.  Blue topaz is used as a birthstone for the month of December, is associated with zodiac sign of Sagittarius, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary.

Brass is a very powerful metal that is said to attract money and prosperity. It was also worn to defend one against dark magic and direct the negative energy back to the sender.

Carnelian is a translucent, orange-coloured stone that is part of the quartz family. It promotes peace, harmony and courage, and counteracts negative thoughts or spells. During Renaissance times, a carnelian, engraved with a symbol of a sword or warrior, was placed in the home to guard against lightning and storms. When worn as an amulet, it protects the wearer against enchantment spells. The carnelian is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their seventeenth wedding anniversary.

Chalcedony is a variety of quartz whose most popular colours range from white to grey to blue. It is known as the "anti-nightmare" stone because if worn to bed, it drives away nightmares and the fear of the dark. In addition, it is also used in calming depression and sadness.

Chrysocolla is a brightly coloured stone of either blue or green stone that grows in conjunction with quartz.  It is a stone of the Goddess that empowers female energies, promotes peace and gentleness, and soothes the emotions.

Chrysoprase, with its pretty apple green colour, is considered a happy stone. It lifts the emotions and promotes happiness, luck and friendship. Chrysoprase is one of the gemstone gifts of choice for those celebrating their eighteenth wedding anniversary. 

Citrine is a golden gemstone that radiates positive, healing energy that also promotes psychic awareness, clarity and creativity. The citrine is used as an alternative birthstone for the month of November, is associated with zodiac sign of Scorpio, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their thirteenth wedding anniversary.

Clear Quartz Crystal is considered one of the most powerful stones when it comes to promoting psychic visions and healing physical ailments.  It is sometimes called the Witch's Mirror because it is believed you can view the future by gazing into a piece of crystal, hence the mystical crystal ball sometimes used in fortune-telling. American Indians believe it to be so powerful that they embed a piece of it on the top of their ceremonial wands. Crystal is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.

Coral, although not a stone, is used frequently in jewellery and promotes protection and healing. It is often used in magical spells to ease many illnesses of the body and cure nervousness and depression.

Copper is a very powerful metal that directs energy, both electrical and physical and acts as an aide in the body's healing process. 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and not because it is a love stone. These glittering beauties are the hardest gemstones on earth, and are worn to ensure fidelity, promote self-confidence in relations with the opposite sex, and promote strength. The diamond is the birthstone for the month of April, is associated with zodiac sign of Aries, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

​Emerald is considered one of the world’s most precious gemstones, and it comes from the beryl family. This stone works with your mental powers on both the conscious and subconscious level, and you can charge it with your need through visualization. It is most helpful when trying to bring love or wealth into your life. The emerald is the birthstone for the month of May, is associated with zodiac sign of Taurus, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversary.

Fluorite is a widely occurring soft mineral that is sometimes used as a soft gemstone in jewellery. It is considered a “helping” stone that clears jumbled thoughts to gain a better perspective, and strengthens the powers of other stones it is worn with.

Fossil Stones are carved from the surrounding stones of million year old fossils. They protect the wearer from harm and increase the longevity of life because, since it once contained a living thing, its energy amplifies the wearer's energy. 

Garnet is most commonly found as a deep red stone that encourages abundant love and protects the wearer from harm, especially from travelling.  Centuries ago, garnets were exchanged by parting friends and lovers to ensure that they would remain safe during their travels and meet again. The garnet is the birthstone for the month of January, is associated with zodiac sign of Capricorn, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their second wedding anniversary.

Gold is the most magically potent of all metals. It increases personal power, promotes success and wealth, and has been linked to divinity for ages. Gold is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Hematite is a black to steel grey coloured grounding stone that produces a calming effect on the body and helps balance tension, worry and stress. 

Howlite is a white stone with grey veining, making look a bit like marble, that absorbs stress and tension and fosters creativity.

Iolite is a violet-blue gemstone that is said to steer you in the right direction when traveling. Centuries ago, Vikings used iolite as a type of compass because it indicated the direction of the Sun on overcast days. Iolite is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twenty-first wedding anniversary.

