Blue, brown, gray. Agates are the workhorse of the stone world, always stable and reliable. They promote peace, grace, good health, happiness, good luck, intelligence, victory in games, and longevity. One who looks upon an agate tells the truth and is aided in remembering. Agates are grounding and gentle, for they are protection stones. They enforce strength, victory, and ground you with the earth. They sharpen sight, illuminate minds and assist in discovery.

The Banded Agates have layers of agatized quartz, giving the appearance of bands or stripes. Strong protectors, reinforcing your strength, and providing protection if you are sensitive. Banded Agate helps one to obtain extra courage in the face of adversity or energy to face stress.

Protection for the super-sensitive (especially in crowds). Strengthens sexual energy. It can ease the pain of loneliness, help with emotional understanding, and liberate mental feelings. It is thought to strengthen the immune system.

Aids attitudes - eases depression and despair. Their energy is circular and flowing. Lace agates do not protect, they encourage and support.

Wear or carry for peace and happiness. Calms the emotions and mind, for it washes away mental clutter. It is thought to work on the thyroid. Brings balance and attunement to the senses.

Adds to your happiness by helping you to balance your attitude.

They appear to have "growing plants" inside, and can be found as red, green, fern, plume, and the white and green tree agates. A good "cleanser" for almost any cause, for they clear not only your personal energy system, but also strengthen in times of stress. A good aura protector which can neutralize fear and free the mind. Stimulates universal love, and contacts with spirit guides or unseen entities. It can help with connection to the Earth and the land; therefore it is a popular gardener's talisman.

A popular Southwestern stone that has a fiery red, grass-like plumage that shoots through the stone like a sunburst. Encourages creative visualization, and it can aid in keeping focused.

One of the most powerful protective stones for travel for it can prevent you from getting fatigued or having an accident when traveling down the highway. Put one in your suitcase or car. Carry in your pocket or purse when traveling by air.

(named for Czar Alexander) Alexandrite is very rare and extremely expensive. It is a greenish from of Chrysoberyl and its color changes with the angle of viewing and the type of light. Alexandrite is the best known example of a gemstone that changes color depending upon the light it is viewed under. It is thought to aid in internal and external regeneration, and have a positive influence on the nervous system, spleen, and pancreas. Alexandrite helps to align the mental and emotional being. Use Alexandrite in workings involving spiritual transformation and regeneration. It is also used for healing, balancing, centering, and to boost self-esteem.

White, pale green-blue (also called Microline and "Hope Stone") A feldspar mineral that aids in managing daily stress by dispelling fear and worry. Soothing to the central nervous system, it is also a very relaxing stone. Use it to handle anguish and anger for it promotes a very pacifying subtle energy. ** Avoid using Lodestone with Amazonite. The Lodestone will take out the universal life force of the Amazonite.

Orange, honey-colored to chalky yellow. Amber is known to mineralogists as succinite, from the Latin succinum, which means juice. It is made up of fossilized conifer (tree) resin from millions of years ago. Heating amber will soften it and eventually it will burn, and it can be scratched easily so be careful of how you carry it if you own a valuable piece. (There is a lot of fake Amber being sold) Balls of amber were used to remove lint from clothing because of the ability to generate static electricity by rubbing - (not magic related, but interesting). Amber beads have been found in 4000 year old graves near Stonehenge, England. Amber possesses intense magnetic energy, and can be carried, worn, burned for incense, or rubbed for its soothing qualities. To tell a real Amber from Plastic Forgeries - scroll to bottom of page.

Light lavender to deep purple. Amethyst has been given more honor by the Ancients than any other semi precious stone. Popular among the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, English and even Jewish Priests wore it to symbolize spiritual power. It was their number one choice in stones on their identity breast plates. Amethyst opens up spirituality and second sight. Wear it to get in touch with your own intuition, feelings, and values. Use Amethyst to help fight against temptation to over indulge. It is a good stone to use as an aid in meditation and to lift your spirits. Amethyst is also used to attract love, good luck, and be a protector against negative sorcery. Amethyst's astrological associations are Aries and Aquarius.

