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1 1 P age Gemstone Properties Copyright, Legal Notice and Disclaimer: Countless hours and a lot of work went into putting this Guide together - this means the information has value, and your friends and co-workers may want to share it. However, all material in the Guide is protected under international Copyright laws and treaties. Any unauthorized reprint, resale, or use of this material is prohibited. You are not allowed to give or sell this Guide to anyone else. If you received this publication from anyone other than MrBead, you've received a pirated copy. To report a copywriter violation or to purchase your own copy of this Guide, please contact me via at nigel@mrbead.com. Much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. The authors and publishers of this book have used their best efforts in preparation, but make no representation or warranties with respect to accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any purpose. And in no event shall be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Some of this book has been compiled from the MrBead monthly newsletters. To subscribe to the newsletter for free and receive special offers like free shipping from MrBead.com, click here To go to the MrBead bead store click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

2 2 P age Gemstone Properties Save to your computer It s very important to save this e-book to the computer. Before you do anything else, click the save icon on the toolbar above and select Desktop so you can find it easily. Then use or print from the saved version. How to navigate this book PDF files are wonderful for reference because you can easily find information fast. As well as the bookmark facility, you can type a page number in the box at the top and click the return key to go there. Click the printer icon above to print. Scroll down for the table of contents.

3 3 P age Gemstone Properties Gemstone Properties Healers and New Agers believe certain gemstones heal on a metaphysical level, because of the earth's energy that has been absorbed by these stones. Below is a list of the most popular gemstones used to make jewelry, along with their benefits. To go to a particular stone in this document: click the name on the below chart (works offline). To see more of the stone, or to buy online: click the picture.

4 4 P age Gemstone Properties Agate No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate technically, chalcedony quartz forming in layers in a wide variety of color and texture. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in its host rock, resulting in round nodules, with bands like the rings of a tree trunk, looking like eyes. Dzi agate is possibly the most mysterious of all beads. These shiny beads, patterned with mystical eyes are among the most treasured in the world. Dzi in Tibetan means: "shine, brightness, clearness, and splendor. Agate was highly valued as a talisman and a traveler s amulet since ancient times. It s believed to bring good fortune, health, wealth and long life - as well as quenching thirst and preventing fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms, and athletes to increase vitality. It's also said to bring self-confidence by reducing fear. Some call its strange patterns 'cosmic caterpillar tracks'. Others' swear that wearing these beads can heighten the spiritual consciousness and balance the body's physical and mental states. Amber Amber has been called petrified sunlight or frozen gold. Its bright yellow conceals the mystery of the gem, producing jewelry that makes the wearer both look good and feel good. No wonder it is so fashionable in the 21st century. Amber jewelry can create an effect that no diamond can ever do. Most amber sold today is ambroid amber - an affordable, immature variety of copal amber mixed with synthetic resin. Mysterious amber was at one time believed to be of divine origin because no one knew where it came from. Alchemists thought amber was formed from the rays of the setting sun, concealed in the evening sea and cast upon the shore in the form of the stone. Amber was also believed to aid the intellect, prescribed for memory loss and anxiety. And the ancient Romans thought powdered amber taken in a cup of wine could cure fever or asthma. True amber was formed up to 60-million years ago where seas were then forest. Resin from these trees dripped down to accumulate in puddles. Over millions of years the land was replaced by sea and the weight formed this resin into amber which eventually floated to the surface. Although usually yellow, brown, orange, or green, amber ranges from nearly white to almost black - darkening to a rich red-brown with age.

5 5 P age Gemstone Properties Amber has been imitated for hundreds of years. Some amber beads found in Egyptian tombs were made from copal which is also fossilized tree resin, but only thousands of years old. Ambroid, although known as pressed or reconstituted amber, is made from real amber scraps and shavings generated by amber carvers. These tiny pieces are collected and heated, then pressed into large blocks. Amethyst Amethyst belongs to the quartz family, the purple color being due to traces of iron. Colored purple-to-lilac, and ranging from opaque to transparent. Named from the Greek word "amethustos", meaning without wine. Amethyst is an especially powerful stone, symbolizing sincerity, security, and peace of mind. It protects, reduces negativity and brings spirituality - hence the name "Pope Stone" and a stone of divine love. The Christian crusaders attached it to their rosaries. Although some say amethyst is less powerful than fluorite, which also carries the purple ray, linked with the zodiac it can help psychic knowledge. It was thought amethyst could inspire dreams if placed under the pillow at night. Legend even says drinking from an amethyst goblet will can prevent poisoning. Aquamarine From lightest sky-blue to the deep-blue of the sea, aquamarines comes in a beautiful range of light blues. Women all over the world covet it because of its fine blue color, which suits almost any complexion or eye-color - and creative jewelry designers are inspired from aquamarines more than from other stone. Its light blue brings feeling of sympathy, trust, harmony or friendship. Good for a partner or companion. Aquamarine blue is a divine and eternal color, since it is, after all, the color of the skies. Aquamarine blue is also the color of water with its life-giving properties and the light blue of the seas. According to legend it has its origin in the treasure chest of the legendary mermaids, and has for ages been reputed to be a lucky stone for sailors. The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin terms "aqua meaning water, and "mare or sea. Allegedly its powers develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water - but according to ancient traditions, carrying aquamarine is supposed to guarantee a happy marriage and to make its owner happy and rich. The ideal gemstone for lovers and married couples.