Jade is an ornamental gemstone that is actually two stones, nephrite and jadeite, both of which are used in jewellery and referred to as jade. For centuries it has been a love-attracting stone, and was given as an engagement gift from a man to a woman before their wedding in China. It is also believed to promote wisdom, balance and peace and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twelfth wedding anniversary.

Jasper is one of the most commonly found gemstones and it comes in a wide range of colours. Although the various types all have different properties, the traits that all jasper has in common is that it keeps us more present in our own physical bodies and attuned to nature, as well as brings protection and good fortune to the wearer.

Jet is also known as "witch's amber" because many who practice Wicca wear it. It is formed from the wood of fossilized trees that existed millions of years ago. Jet is considered a protection stone that also promotes luck, health and divination.

Kunzite is a gemstone whose colour ranges from light pink to a violet pink, that induces relaxation, relieves stress and brings inner peace.  

Kyanite is said to exhibit a certain "light" that attracts angels and spirit guides, is used mainly in healing and promoting psychic powers.

Lapis Lazuli is a combination of calcite, lazurite and pyrite that promotes love, protection and courage. Although it is generally associated with kings and queens because it was used to adorn many pieces of royal jewellery, it is also considered a spiritual stone that radiates peace. Lapis

lazuli and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary.

Malachite is an extremely powerful metaphysical gemstone that is often called the “stone of transformation” because of its deep energy cleaning bringing healing and positive transformation to the wearer. It also promotes peace, love, protection and success in business ventures. Many legends say the stone detects impending danger and will break into pieces to warn its wearer of a dangerous time ahead.

Moonstone is most commonly known for its bluish-white shimmer that resembles the moon, although they are also found in grayish-black, peach, white, and blue. It is a love-drawing stone that also promotes psychic powers, and it is most effective when worn during the waxing Moon. Moonstone is used as an alternative birthstone for the month of June, is associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their third wedding anniversary.

Moss Agate is called the gardener's amulet due to its green markings that resemble moss or trees. It increases energy for healing purposes and can be worn to discover hidden treasures.

Mother of Pearl is not actually a gemstone, but rather comes from the inner lining of sea shells. It brings protection, relieves stress and stimulates our intuition. It is also considered to bring a person wealth if they wrapped a silver coin and mother of pearl in a dollar bill and anointed it with seawater. Mother of pearl is the jewellery gift of choice for those celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Obsidian is a grounding stone that brings both peace and strong protection against negativity. It is often used to sort out jumbled thoughts and calm the subconscious mind.

Onyx is a strong protection stone that absorbs and transforms negative energy. At one time, onyx was thought to imprison demons that would come out at night and encourage nightmares. Onyx is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary.

Opal is a gemstone that is considered a stone of sorrow and misfortune to the wearer, other than those who have it as their birthstone. However, it is also believed to be a stone that brings out one's inner beauty, and helps develop psychic powers. Opals are the traditional birthstone for the month of October, are associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, and are the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their fourteenth wedding anniversary.

Pearls, which are formed from the build up of nacre around a piece of shell that irritates the inside of a mollusk or oyster, symbolize both the moon and water. They either bring good or bad luck, depending upon what you believe. Those who believe they are good luck say they attract love, money and protection, and give the wearer a sense of calmness, and promote faith and loyalty. Those who believe they are bad luck, say the wearer or owner of the pearl will have a heavy debt to pay in life because the pearl is taken from a living oyster which must be killed in order to remove its precious treasure. Pearls are one of the birthstones for the month of June, are associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini, and are the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary.

Peridot is grass-green gemstone used in healing ailments and bringing monetary wealth. It is most effective when set in gold and worn as an amulet, where it also provides protection to the wearer and promotes friendship. The peridot is used as the birthstone for the month of August, is associated with zodiac sign of Leo, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their sixteenth wedding anniversary.