Pale blue to blue-green. The name means "water of the sea", which is what the Romans called it. Aquamarine has a very calming, soothing effect on the nervous system. It is the perfect stone to wear when traveling over water. This stone is associated with Sea Goddesses, and it is used for increasing psychic abilities. Aquamarine has been used for relief of stomach disorders, as a diuretic, and it has also been used for toothaches. Aquamarine should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Cloudy, milky white, orange. Aids in clearing the senses. Thoughts and emotions will be defined.

(also called "Indian Jade") Light to dark green. Aventurine can be found in South America, Russia and India. It is a quartz-like rock and the color range is: green, blue, orange, and red. It sometimes contains crystals of Mica which give the stone a metallic iridescence. Aventurine is considered to be an opportunity stone, often used as a gambler's amulet for it is believed to bring money and luck. It is often associated with healing diseases of the eyes.

(also called "Stone of Heaven") A healing stone that can bring balance to the heart and mind. It is thought to augment opportunities and motivation, and is a prosperity stone. Along with increasing psychic powers, it stimulates creativity and expression.

Blue-green to dark blue. Azurite is usually found in Copper deposits, and it is often found mixed with Malachite. Use it for insight, to clear your thoughts, and to obtain mental control over your emotions and reactions. Azurite is associated with divination. It is a good rubbing stone just like Amber.

(also called Heliotrope) Dark green with red flecks. Bloodstone is a member of the Jasper family. The red specks found in it are iron. Most Jaspers are considered rock, while Bloodstone is sold as a semiprecious stone. It has more legend associated with it than any other Jasper. One of the earliest stories tells of Christ's wounds of crucifixion dripping onto the ground and turning to stone, thus the name. Long before that time, this stone was known as Heliotrope, which means "Sun turn." It was used extensively by ancient Egyptians and Greeks as a healing stone. It was powdered and mixed with honey for tumors and hemorrhaging, and it was soaked in cold water and placed on the body to improve circulation. It can be used as an amulet to prevent injury or disease. Heliotrope is a powerful "turn-over" stone, for it is a strong energy mover. It can remove blocks, allowing you to move forward. It is said to bring friendship, calm angry people, and be protective against negativity and depression. Healers from all walks have used this stone for many purposes, and its known best as a healing stone. Bloodstone's astrological associations are Scorpio and Pisces.

Pale gray, yellow, white. Like the crystals that point out the center, this rock gives directions in life.

A highly evolved mineral healer, Carnelian has become one of the power stones of the ages. Carnelian is a variety of agate, and its color can vary from the clear orange to red brown. Most of the "Carnelians" being found today on the market are agates of Brazil bathed in a solution of iron nitrate in order to control their color. (It is stained "chalcedony" from Brazil or Uruguay) Since antiquity, Carnelian was used to make cameo and intaglio. Carnelian is placed in the sun to change brown tints to red. The best quality Carnelian comes from India. It is said to bring luck, protection, and courage. Carnelian is used for clear thinking, and it is said to help balance creativity and mental processes. Carnelian is a soothing stone, and is a symbol of joy, peace, happiness and serenity. Carnelian can have a very positive influence on people who find difficulties to manage their affairs due to lack of stability. It can also help connect us with the Earth and establish our link with the Universe.

Catseye (I will refer to it as such rather than say "Tigers Eye", "Falcons Eye" every time) comes from Star Chrysoberyl or Crocidolite. Crocidolite that causes the "chatoyancy" in Tigerseye is normally blue. (Oxidation changes it to a brown color). Unoxidized Tigerseye is called Hawkseye, and is blue. Cats Eye can help curb impulsiveness and help you "see" what's ahead. It is an aid to decision making and creative stimulation. It is a good stone for promoting wealth and money. This is another soothing stone that is optimistic and is also assists courage and strength.

White to light blue. Promotes self awareness and awareness of the world around you.