6 6 P age Gemstone Properties Aventurine & Amazonite Aventurine belongs to the quartz family. Although sometimes called new jade - aventurine often has inclusions due to green fuchsite mica creating speckles, differing from genuine jadeite. Spiritualists believe aventurine has the ability to purify the spirit and bring balance to male and female energies. Its capacity to calm and bring inner-peace makes aventurine a very important stone in the spiritual realm. Green is the color of healing - with aventurine the allpurpose healer. Not only good for physical disorders, blockages and migraine, but also healing on all levels. Amazonite, sometimes called Amazon Jade, is a similar stone to Aventurine. Usually found in yellow-green to blue-green. Some say Amazonite makes your married life happier. Carnelian Another stone from the quartz family - usually bright reddish orange, with an opacity between translucent to clear. Carnelian is for confidence. Said to help blood disorders and eliminate toxins from the body. Carnelian is in tune with the energies of the Earth, making you feel anchored and comfortable with your environment. Allowing you to pause and reflect, while feeling settled and secure. Carnelian also stimulates energy that influences the reproductive organs; hence it s long use as a fertility symbol. It s also said to stimulate creativity and have a clearing effect, replacing negative energy with positive. Making it easier to find direction and feel in control of your life. A good stone for people starting new projects or who feel they are going nowhere. It motivates, allowing you to find the energy to make the most out of life. Carnelian is for people with the zodiac sign of Leo. Chalcedony Chalcedony is a very fine-grained variety of quartz with a waxy luster in a variety of colors - usually blue-white, buff, light tan, gray, yellow or brown. It has a compact fibrous structure and fine splintery fracture.

7 7 P age Gemstone Properties In the petrified forests of the American Desert Southwest, many of the original tree tissues have been replaced by chalcedony in the formation of petrified wood. What remains is a mineral replica of the original tree in fantastic colors. The brilliant reds and greens are caused by traces of iron oxides. For a long time, chalcedony have been used as gems, cut and polished as ornamental stones. It s thought to have been used as a sacred stone by the Native Americas, promoting stability within the ceremonial activities of the tribe. Chalcedony is said to bring emotional balance, vitality, stamina, endurance, kindness, charity and friendliness. It supposedly reduces hostility, irritability and melancholy. Chrysoprase Chrysoprase was popular in the time of the Greeks and Romans when it was cut into cameos - the Egyptians used it with lapis jewelry and even to decorate beads. In Europe until the middle of the last century it was used lavishly, when deposits mined in Silesia exhausted and it became expensive. The Book of Revelations (21:20) describes the holy city of Jerusalem with its 12 walls decorated with precious gemstones, the tenth being chrysoprase. According to an 11th Century Byzantine manuscript, chrysoprase strengthens vision and relieves internal pain. Metaphysically, it brings a sense of grace, helping meditative, calmness and acceptance of oneself and others. It is believed to encourage positive outcome, helping to heal a broken heart, the heart itself, the reproductive organs, and fertility. And in the East, Chrysoprase is said to balance yin-yang and encourage the heart chakra bringing energy to the physical body. Astrologically, chrysoprase is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer. Chrysocolla Chrysocolla is similar to chrysoprase. The name chrysoprase (rhymes with bliss and craze) is from a Greek word meaning Golden Leek. It is the rarest of the chalcedony group of gem quartzes and its bright even color and texture is ideal for beads.

8 8 P age Gemstone Properties Cinnabar Technically, Cinnabar is mercury sulfide found near recent volcanic activity. Its name comes from Medieval Latin cinnabaris; Red lead. Because of its vivid red color, powdered cinnabar was used during ancient times for "war" and ceremonial face and body paint. The toxicity of mercury and cinnabar was well known before 2000 B.C, when slaves and prisoners mining the ore died after three-years. However, the Chinese during the Song Dynasty, reduced the risk by using lacquer over the cinnabar carvings onto chests, candle sticks, snuff bottles and other ornaments. Today, the toxic pigment is replaced by a resin-based polymer that looks the same as the pigmented lacquer. Most beads and jewelry sold as cinnabar now, consist of a carved wood base covered by layers of resin, and are totally harmless. Citrine Citrine comes from the French word for lemon, and is any quartz crystal that s yellow to orange. The darker, orange colors were traditionally the best, but today people prefer bright lemony shades. Citrine with manmade color tends to have more of an orange or reddish caste. Most natural citrine starts life as amethyst until heated in a molten state to change. Many people use citrine to attract wealth. In the Chinese science of feng shui, it s thought that placing citrine in the Wealth Area of a room, the south-east corner, helps to bring money. I have one customer who says since she did this, her financial problems have disappeared! Sunny and affordable, citrine brightens all jewelry, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold. The yellow color is a natural reviver, and citrine focuses the mind bringing a feeling of self-esteem. In medication it helps re-establish the link between your conscious and subconscious minds. If you re feeling down, try holding citrine to lift your spirit. It s also very good at healing the body and helping people communicate. Citrine has warm energy, promotes optimism, and attracts abundance. Citrine is one of the few stones that removes negative energy and never requires cleansing. In ancient times it was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Known as a "merchants' stone, placed in the cash register to not only acquire wealth but to conserve it too. Citrine is the birthstone for November, and its corresponding signs are Gemini, Aries, Libra, and Leo.

