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Rhapsody in Chalcedony

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Gemstone Information

Gemstone Information

Gemstones of the Months (Birthstones):
• January: Garnet, Rose Quartz
• February: Amethyst, Onyx
• March: Tourmaline, Blood Jasper
• April: Sapphire, Diamond, Rock Crystal
• May: Emerald, Chrysophase
• June: Pearl, Moonstone
• July: Ruby, Carnelian
• August: Onyx, Sardonyx
• September: Peridot
• October: Aquamarine, Opal
• November: Topaz, Tiger’s Eye
• December: Zircon, Turquoise

The stones I use most often are profiled below. The information comes
from the books Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann, and The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian.

Amazonite: An opaque blue-green mineral whose name derives from the Amazon River in Brazil, Amazonite is a stone of harmony, truth and communication. It is believed to aid in gaining clarity of one’s personal truth and communicating that truth in the world.

Amethyst: A member of the quartz family, the name of this stone comes from a Greek word meaning “not drunken.” Color varies from pale to deep purple. Amethyst assists in the understanding the root causes of imbalance and disease; it is a counter to addictive behavior and thought patterns. It is a stone of protection and purification. For green Amethyst, see Prasiolite below.

Apatite: A mineral whose name is derived from the Greek word meaning “to deceive,” apatite can appear in many colors and be mistaken for other stones. I primarily use green apatite, which actually is an intense, clear blue-green. This variant is known for stimulating hope and courage, and can also be considered an abundance stone.

Aquamarine: A pale blue or blue-green member of the beryl family, aquamarine means “water from the sea.” Once believed to be the treasure of mermaids, sailors carried the translucent stone as a talisman of luck and protection. Aquamarine is calming and cooling; it allows communication to proceed without the baggage of the past. It possesses a deep cleansing energy as well.

Aventurine: A member of the quartz family, aventurine can be green, blue or an earthy red. The opaque green variety is a stone of growth and confidence as well as zest for life. Red aventurine is also a stone of vitality but with a greater emphasis on the physical, one’s sexual energy, and creativity.

Carnelian: A variety of chalcedony (see below), carnelian can vary in shade from a milky cream to a deep, brownish red-orange. In ancient times, warriors carried the stone for courage. Modern interpretations of the stone focus more on it’s potential to increase sexual energy and motivate confidence and action.

Chalcedony: A silicon dioxide variety of Quartz, chalcedony can be found in a variety of milky, mostly opaque colors. The most popular is blue chalcedony, a stone of calm and balance; it is an excellent stone for a chronic worrier.

Citrine: The name for Citrine derives from the French citron, meaning “lemon;” it is a transclucent quartz stone with color variation from the palest yellow to a deep amber. The stone is structurally almost identical to Amethyst; the heating of amethyst will produce Citrine. Citrine is a stone of abundance and manifestation – the ability to makes things happen. Natural citrine is considered to have a stronger energy than the heated variety.

Garnet: Typically thought of as deep red, garnet occurs in many varieties and colors. This translucent aluminum silicate stone was named after the Latine word granatum which means “pomegranate.” There are several types of garnet: grossular (usually a grainy earthy green), spessartine (yellowish-orange), black andradite (black) and the two I typically use: rhodolite and almandine garnet. Rhodolite varies in color from rose red to pale purple and brings emotional healing and help in finding one’s spiritual path. Alamandine garnet’s color is orange-red to purplish red and is a source of strength and security.

Iolite: Named for its’ characteristic violet color, Iolite is a silicate mineral with the promise of inner vision. It is a stone of creativity and the muse. It is also a stone that calms and promotes the healing of long-ago wounds.

Jet: A somewhat soft stone, jet is a black or deep brown variety of coal. In Victorian England, Jet was widely used in mourning jewelry. Jet is believed to protect one from negative energy and purify one’s aura.

Kyanite: While the stone can occur in a variety of colors, the variety of kyanite I use is primarily a deep indigo, sometimes streaked with golden tones. It is considered helpful for lucid dreaming as well as connecting with nature and increasing empathy.

Labradorite: A type of feldspar, labradorite is named for the Labrador peninsula in Canada, where the stone was first discovered. Labradorite has a beautiful play of color, with flashes of green, blue, gold, and violet within its’ typical smoky gray color. Labradorite is a stone of magic and adventure; its’ hidden rainbow aids in the purification of one’s energy and in the acquisition of knowledge.