Chalcedony is a general name given to translucent quartz agates which have sparkles, plumes or striations. It is useful for balancing the energy of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Chalcedony contain patterns of humus or plant debris calcified within it, and this gives this agate additional Earth elemental energy properties. Because of the nurturing energy within the stone, it can alleviate hostilities, melancholy, and irritability. Chalcedony enhances responsiveness, and receptivity. It is said it can be used to improve the assimilation of minerals into the body, and also to help combat plaque and build-up of materials in the veins. I hope all of you get to see or own a Luna Agate (Chalcedony) at one point or another. They are not only beautiful, but very useful in connecting your mind to your feelings.

Light green to deep blue. Chrysocolla is usually found in oxidized zones of Copper deposits. It is a stone for prosperity, luck and business astuteness. The power of this stone can act like a balance scale to stimulate the mind and relax the emotions at the same time. It reacts upon your analytical and intuitive abilities. Because it's a Copper gem, it can open bottled emotions that block the mind from thinking clearly. Try keeping one of these stones in your work area for its balancing effect can improve the results of your work.

Light to dark yellow-brown. The warm golden color brings comfort. It calms and relaxes.

Crystal is a strong energy conductor. The clearest Crystals are comprised of Rock Quartz, and they have been used throughout the ages for their elevating properties. The Greeks named it krystallos, meaning "ice" because they thought it was water frozen forever by the gods. Sir Isaac Newton discovered the color spectrum by refracting sunlight through a natural crystal. It's easy to see why the ancients thought the Sun and light universe were housed in a perfect Crystal. They can be an all around self-energy generator and light balancer. Don't mistake silicon or sand crystals for rock crystals for they are man-made glass, and not as effective. Crystals from Vienna are called Aurora Crystals. Crystals are one of the most powerful energy generators in the gem world. They are all around healers and promote skin rejuvenation.

Metallic orange. The metal content of this mineral aids in transferring thoughts into actions. It also has a beneficial affect on arthritic joints.

Diamond is the hardest known substance thanks to its exceptionally strong crystal structure. Diamond is also the best known conductor of heat, better than any metal, which makes it cool to the touch. It goes without saying it carries the crown of the gem world, and besides the white Diamond, it comes in colors such as blue, yellow, pink, and champagne. Diamonds are crystals of pure carbon, the element that is the foundation of life as we know it. This pure crystalline form has no life of its own, giving the Diamond the lone property to absorb all energies. Due to this property, you should clean your Diamonds often to rid them of any negative energies they absorb. Diamonds are associated with attracting power, friends, love, innocence, and the security of love. Diamonds are excellent for reconciling differences between those who have quarreled because this stone represents peace and fidelity.

Emeralds are the most famous of the Beryl family. Named for the Persian word for green, this stone has always been surrounded by deep mystery. The Greeks dedicated this stone to the Goddess Venus, believing it ensured security in Love. It's always been considered a great, insightful prophecy stone. The light energy of an Emerald can aid you in strengthening your memory, enhancing your speech, and can act as a natural tranquilizer when you are worried or your mind is troubled. Emerald, as a green stone, is also advantageous for business and money ventures. It is said to aid perception and inner clarity. They are also associated with healing diseases of the eyes, and problems affecting eye sight. Emerald is a useful stone for returning negative spells back to the sender.

Pale green to dark purple. The name Fluorite is from the Latin "fluere", which means "to flow". Use it as a cleansing, grounding stone. Fluorite is an energy stone that is good for balancing and focus. Some use it as a healing stone for Fluorite strengthens tissues such as teeth and bones. Use Fluorite to harness energy, bring about positive outlooks and cleanse the path to higher planes.

Reddish-black to deep red. The name Garnet is derived from the Latin word granatum, which means pomegranate. Very appropriate name if you've ever seen the inside of a pomegranate. Garnets are used for protection, healing, and strength. The most common Garnets are the Almandine or the Rhodolite types. (The Rhodolite has a much more "purplish-red" color to it). In olden days, Garnets were believed to cure fever and promote good health, and Garnets were worn for protection by travelers. The Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, truth, grace, consistency, and fidelity. It is worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance and vigor. Garnet also attracts understanding and sincerity. If you and a friend or loved one have to part for a duration of time, exchange a Garnet to assure you will meet again. Garnets can act as strong help to assist in balancing your energy system and uplift your attitude.