9 9 P age Gemstone Properties Cloisonné Cloisonné is decorative enamelwork in which metal filaments are fused to the surface outlining a design filled in with enamel paste. Cloisonné enamelware dates back over 500-years in China, being especially popular during the Ming Dynasty (mid 15th-centure). Its brilliant colors and design have made cloisonné highly appraised around the world. Hand crafted by an elaborate and complicated process of hammering, soldering, enamel-filling, enamel firing, polishing and gilding. Cloisonné beads are no different in this process, and their energies are similar to those of flaked stone. Coral Coral is not a true gemstone, but a product of marine life. However, it's been used as a gem since prehistoric times with a history of religious meaning - like being one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures. Its color ranges from white to red, but most red coral these days are dyed. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most people think of coral on the coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef. However, these are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry. Most of this coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. Coral was long thought to be a strong talisman against evil spirits and hurricanes. It s also said to reduce blood flow, helping anemia, and is thought to give wisdom and prevent madness. Crystal The Mayans, Druid priests, and Tibetan monks all knew the spiritual power of crystal. The ancients used it to strengthen the sun s rays to bring heat, and the Chinese science of Feng-shui teaches that arranging crystals around the home retains positive energy. Crystals became important to these people because of the belief in their capacity to store and amplify any power source fed into them - physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Today s crystal therapists say that the stones' ability to work as a

10 10 Page Gemstone Properties conductor allows energy to be focused via a person's thoughts to stimulate healing. And many people use crystal to focus attention on what they want. With a little imagination, you too can use crystal's energy to access a higher level of consciousness and turn a desire into reality. All types of crystal have this magical power, but individual color crystal is believed to have other uses too. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love, is great for emotional healing. Red, yellow, and orange stones are said to produce energy; clear and aquamarine stones are healers; and lavender and blue-violet are calming stones. Pure rock crystal is clear, but usually quart comes in a variety of opacity. Milky quartz is cloudy because of microscopic inclusions of fluid embodied in the crystal at the start of its life. Creating an attractive effect of a crystal within a crystal, giving the interior a ghostly appearance. Smoky Quartz is caused by natural radiation from nearby granite rocks which have a small amount of radioactivity. Flaked Stone The most common flaked stone is goldstone. A manmade stone, first created by alchemists trying to form gold. Other variations are bluestone, lemon stone, and peach stone. Each are a type of glass mixed with metals to form a glittery appearance. However, as all material has properties - these are transmitter stones. Causing light to pass through you in order to convey or receive a medium. Revitalizing, energizing, and encouraging a positive attitude and individualism. As well as calming, refreshing, and is said to protect the center of the body reducing stomach tension. Fluorite The mineral fluorite is famous for its glassy luster and wide range of color - from purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless, brown, pink, black and reddish orange. Named after the Latin word "to flow". Fluorite brings perceptiveness, peace and calm to a troubled mind. It's particularly useful in medication, because holding even a small piece in the hand brings a sense of inner peace. Those who choose this stone are likely to be artistic and creative, being able to earn money from their talent as well as self-critical with a fear of failure. Fluorite is considered to be the most powerful healing stone, especially for strengthening the

11 11 Page Gemstone Properties bone tissue. Fluorite has been excavated from the ruins of Pompeii, but despite being a favorite with ancient civilizations, has been recently overlooked. Garnet t5garnet is the name of at least ten similar mineral species with many garnets being a combination of these minerals. All are sturdy and resistant to everyday wear and tear because of their excellent hardness of over 7 on the Mohs scale. Garnet, the January birthstone, derived its name from the Latin word granatus, meaning like a grain - referring to how their crystals resemble seeds embedded in the matrix. Garnet comes in many colors, but a reddish brown is the most common. The use of garnets as a gemstone can be traced to prehistoric times. Noah is recorded using a garnet lantern to steer his Ark through the darkness of night. Garnets are found in jewelry from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. Travelers wore garnets as they were considered talismans and protective stones - because they were believed to illuminate the night and wore off evil. This luminosity is caused by garnet s high refraction. Some say garnet prevents nightmares and depression. Gaspeite This is a relatively rare mineral and a fairly new discovery found in It s almost apple green in color, and some verities are even neon green - it can also have brownish patches giving distinctive character. Although a similar color to turquoise, gaspeite is a nickel carbonate. Even little softer than turquoise, and should be treated with at least as much care. Gaspeite is found around nickel sulfide deposits, and gets its name from the locality of Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec, in Canada, where it was originally found. It s now mined in Western Australia where it was used by Aborigine's to bring good fortune, visions and success. Gaspeite is known to reduce stress and help with gallbladder, lung and heart problems. It s also thought to bring spirituality into everyday life. Awakening illusions, attracting friendship, and removing the veil between distress and ignorance. Gaspeite also helps to reduce emotional ignorance, prevent loss, and is related to the heart chakra. Click the picture to buy these beads online