Lapis Lazuli: A sodium aluminum silicate stone that can include veins of calcite or pyrite, Lapis Lazuli was used by the ancient Egyptians for scarabs and decoration of King Tut’s sarcophagus. It is therefore unsurprising Lapis is considered a stone of royalty. Lapis is believed to be a powerful ally for those seeking spiritual guidance and enhanced self-awareness.

Moonstone: Moonstone is a feldspar mineral named for it’s moonlike sheen. Moonstone can vary in color but I typically use the more clear rainbow moonstone or the milky white variety that is touched with a flash of iridescence. Moonstone manifests feminine energies: white moonstone magnifies emotion and connects to the moon, while rainbow moonstone deflects negativity and eases trauma.

Onyx: A variant of chalcedony (see above), the black onyx seen in jewelry is frequently dyed. It is a stone of inner strength, endurance and persistence. Onyx aids in will-power and self-discipline and has a steadying influence.

Peridot: Peridot’s distinctive green color is caused by iron and can vary in shade from olive to lime. Peridot is believed to harness the energy of the sun; it is a stone of warmth and well-being. In addition, it is a stone of abundance and financial well-being.

Prasiolite/Green Amethyst: Prasiolite is a member of the quartz family that begins as a type of purple amethyst and is changed to a soft, pale green by heat. Having been transformed, this stone represents what can be accomplished in self-transformation. The faceted prasiolite I use is more focused than the raw stone and can also awaken the heart.

Prehnite: This pale yellow-green stone contains calcium and is only semi-transparent. It is believed to quiet restlessness and worry; prehnite helps one to focus on the present moment. It is a stone of nuture and balance.

Quartz: One of the most abundant minerals in nature, quartz is found in many colors. Quartz helps to transform mechanical energy into electromagnetic energy, thus it is used in some watches, radio transmitters and microphones. Quartz is also the principal component of manmade glass.
- Clear: Sometimes called Rock Crystal, clear quartz is thought to possess great energy and light; in addition, quartz is considered to be “programmable.” Unlike most stones that carry fixed properties, one can set an intent with clear crystal. It also embodies clarity.
- Rose: So named for its pink hue, rose quartz can range from opaque to transparent. It is a stone of love and emotional healing.
- Smoky: Pale to deep brown, smoky quartz is an earthy, grounding stone. It enhances practicality and organization and clears out negativity.

Tanzanite: A member of the Zoisite family, tanzanite is typically blue to blue-violet, and was discovered in Tanzania, Africa – hence the name. Tanzanite is considered a stone of truth and is believed to help unite the heart and mind.

Topaz: The origin of the name Topaz is not certain – it may be from Topazos, which means “to seek” or from the Sanskrit word tapaz, which means “fire.” It is most often seen in white (colorless), gold, and blue.
- White: White topaz is actually colorless. It is a stone of magnification, and can magnify any intent. It is also a stone of truth and intuition.
- Golden: Also a magnifier of intent, golden topaz is more grounded. It can help us clarify our intent and increase our creativity.
- Blue: This variety of topaz can help magnify mental energies, enhancing verbal skills, attention span and concentration.

Tourmaline: This aluminum borosilicate stone is found in an incredibly broad range of colors – many shades of red, pink, yellow, brown, black, green, blue, and violet. The name originiates from the Sinhalese turamali, meaning “something small from the earth.” Information on the most commonly used colors follow.
- Black: Belived to help to mute and purify negative energy, black tourmaline aids in releasing negative thoughts, anxiety and worry.
- Pink: Pink tourmaline can vary widely in shade and transparency. Regardless of these factors, pink tourmaline possesses a soft, soothing energy and is considered a source of comfort. It is believed to encourage love and healing.
- Green: Considered a premier stone for self-healing, green tourmaline strengthens the heart and increases vitality.

Turquoise: A copper aluminum phosphate mineral, turquoise is an ancient stone with beads dating back to 5000 B.C. Since these times, turquoise has been believed to help one find wholeness and truth; this stone represents the wisdom that comes from life’s experiences. Natural turquoise can vary from intense blue to green, and can be seen with or without the characteristic veining. Some of the finest turquoise in the world comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona and is unusually blue and free of veins.

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