The word Geode is derived from the Greek word Geoides which means "earthlike", a reference to the rounded shape. A Geode is a sphere-shaped rock which contains a hollow cavity line with crystals. A Geode which is completely filled with small compact crystal formations such as Agate, Jasper or Chalcedony is called a nodule. Often called "Thunder Eggs", Geodes usually contain bands of Jasper or Agate surrounding their hollow crystalline centers. Geode is Iowa's state rock (one of the most productive and famous collecting regions encompassed within a 35-mile radius of Keokuk, Iowa). Geodes stimulate independent thinking and freedom of spirit. Due to their crystalline nature, Geodes are good energy generators and can help stimulate good work habits. Place a Geode on your desk to increase your productivity.

Light colored with flecks of black, red, brown, gray. Conglomerate of many minerals. Aids in dealing with relationships with many different personalities.

Reddish-orange on the outside, when polished, it is a gray metallic color. Hematite's name comes from the Greek "hema" for blood (as in hemoglobin). Hematite is a mineral, and is the most abundant ore of Iron. The Egyptians made extensive use of Hematite as amulets, and the "head rest" and the "carpenter's stone" were made of Hematite. Hematite was used in seals as early as 2500 B.C. It was once used as a mourning jewelry. Native Americans used Hematite to make "face paint" called red ochre. Rouge, a widely used polishing compound, is powdered Hematite. Being an iron oxide, Hematite is somewhat subject to rusting. It is known as the "male love stone." Hematite is a stone of courage, energy and optimism. It is said that Hematite brings good fortune to those addressing higher ups.

Jade comes in many colors, but the most common is green. Far back in recorded history, the Chinese associated green Jade with occult wisdom. Since Jade was a stone to help inspire the mind to make a quick and precise decision, the ancient trader would often hold this gem in the palm of his right hand while he engaged in transactions. The Greeks used the soothing and healing color of the stone for more direct physical applications, most particularly for ailments of the eyes. Jade amulets are rather common findings among the tombs and burial chambers of Egypt. Carry a piece of Jade for getting things to work for you practically. Try to find a Jade Scarab to symbolically represent for you a long, prosperous life filled with luck and love. A piece of Jade can also work as a philosopher's stone to stimulate your wisdom and desired goals. Jade is useful for bringing good luck, and for protection from disease or evil. Jade's astrological associations are Virgo, Libra and Aquarius.

Jasper comes in many colors and patterns. It is used by Native Americans as a rubbing stone, and some called it the rain bringer. Jasper is a centering, balancing, and grounding stone that can help you stabilize your fears and insecurities. Jasper is a good stone for protection from pain and to guard one's independence. It brings its wearer good fortune and protection from controlling forces.

Blue, gray with flashes of color. Like the colorful flash seen on the face of the rock, it helplessly people come out of their shell.

The name is from the Arabic word lazaward, meaning "heaven", and Lapis Lazuli is also called Lazurite or just plain Lapis. In ancient times Lapis was used to create the pigment "ultramarine" which was used in both eye adornment and in art. Use Lapis in rituals to attract spiritual love, and to get in tune with your psychic awareness. It's also a useful stone to attract powerful and highly evolved spirits.

Light to dark green. Malachite is a "Copper mineral" usually found around Copper deposits. Its name refers to its green color and is from the Greek word "moloche". Malachite "Eye Stones" were used as third eyes to ward off negative energies outside self (ancient lore tells that if danger approached its wearer it would break into pieces to warn its owner). Use Malachite to promote inner peace and hope. It will aid in your business success through its practical expedient of warding off undesirable business associations. Protection and inner security, the major actions of Malachite, go hand in hand.

Gray, pearly with flecks of color. Moonstones are usually cut into cabachons because this allows the layers (also called shillers) to reveal their beautiful adularescence or luminescence. Moonstone is a Lunar stone, and many believe its shillers follow the cycles of The Moon, La Luna. Use Moonstone to evoke Diana, Selene, or Hecate because  it is a goddess stone. Cunningham suggests using Moonstone for Love Spells. Moonstone has the qualities of protecting love and inspiring tender passions. Use Moonstone to get in touch with your feminine self, and heighten psychic awareness.