12 12 P age Gemstone Properties Glass Glass beads are very popular for necklaces, bracelets, anklets and piercing. They are also popular on lamps, head caps and tiaras. Because glass is a cheaper alternative to crystal and more available. There are also many more shapes, styles and colors available in glass beads than there are in crystal beads. These shapes can range from simple designs for example spheres, teardrops and leaves to original and obscure designs that can be indescribable. Glass beads are available in a variety of colors like primary colors of red, green, and clear to more sparkling colors of aqua, magenta and rose. Many are multicolored with a blow effect as can occur on glass vases and beakers. Glass beads, especially when making jewelry items can be mixed with other beads on the thread. The mixture depends on the role of the item. A formal necklace may incorporate a few crystal beads threaded with the glass beads to give an impression of expense and class. However, a more casual look may prefer to incorporate shells or seed beads instead. Most glass beads are made out of matt glass, dichroic glass and lamp worked glass. These regular forms of glass beads are relatively cheap to purchase. Glass beads are available from specific suppliers located in shopping malls and internet shops. The beads can usually be purchased individually, however the cost of the beads tends to fall the more beads that are purchased. Glass beads can also be found in rare forms of vintage glass. These glass beads are usually from Germany, Japan, Italy and Czechoslovakia. These vintage beads are usually handmade and therefore more expansive and are common purchases for collectors or customers requiring a rare piece of jewelry to be made. Glass beads, as with many other beads are usually purchased ready holed and are thread onto either cotton or nylon threads. Hematite Hematite is one of the most common minerals, being the principle ore of iron. Although usually black in jewelry, it adds to the red color of garnet and ruby. All noncrystalline forms of hematite come from the mineral Limonite that lost water due to heat. Hence recent excitement of the discovery of grey hematite on the planet Mars suggesting there was water once present. Hematite is a protective stone and its energy helps you connect with the Earth and its benefits. Use this stone during meditation to escape the illusionary chains of physical reality and become

13 13 P age Gemstone Properties more connected to your true, spirit self - it s been used as an aid to astral projection. It also bolsters low self-esteem, making you feel more comfortable and better about yourself. Its grounding and soothing energies can help you relax and unwind both physically and mentally. Hematite is said to be closely tied to the blood due to its iron content. Believed to aid the kidneys, speed tissue regeneration, and contribute to improving the blood, and so the overall health of your entire body. Hematite is a good choice for those born under the zodiac sign of Virgo. Howlite Howlite, named after its discoverer Henry How (a Nova Scotia geologist), is one of those minerals that is famous for imitating another stone, turquoise. Howlite is always white or gray, but is often dyed blue. However, dyed howlite is an affordable substitute for turquoise carvings and beads. It accepts a nice polish and its luster is attractive, enhancing even undyed beads. Howlite is formed in nodules that appear like the heads of cauliflower. Veins of black web-like streaks often are interlaced, adding to the character. Howlite has similar benefits to turquoise - used for creativity, calming, and reducing anxiety and tension. It also encourages emotional expression, subtlety and tact, lessoning rudeness. As well as helping to eliminate pain, stress, muscular tension, and rage. A simple and gentle stone that aids sleep and helps to bring back wisdom from the dream state. Jade For 5,000 years Imperial China used the word "jade" as something precious - because jade is said to have all the attributes most valued in society. A symbol of purity and serenity, it s delicate, but will not break - is beautiful, but not impermanent, it can be flawed with lines, but still pleasing. Jade is believed to radiate divine unconditional love and balance the emotions. Held in the hand it improves judgment - ancient silk traders held jade while bartering. A small piece of jade worn around the neck was said to drive away illness. Chinese jade first arrived in the West during the sixteenth-century, brought from Canton by the Portuguese. Today jade continues to be a symbol of love, virtue, and status. The best jade has a

14 14 P age Gemstone Properties waxy, pearly appearance. Feeling cool and so smooth, it seems soft to the touch. Yet hard enough that pressure from a sharp knife will not leave a mark. The most famous type of jade carved in China is from Burma, with shades of green, lavender, yellow, white and grey. These colors form over millions of years from minerals in the rock. Nephrite Jade is usually black and known as a heart stone. It s said to help the heart and kidneys function, thus prolonging life. Jasper Jasper is a crystalline variety of quartz that contains up to 20% foreign material. This is what determines the stone s multicolor, striping, and spots. Jasper was highly valued in ancient times, not only for its beauty, but also for the reputed magical and medicinal properties. In France jasper ornaments date back two- millennia, Babylonians used in for seals twelve-hundred years ago, and in India it has been carved into jewelry and building for centuries. Jasper is known as the "Patron stone of counselors and healers". Being very healing and balancing, it was used for many different medications - like grinding into a powder to treat gall bladder and kidney disease. Ancient people used jasper to relieve pain, especially childbirth. Jasper is reported to sooth nerves and to treat the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver and stomach. Red jasper is an intensely protective stone, stabilizing the aura and bringing contentment - even said to assist astral travel during meditation. Poppy jasper is dark red with black flecks and thought to heal allergies to animals. Picture jasper is pale brown with darker patterns, named from pictures formed by patterns caused by trapped fossilizes algae - it helps to evaluate life's issues and increase business. Fancy jasper is creamy brown with lavender or green swirls. Believed to clear the mind, bring tranquility and eliminate worry and depression. And green jasper is thought to be lucky in financial trades. Jet Jet is a soft, opaque black gemstone, easily identified because it is very, very lightweight. Jet is composed of carbonized wood. The material was first found near the River Gages and mentioned by Pliny in Ancient Greece. Jet is rather difficult to find today, but there is quite a lot in China. Jet has been used since the Bronze Age as an ornamental stone. The Hopi and other tribes of the