Rhodocrosite is a beautiful pink stone that promotes peace, love and luck. It is said to energize the soul, lift depression and open the heart.

Rose Quartz is widely known as the “romance stone” because it attracts love and friendship. It also promotes peace, happiness and fidelity in established relationships. Rose quartz is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary

Ruby is actually the same mineral and chemical composition as a sapphire. Impurities in their joint mineral, corundum, is what determines which stone it is. Rubies are said to guard you against negativity in any form, and promote generosity, creativity and wisdom in the wearer. The ruby is used as the birthstone for the month of July, is associated with zodiac sign of Cancer, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

Sapphire is the second hardest gemstone after a diamond, which is why they are a popular choice to be set in non-traditional engagement rings. These stones are considered a guardian of love that promotes fidelity and attunes the feelings between lovers. In addition, they also are known to heal the body, promote psychic awareness, and bring inner peace. The sapphire is used as the birthstone for the month of September, is associated with zodiac sign of Virgo, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary.

Serpentine is an olive green gemstone that has strong healing capabilities. It is also called the “camper's stone” because it is known for its protective qualities against poisonous creatures such as snakes and spiders, as well troublesome reptiles and insects. 

Silver is called the Moon's metal. It helps in attracting love, aids in strengthening psychic powers and protects the wearer against evil. Sterling silver is also given as the jewellery gift of choice for those celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

Sodalite is a blue gemstone streaked with white veins that is all about logic, truth and inner peace. It is a meditative stone that heals emotional related diseases, nervousness and stress.

Staurolite, also know as a Fairy Cross or Cross Stone because they naturally form a cross shape, are generally considered a protection stone against negativity, disease and accidents. They also have a soothing energy that relieves stress, anxiety and fear.

Sugilite is an expensive, dense purplish stone that is used for healing, spirituality and to increase psychic ability.

Sunstone is a sparkling, reflective stone, that promotes protection and is also known to lend the wearer extra physical energy.

Tanzanite is a stone of transmutation where its colour can shift from a lilac blue, to a sapphire blue, to a deep violet blue. Its energy invites protection and promotes psychic power. Tanzanite is also given as the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twenty-fourth wedding anniversary.

Tiger Eye is a gemstone that promotes wealth, good luck, and strength, and is said to protect the wearer. Roman soldiers would wear tiger's eye engraved with special symbols for protection during battles. Tiger eye is also given as one of the gemstone gifts of choice for those celebrating their eighteenth wedding anniversary.

Tourmaline has as many attributes as colours with the most common colours being pink, green and black. They are said to attract love and friendship, monetary success, protect against negative energy, and inspire creativity. The pink tourmaline is used as one of the birthstones for the month of October, is associated with zodiac sign of Libra, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary.

Turquoise is a gemstone that is a very sacred stone to many American Indian tribes. It protects against all evils and dangers, and is a valuable amulet for a traveller to wear. If it is given as a gift, it bestows wealth, happiness, and good fortune upon the receiver. Turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December, is associated with zodiac sign of Sagittarius, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their eleventh wedding anniversary.

Unakite is actually from the jasper family that heals the soul and helps transform one’s higher self.  It is a stone that balances the emotions through love, compassion and kindness.

White Topaz is a gemstone with colourless energy that purifies the soul and brings awareness to one’s deeds and thoughts. It also promotes strength, eases communication and facilitates self expression. White topaz is the alternative birthstone for the month of April, and is associated with zodiac sign of Aries. 

Yellow Topaz, also known as golden topaz, is a gemstone that helps manifest your intentions while aligning with Divine will. It also attracts love and personal power, and is said to keeps nightmares at bay when placed under a pillow at night. Many years ago, it was believed that if you wore topaz it had the power to make you invisible. Yellow topaz is used as one of the birthstones for the month of October, is associated with zodiac sign of Libra, and is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twenty-third wedding anniversary.

Zircon is one of the oldest minerals found on earth and comes in a variety of colours. It promotes beauty, love, peace, protection and healing. Zircon is the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their twenty-second wedding anniversary.