Black, brown, red. Obsidian is "volcanic glass" formed by rapid cooling of lava (known as "blackglass" it comes from volcanic action that quickly cools with no crystal structure). Small nodules of Obsidian are called "Apache Tears". An 1800's legend tells that Apache Tears are the hardened tears of the Apache Women who cried as they watched their brave Warriors avoid capture by the cavalry by leaping off the buttes of a great mountain now called the Apache Leap. Native peoples used Obsidian for arrowheads, spears, and knives. Therarest Obsidian is Rainbow Obsidian which exhibits all the colors of a rainbow. Obsidian is used for scrying, and it is associated with the inner mysteries of the Goddess. Use Obsidian for grounding, centering, and protection. Apache Tears are excellent good luck charms. Perlite, a hydrous form of Obsidian, is used as a light weight aggregate. Use Obsidian if you feel overly troubled because of outside interferences. Never exchange your Obsidian with another person.

Referred to as "Odin Stones" in the Eddas (a collection of mythological poems). Odin transmuted himself into a worm and slipped through a hole in a rock to steal "the mead of poetry". These stones have naturally occurring holes caused by weather, sea erosion, or tiny shelled sea-creatures. They are used for protection and psychic awareness (it is said that if you look through the hole in an Odin Stone by the light of a Full Moon, you may see visions or non-physical entities).

Brown, white, gray, black. This stone will help overcome feelings of loneliness. Aids in adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.

One of the most brittle of stones, Opals are unique due to their luminescent qualities. Opals have a wide range of colors including white, black, Mexican Fire Opals, triplets, and many others. They range in cost from "affordable" to "hock everything you own plus  your firstborn" *grin*. Opals are worn to bring out inner beauty, and for healing the spirit. Scott Cunningham directs that if you wrap an Opal in fresh Bay leaves it affords invisibility. Opal's astrological associations are Cancer, Libra, and Scorpio.

A Pearl is the only precious gem that comes from a living creature... the oyster or clam, and it was the first gem in recorded history. They range in color from white, yellowish, silver (gray), brown, pink/lavender (freshwater), all the way to black. (The Black Pearl is 100 Times More Rare than the White Pearl) Black Pearls come from the species of oyster "Pinctada Margaritafera", the giant black-lipped oyster, which flourishes in the warm lagoons of French Polynesia and the South Seas. Pearl is reported to free up one's energy for more balanced love relationships. Pearls can stimulate your femininity and help you with self acceptance. Pearls exhibit energy sensitivity and can be "drained" of their luster if exposed to negativity for too prolonged a period. Be careful of how you physically cleanse your pearls as well, as they can be damaged by soaps and harsh chemicals.

Green. Peridot, a gemstone born in fire. Small crystals of Peridot are often found in the rocks created by volcanoes and also can be found in meteors that fall to earth. It was a stone prized by Egyptian Pharoahs as adornments and protection. Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele's tears. Peridot is a stone of protection, and Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. Alchemists of old used Peridot against dark vibrations. Peridot can aid you in changing your attitude from one of fear or depression to a more positive outlook.

Like the visible rings from this stones past, it allows you to learn from past mistakes.

(also see Crystal above) Quartz, a great energy stone, comes in many colors, and the most popular ones used in Magic are rose, clear, and smoky.

Rose Quartz has been valued for its properties since the ancients, and in modern times it's often called Pink Quartz. The Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, Tibetans, and Greeks utilized this stone for its wonderful energy. Use Rose Quartz to boost and build your self image. Because of its self-enhancement quality, this stone can be especially good if you have a weight problem, for it will greatly foster your personal self acceptance.

Clear Quartz is often called White Quartz. Please see the Crystal section above for detailed information. Use Clear Quartz for stimulating your hopes and stabilizing your dreams. Wear Clear Quartz as an attitude aid, and for draining off any blocked areas that are preventing your dreams from coming true.

Often called Brown Quartz, Smokey Quartz is en excellent stone to increase endurance. Use Smokey Quartz to act as an energy generator when you need that extra little boost. Wear Smokey Quartz to draw upon the energy of the Earth.