15 15 P age Gemstone Properties western United States used jet in making fetishes, beads, and inlaid jewelry. Jet reached its zenith in popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, who wore black jet jewelry while in mourning for her late husband, Prince Albert. Labradorite Labradorite is a feldspar and develops in metamorphic stone. The natural iridescence flashes a rainbow of colors. Labradorite is a transformational stone that naturally heals and balances the aura. Labradorite shields the aura, protecting your consciousness and your body, from foreign influences, especially during vulnerable growth phases and intense transitions. Labradorite resonates with spiritual mystery and is the companion stone of the modern mystic. Lampwork The "lamp" in lampwork came from the oil lamps and blowpipes originally used in seventeenth century France and Italy. Blowing by mouth or bellows into an oil lamp flame with a small pipe makes just enough heat to soften and form this type of glass. It's amazing the great work the early lampworkers achieved with so little equipment. Hot glass working skills came to us from a long history - starting with the Syrians in 1700 BC, the Egyptians in 1450 BC, the Chinese around 550 BC, the Romans at the turn of the first millennium, and the French, German, Italian, Indian and Islamic folks more recently. Now lampwork is practiced using an oxygen torch and a few hand tools, but the technique used to form and decorate the glass hasn t changed much in millenniums. Lapis Lazuli Lapis Lazuli is gemstone straight out of fairy tales of the Arabian Nights: deepest blue with golden shining Pyrite inclusions which twinkle like little stars. Named after lapis, the Latin word for stone, and the Arabian for blue. Thousands of years before Christ, Egyptian and Persian royalty wore lapis as a talisman to deter danger. In other cultures it was worshipped as a holy stone and thought to have magical power in oriental countries. Many believe the Biblical sapphire was actually lapis lazuli. Through the ages, lapis has been

16 16 P age Gemstone Properties associated with power, wisdom, love, and used as a psychic stimulant. In the art world it s famous for the ultramarine blue paint used by the Grand Old Masters, like on portraits of the Virgin Mary. While other pigments have faded, lapis has lost nothing of its brilliance. Lapis is still mined in the Afghanistan Mountains, the best stones being deep and intensive blue with finely distributed golden crystals. The twinkling inclusions are not gold but pyrite, caused by iron. The blue color comes from the sulfuric content of lazurite, and looks dull until polished. Lapis is a soft stone needing to be treated gently while polishing. For many people lapis is a stone of truth and friendship. Bringing harmony to relationships and helping to express individual opinion. While aiding inner vision, wisdom, insight and good judgment. It s also said to be good for thyroid problems. A powerful gemstone that should not be worn by those who lack strength of character. Unpolished, the dark blue looks dull with whitish veins from marble. However, a Lapis which has dulled after being worn too often is easily polished, and jewelry is often surface sealed with wax or resin. Lava Lava rock is an igneous volcanic rock produced in intense heat conditions. A stone of strength and fertility. It provides stability in times of change, and helps to dissipate anger and provide guidance and understanding as it assists one in "bouncing back". A very grounding stone, black Lava will strengthen our connection to Mother Earth. Lava flows are streams of molten rock that ooze from an erupting vent. Lava flows destroy everything in their path, but most move slowly enough that people can move out of the way. Fluid basalt flows can extend tens of kilometers from an erupting vent. They can travel as fast as 30 km/hour on steep slopes but they typically advance less than 1 km/hour on gentle slopes. Everything in the path of an advancing lava flow will be knocked over, buried, or ignited by the extremely hot temperature of lava.

