The GEMSTONE Guide
AMBER
Due to its natural warm colors – yellow, orange and brown tones – Amber is considered the stone of the sun capable of eliminating negative energy.
AMETHYST
Amethyst, the violet variety of Quartz, ranges from purple and violet to pale red-violet and is the February birthstone. Ancient Greeks wore it believing it prevents intoxication. The stone is also known for helping with headaches, pancreatic disorders, and backaches.
APATITE
Apatite’s many colors range from transparent to translucent, green, yellow, blue to violet, pink, and brown. It’s found in Myanmar, India, Kenya, Brazil, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Mexico, Canada and the USA. Its name comes from the Greek word apate, meaning “deceit.”
AQUAMARINE
Derived from Latin for “seawater blue,” its color ranges from dark to greenish-blue. Brazil is the leading producer. Aquamarine is the March birthstone and is said to help with arthritis, eye inflammation, sore throat and varicose veins.
CARNELIAN
Carnelian colors range from yellowish orange to brownish-red. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar and the USA. Named after the cornel cherry, it was believed to protect its wearer from bad energy and poverty.
CHALCEDONY
Common colors include blue-white, buff, tan, gray, yellow or brown. Found throughout the USA. Its name comes from Latin Chalcedonius. It’s December’s modern birthstone and encourages kindness, generosity and friendliness.
CRYSTALS
Multi-colored and multi-shaped, the word Crystal comes from the Greek krustallos, meaning both “ice” and “rock crystal.”
DIAMONDS
Diamonds are valued for their brilliance and hardness. South Africa has been a major producer and is home to some of the most famous mines.
EMERALDS
Emeralds range from medium to dark green. Colombia is the global center of emerald mining. The name comes from French esmeralde, from Greek smaragdos “green stone.” The May birthstone, it’s said to bring good luck and well-being.
GARNET
Garnet appears in many colors—red, green, yellow, orange, pink and more. Its name comes from Latin granatum “dark-red.” The January birthstone, it’s believed to promote success, compassion and self-confidence.
JADE
Jade ranges in color from green to black, including white, orange and lavender. Named from Spanish “piedra de ijada,” meaning “stone for the side pain.” Myanmar is the main source. It’s said to open the heart to love.
JASPER
Jasper comes in all colors; named from Greek iaspis “spotted stone.” Found worldwide, it’s used to relieve stomach pains and pancreatic disorders.
LABRADORITE
Labradorite is gray but flashes blue, green and gold when polished. Named after Labrador, Canada. It enhances willpower and helps recall dreams and past-life experiences.
LAPIS LAZULI
Ranges from greenish-blue to deep blue or violet. Mined in Afghanistan. Its name comes from Latin lapis “stone” and Arabic lazaward. Valued for its royal blue color.
ONYX
Onyx has a black base with white bands (and sometimes other colors). Named from Greek onux “fingernail.” Said to release negative emotions and alleviate fear and anxiety.
OPAL
Opal occurs in white, colorless, yellow, red, gray, brown and black. Australia is the top source. Name from Sanskrit upala “valuable stone.” The October birthstone; said to lift depression and help find true love.
PEARL
Pearl colors include white, pink, cream, golden, green, blue and black. From waters worldwide. Name from Latin perna “leg.” June’s birthstone; symbolizes purity, integrity and loyalty.
PERIDOT
Peridot varies from yellow-green to olive. Mainly from Pakistan. Name from Arabic faridat “gem.” It’s said to protect against nightmares and bring good health.
QUARTZ
Quartz is the most common mineral family, found worldwide in every color. Rose Quartz (pale to deep pink) is known as the stone of love and compassion.
RHODITE
Also called rhodolite garnet, ranges from pink to red. Found in Brazil, Burma, China, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, USA and Zimbabwe. Said to heal blood and improve circulation.
RUBY
Ruby is a deep red gemstone (pink sapphires if lighter). Sources include Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. July’s birthstone; believed to protect the wearer from harm and cure blood disorders.
SAPHIRE
Sapphire (best known in blue) is prized from Kashmir, Burma and Sri Lanka. Name from Persian safir. September’s birthstone; thought to bring peace, wisdom and joy.
SPINEL
Spinel appears in ruby-like red, cobalt blue, bright pink and orange. Found in Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Name from Latin spina “thorn.” Said to encourage renewal and healing.
TOPAZ
Topaz ranges from colorless to yellow, orange, pink, red, violets, blues and greens. Found worldwide. Name from Latin Topazus. November/December birthstone; said to increase strength and provide invisibility in desperate times.
TOURMALINE
Tourmaline comes in every color. Name from Sinhalese turamali “stone with various colors.” Found worldwide. October’s birthstone; said to detoxify and invite positive energy.
TURQUOISE
Turquoise (the only gem with its own color name) is prized from Iran. Name from French turquoise “Turkish stone.” December’s birthstone; believed to protect travelers and careers.
ZIRCON
Zircon ranges from colorless to millions of hues (yellow, blue, red, green, violet, brown). Sources include Brazil, Korea, Madagascar and more. From Persian zargun “gold-colored.” December’s birthstone; said to aid sleep, bring prosperity and promote wisdom.