Pink. Promotes self acceptance. Kept close at night it will help you remember your dreams.

Pink with black veins. This stone helps you to overcome difficulties during hard times in life. Promotes positive thinking.

Ask which gemstone is the most valuable and you will get two opinions. Some consider Diamond the most monetarily valuable, and others argue that its the Ruby that is Queen. Magically they are both invaluable. Ruby is a high energy stone. A member of the Corundum family, if nature deems it to contain rutile crystals as well, you end up with a "Star Ruby". The word Ruby comes from the Latin word for red, "ruber". Ancient Egyptians honored the Ruby for beauty, love, physical protection, and good fortune. You can use Ruby as an expression of spiritual devotion, or of lasting love. It can your spirit and aid your self-image of one who loves oneself. Ruby is a stone with the qualities of power, loyalty, and courage. Ruby is a focuser of occult energy, and it protects from trouble.

Browns. Its absorbent nature helps you to clear up mistakes.

Did you know that Ruby and Sapphire are the same stone? (Corundum) When it's red, it is classified as Ruby, and when it's blue or any other color, it's classified as Sapphire. (Although pure Corundumis colorless, blue Sapphire results from a combination of titanium and iron oxides). And just like the Ruby, if it contains rutile crystals, it becomes a "Star Sapphire". Star Sapphires have often been called stones of great destiny (some cultures believe that the three light bars which cross to form the six points on the surface of the gem represent faith, hope, and destiny). Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a Sapphire and its reflection colored the sky, hence it's stone allowed them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. The name Sapphire comes from the Greek word "Sapphirus" for blue. In all folklore Sapphires are associated with the attraction of divine favor to their owners, and are mentioned in every religious history. All Sapphires, crystal or star, are gems of destiny. They can contribute to your mental clarity, your perception, and your wisdom. Sapphire radiates gentleness and peace, and is good for bringing justice and truth to light.

Colorless, white, bluish-gray. Aids in breaking bad habits. Smokers who want to quit smoking should carry this stone.

Blue and white. This stone will help you stand up to adversity and overcome it. Aids in the relief of guilty feelings.

Purple, blue. Aids in the reducing of visibility of varicose veins. Relieves skin irritations like stings and eczema.

Yellow, orange. Topaz possesses outstanding magnetic energy. The name Topaz is most likely derived from the old Hindu Sanskrit word "tapaz" meaning fire. Ancient Greeks called Topaz the "Stone of Strength", and believed its powers increased with the fullness of the Moon. To the ancient Egyptians, Topaz symbolized "Ra", the Sun God and giver of life. The Topaz was the second most preferred stone in the breast plate of the Jewish High Priests. Topaz comes in many colors, including yellow, blue, brown, and rose. Wear Topaz to bring inner strength and to dispel negative energies such as depression, anger, and fear. It's also good for protection against colds and flu because of its ability to strengthen the breathing mechanics of the body. Put Topaz under your pillow at night to calm stress and to restore energy. Use Topaz in any Magical working to bring light, love, and warmth into your life.

This stone comes in a variety of colors. A pink tourmaline will help with a drug addiction. Blue-green varieties can alleviate a hernia. Tourmaline also have strong connections for psychics. Rubbing a tourmaline stone helps to eliminate stress and relax a person tremendously.

Turquoise is a hydrous Copper Aluminum Sulfate combination, and the proportion of the Copper/Aluminum determines its coloration (the more Copper, the bluer it is... the more Aluminum, the greener it is). Valued East to West, Turquoise has had quite a following. In the Far East it was called The Lucky Stone or "Turks' Stones", and a Turquoise ring was worn as a protector against all evil. The Natives of Mexico and America used Turquoise to guard burial sites, and their priests wore it when calling upon the Great Spirit. Many of these civilizations honored it as the Universal Stone, for it joined one with the force of life. Turquoise can relax your mind and ease mental tensions, by calming your emotions and stress over stimulation. You can also use it as a protective self-love stone when you feel drained by worrisome people. Some use Turquoise to promote courage, love and harmony, and to attract luck.

Green with flecks of pink. This stone promotes self growth and strength. It also prevents kidney stones.