17 17 P age Gemstone Properties Malachite Malachite is green with irregular black banding. Its green stripes have the ability to soothe and bring rest - helping sleep, meditation, the circulation and balancing emotions. The copper content helps rheumatism. It's also the guardian stone of travelers who wear it to warn of danger. The magic of malachite is also thought to attract love and wealth and change energies in your life and environment. Some say malachite travels the world in search of energies to change. If your life is in a rut, try wearing malachite - but beware of unstoppable change. Malachite is especially fragile, so guard against scratches. Washing malachite in water will remove its protective polish. Millefiori Millefiori, translates from Italian to "thousand flowers". Traditionally, each bead was handmade under the flame, using glass rods to produce a colorful mosaic effect. They were first crafted in Venice as far back as the 15th century, but it was not until the 1920s that they were produced in quantity. First glass rods are made like candy rock with multiple colors throughout. The colors at this stage are only viewable from the cut ends. The bead maker then cuts thin slices off while the glass is still hot and presses them down to form mosaic patterns. This labor intensive process attracted a high price for the beads. However today, the millefiori technique has been applied to polymer clays which are pliable and do not need to be heated and reheated in order to fuse. This makes it much easier to produce millefiori patterns than with glass. There are hundreds of thousands of different designs of Millefiori beads, making them great to collect. Mookaite Mookaite is the name given to a silicified porcelanite which forms in Western Australia. An Australian aboriginal healing stone, helping wounds, stabilizing health and boosting the immune system. Mookaite also purifies blood in the liver and spleen, and can help the stomach, water retention, and hernias. Mookaite encourages the desire for variety and new experiences. Making thoughts flexible and enhancing decision making. It helps us recognize that there could be several possibilities for the outcome of any issue, and then aids choosing the best solution. It also helps with negative

18 18 P age Gemstone Properties situations and encouraging us to be kind to ourselves and others. It s a very protective stone, being particularly good at guarding emotions. Microscopic examination of Mookaite reveals it s an unusual rock. Consisting of microscopic organisms known as Radiolarians, with a rare skeletal structure made up of opaline silica. Billions of these were deposited as sediment near shores of ancient seas, together with remains of other sea creatures. When the seas retreated, these sediments were cemented into solid rock by silica, carried in groundwater, either from the radiolaria themselves or from weathered rocks nearby. Moonstone Moonstone is translucent, and softens the light shining through it to give a pearly moon-like glow. This distinctive shimmering affect called adularescence, is caused by the way the stone reflects light. Moonstone comes in colorless, white, grey, and subtle yellow or peach, but always has a blue or white sheen. Rainbow moonstone is colorless with a blue sheen and a rainbow-like array of colors a very attractive semi-precious stone. Moonstone is thought to grow stronger or weaker with the moons cycle. During full-moon it s a very powerful stone for the reconciling of love, and as the moon decreases, is said to allow person to foretell the future. In India it s sacred for lovers. A feminine stone for the inner-child, female issues and nurturing - but also used by men who want to reach their female side and to understand dreams. Moonstone brings confidence and calms the emotions, easing an understanding of spirituality, intuition, and clairvoyance. Also known to protect against fever, dropsy, fluid-retention and urinary problems. Moonstone is especially protective to seafarers, who have been using it since ancient times. Obsidian Obsidian is hard natural glass formed by rapid cooling of volcanic lava. Usually found black and shiny but also grey, brown, or with white flecks. When fractured it leaves sharp edges, hence its use since the stone-age as a cutting tool and for weapons. Snowflake obsidian is caused by inclusions of small, white, crystals of silica in the black glass producing a blotchy snowflake pattern. Sheen or Rainbow Obsidian is formed by small bubbles of air trapped in the molten rock just before being cooled.

19 19 P age Gemstone Properties Obsidian is a nurturing stone that can help you to accept the changes that are a part of everyone's live. Its energy has a grounding, stabilizing influence, and can help dispel negative energy. But for healing, it s recommend to balance obsidian with a lighter crystal, like smoky quart. Also used to improve vision, relieve digestive problems, and clear the mind. And is sometimes gazed into like a crystal ball, to obtain images and help find inner spiritual vision. Onyx Onyx is a term used for several stones. It has been dyed since ancient time, with the popular pure black variety, being dyed microcrystalline quartz. Its natural color is usually brown, white or grey. Onyx used in architecture isn't a form of quartz at all, but a type of limestone marble. Onyx is very similar to agate. With straight bands of brown, white or black, where agate has curved bands of many colors. Although regarded as protective, onyx has a reputation as a stone of discord. Onyx was worn to cool the ardors of love, probably because it helps to balance the mind and emotions. Not only avoided by lovers, but also at night, as it provoked nightmares. However, it does improve concentration and devotion, hence many onyx rosaries. Onyx is a strength-giving stone, aiding confidence and useful for athletes or people under stress. Its energy is a mental tonic and can help you cope with fears and worries, helping you harmonize with your surroundings. Opal All of Nature s fury can be seen in fine opal. Like a Rembrandt: fire, lightning, all the colors of the rainbow and the far seas. Australia supplies about 95% of the world s opal from the outback. Aborigines there believe their creator came on a rainbow to bring peace - at the spot where he landed, opal was born! In Greek, the word opallios, translates as color change - and to the ancient Romans opalus, was a stone from several elements. Fine opals shine and sparkle in a continually changing play of colors called opalising. Most opal has this play of colors except Common Opal, a name give to all others, like Pink Opal. Because demand outstrips supply, fine opalizing opal is very expensive, so is sold in individual beads for hundreds of US dollars each. Therefore, the type of opal common in necklaces is nonopalizing opal usually pink opal from Peru. Opal s fantasy-like play of color is caused by small spheres of silica creating interference and

20 20 P age Gemstone Properties refraction manifestations. The spheres, which are arranged in compact structures, dissect light through the gemstone, turning it into the rainbow effect, always new and different. Pearl The least expensive cultured pearls today rival the most expensive natural pearls ever found. Natural freshwater pearls occur in mussels for the same reason saltwater pearls occur in oysters. Foreign material inside a mussel can't be expelled. To reduce irritation, the mollusk coats the intruder with the same secretion it uses for shell- building, nacre. To cultivate a pearl, farmers slit the mussel and insert small pieces of live tissue from another mussel. The ancient Chinese practiced this technique, but the first real cultured freshwater pearls originated in Japan. In the 1930's, Japanese farmers by Lake Biwa achieved natural colors unseen in saltwater pearls. However, water pollution today has virtually destroyed pearl production there. China now has the resources that Japan lacks: many large lakes, rivers, and a low-cost work force. The first Chinese cultured pearls were basic, until the 1990's when China revolutionized pearling. Shapes, luster, and colors of the new Chinese pearls now surpass Biwa quality. Copying the Japanese to improve off-white and mottling, China uses a mild bleach, bright lights, and heat. Natural freshwater pearls are usually odd shapes. So for more roundness, the Chinese now reshape rejected pearls into spheres, and then nucleate mussels with them. The best pearls have thick overlapping layers of nacre. This can be tested by viewing its "luster". Roll the pearl with a pen in good light - the best pearls will reflect the pen the most. A large pearl is only more valuable if it's the same quality as a smaller one - and the rounder the better. Being an organic gem, grooves, pits, or dents are expected. However, matching color for a complete necklace is important. Freshwater pearls are popular for their colors: white, silvery-white, pink, red, copper, brown, lavender, purple, green, blue, and yellow. The most desirable are the pastel pinks, roses, lavenders, and purples. Color comes from the mussel species and water quality. Generally pearls assume the color of the shell in which they form, but permanent dyes are used today for most saturated colors.

21 21 P age Gemstone Properties Peridot Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, a mineral formed under intense heat. Perhaps named from the French word peritot meaning unclear, due to its inclusions and cloudy nature. Small crystals of peridot are often found in rocks by volcanoes and in fallen meteors. Because the iron which creates the color is an integral part of its structure, its color is always green ranging from transparent lime to olive green. Peridot has been mined as a gemstone for thousands of years, said to be the favorite gem of Cleopatra, and mentioned in the Bible. In ancient Egypt it was mined at night because they believed peridot was hard to see during the day, yet easily visible by lamplight. The Greeks and Romans called peridot topazion and topazius the later named topaz, to end the confusion between the two. Peridot has also been confused with emerald and many jewelers refer to it as evening emerald. Peridot was later used to decorate medieval churches, carried back to Europe by the Crusaders, like the huge stones of more than 200 carats in size at Cologne Cathedral. Peridot is recommended for insomnia, digestive problems and to stimulate the mind. Some say peridot has the power to drive away evil spirits, intensified when the stone is set in gold. And medicine drunk from peridot goblet is said to strengthen its power. Pietersite Pietersite is formed naturally from a beautiful combination of Hawk Eye and Tiger Eye. It has been an extremely rare gem for decades, mined only in Namibia until Limited production and the embargo on export of tiger-eye rough by South Africa increased its price. However, pietersite has since been found in China, where it has an attractive golden color. Pietersite was first discovered by Sid Pieters in Rhodonite Russian court. Rhodonite is usually pink to red or orange, but can also be black. Named after the Greek word for rose, "rhodon". Its beautiful pink color often has black manganese oxide veins running through it, creating a distinct appearance. Popular in 18th-century Russia where it was used extensively to decorate the

22 22 P age Gemstone Properties Rhodonite has similar properties to malachite - stabilizing the emotions, soothing and bringing order to feelings. Its steady uplift gradually strengthens your emotional foundation, allowing body and emotions to harmonize and respond to life s situations. Click the picture to buy these beads online Ruby Zoisite Ruby Zoisite is a creative stone, its energy coming from the red and green colors. In the chakra system red relates to creativity and sexuality, and green is associated with healing, balancing, and abundance. By itself, ruby is associated with passion. It can bring anger to the surface, and will amplify any emotion. Zoisite provides a natural medium for softening ruby s qualities. Its green cools and stabilizes useful to subdue overwhelming passion. And ruby in zoisite is excellent for healing a broken heart and reducing obsessive feelings about another person. It can also be very helpful for creative energies. Often our ideas swirl around in our heads, never quite reaching realization. What is needed in such cases is some stabilizing energy, which zoisite provides. Ruby zoisite has become more popular. This may indication that more people are ready to have relationships which heal, not hurt, and to be more expressive of their innate creativity. Rhinestone A rhinestone is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal or glass, and as such developed a connection to showbiz glitz like country and western singers. However, the word originated in Europe - the Rhine in rhinestone is from the Rhine River. Rhinestone creates a glamour s feeling and brings alive a boring shirt or an old pair of jeans. Celebrities and designers use rhinestones to stand out from the crowd. Either discreetly here or there sown on a garment, or to make a bang by covering entire surfaces. Rhinestones are on cell phones, ipods, laptops, handbags, and headbands. The possibilities are endless. Rhinestones metaphysical properties are the same as the stones used to make the bead.

23 23 P age Gemstone Properties Quartz Quartz is the most common mineral on the Earth s crust and is a component of almost every stone. Yet, quartz has more colors and forms than any other rock because of this very abundance. The powerful atomic structure of this pyramid-shaped crystal gives it magical powers that are as apparent in today s computers as they are in new age belief and folklore. The Mayans, Druid priests, and Tibetan monks all knew the spiritual power of crystal. The ancients used it to strengthen the sun s rays to bring heat, and the Chinese science of Feng-shui teaches that arranging crystals around the home retains positive energy. Crystals became important to these people because of the belief in their capacity to store and amplify any power source fed into them physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Today s crystal therapists say that the stone s ability to work as a conductor allows energy to be focused via a person's thoughts to stimulate healing. Explaining why people use crystal to focus attention on what they want. With a little imagination, you too can use crystal's energy to access a higher level of consciousness and turn a desire into reality. Pure rock crystal is clear, but usually quart comes in a variety of opacity. Milky quartz is cloudy because of microscopic inclusions of fluid embodied in the crystal at the start of its life. This creates an attractive effect of a crystal within a crystal, giving the interior a ghostly appearance. Smoky Quartz is caused by harmless natural radiation from nearby granite rocks. Specific color crystal is believed to have individual uses. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love, is great for emotional healing. Red, yellow, and orange stones are said to produce energy; clear and aquamarine stones are healers; and lavender and blue-violet are calming stones. Sodalite Sodalite is a blue stone usually peppered with white calcite. Especially valuable for those mentally confused it helps rationalize decisions and calms the emotions. It also encourages self-expression by uniting logical thought with the spirit, and helping you try to do things differently. It s even thought that a piece of sodalite under the pillow can help you remember dreams.

24 24 P age Gemstone Properties Sugilite Sugilite is one of the newest and rarest gemstones. Its rich shades of purple instantly made it highly sought after. Many have hailed Sugilite as the gem of the New Age. Named from the Japanese discover in Sugilite has a very distinctive opaque purple color when found in its most desirable color shades. The polished stones are mostly opaque with an almost waxy luster and a deep reddish purple color. It has been described as a purple turquoise although there is no relation between the two minerals. Its jewelry uses are becoming widespread and sugilite is being used in jewelry styles with turquoise, malachite and coral. Sugilite is wonderful to carry and instills a feeling of being free. It infuses one with inspiration. It can help one to believe in themselves and especially in their unique inherent talents. Sugilite is also used to eliminate hostility. Tiger s Eye & Cat s Eye Tiger's-eye is polished to show its characteristic band of pearly luminescence, resulting from light reflecting off its thin parallel inclusions in the quartz. Colors range from a rich golden yellow to dark brown. Tiger s-eye is good for those worried about health. It builds will-power and innerstrength, and has traditionally been used to heal wounds, eyes, and the lower legs and feet. It s also said to bring spiritual well-being and psychic protection as well as attracting beauty and abundance. Similar stones are cat s-eye and hawk s-eye all with bands of pearly luminescence creating a supernatural appearance. Cat s-eye can be yellowish-brown to green with a white band, and is said to bring wealth and pleasure from your children. Hawk s-eye has a blue radiance. When a bright light source is directed at the side of the stone, one side of the eye will be milky white and the other remains colored. When the stone is rotated, the colors switch. Topaz Topaz is a common gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelry. It s usually golden brown to yellow color. The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who

25 25 P age Gemstone Properties also is the god of the sun. And Greek legend has it that topaz could make the wearer invisible and would change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. It s the birthstone of November. Turquoise Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone, formed by volcanic rock reacting to copper deposits brought by water. Color ranges from blue-green - to yellow-green with grey, black or brown veining. Although most non-green turquoise these days is dyed. Turquoise has been found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs and the Tibetans used it as currency centuries ago. North Africa and the Middle East hold large deposits, but most turquoise today originates from Burma and is carved in China. Turquoise didn t reach Europe until the crusades when the name originated, meaning "Turkish stone. Ancient doctors thought turquoise prevented injury in accidents and ground it into a powder to cure stomach disorders, internal bleeding, and insect bites. Turquoise has always been used to protect the wearer from danger, attract wealth, and warn as a talisman or good luck charm. Some believe it will fade when danger or illness is near, or a lover is unfaithful. It s also said to protect against pollution and strengthen the body. Turquoise is porous, so contact with liquids, oils or even perspiration should be avoided. Jewelry should be removed before washing. Turquoise is commonly impregnated with plastic, colorless oil or wax to improve color and increase durability. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green. As genuine turquoise is expensive, reconstituted turquoise is common today. Crafted from real turquoise chips fused with other stones to cut the cost. Turquoise is the birthstone for December. Unakite Unakite consists of pink feldspar mottled on green epidote and quartz. Famous for finding the root cause of an illness useful for conditions where the symptoms can t otherwise be treated. It works by allowing the gentle release of long-term energy blocks, leading to an emotionally calm state.