Afghanite
Discovered in 1968, Afghanite showcases a range of blues with white inclusions. These magical inclusions are UV-reactive, fluorescing bright orange under black light.
Gemstone Meanings and Properties
Have you ever wondered the meaning of your favorite gemstone? How about amethyst's metaphysical properties? Are there any green gems besides emerald or peridot? We have answers to all these questions, along with notes about the proper care and cleaning of hundreds of gemstones. Find out the meanings, properties and powers of everything from Amethyst to Zoisite. And don't forget to get inspired by gorgeous design ideas, too!
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Agate, Red
Discover the rich history and symbolism of lustrous, warm red agate, and find inspiring design ideas to incorporate this timeless gem into your creations.
Andesine
A fairly new gemstone, andesine is believed to have been discovered in 2003. You may be surprised to learn much of what was originally sold as andesine was actually enhanced labradorite
Apatite
Apatite was named from the Greek word apate, meaning "to deceive" because people were confusing it with more expensive gemstones. But it's not the gemstone's fault!
Aventurine
Though there isn't a "D" in the name, aventurine gemstones makes wearers think "adventure." Think optimism. Think bountiful. Think jewelry-making opportunity!
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is believed to be the stone of communication and makes a beautiful addition to jewelry designs. Learn more about this stone's meaning and properties in this informative Gem Note.
Fluorite
Looking for the perfect gemstone to help you concentrate? Fluorite, the stone of discernment and aptitude, may be just what your next handmade jewelry design needs.
Garnet, Tsavorite
Explore the captivating journey of tsavorite—from its geological origins and rich metaphysical symbolism to its exquisite use in modern jewelry design.
Gaspéite
Discovered in 1977, gaspeite is an intriguing rare mineral that is found in only a few places. Make sure one of those places is in your handmade jewelry designs!
Goldstone
Though not a stone--or gold!--goldstone is still a beautiful "gemstone" material. Its creation is shrouded in urban legend, including the result of alchemy or on accident by Italian monks.
Grandidierite
A rare gemstone not typically found in jewelry design, discover the unique possibilities of your creations with grandidierite.
Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite gets its name from the Greek words hemi ("half") and morph ("shape") because each end has a different shape--a quite unusual behavior in crystal formation.
Jade, Malaysia
This gemstone may resemble jade in some aspects, but Malaysia "jade" is a trade name used for translucent quartz that has been expertly dyed and available in a myriad of colors.
Jasper, Flower
When you see someone wearing flower jasper, it's like unexpectedly seeing a bouquet of warm, sunny colors. Flower jasper is thought to lift spirits and bring joy; perfect for jewelry!
Jasper, Picasso
Part of jewelry designers' fascination with Picasso jasper is the artistic tension: the boldness of black, the passive quietness of grey and the exciting energy of red all swept together.
Jasper, Rainbow
When life has you down, design with rainbow jasper. Rainbow jasper is called a "sustaining stone" in metaphysical beliefs and thought to be helpful in times of emotional fatigue or stress.
Jasper, Red
Learn about red jasper, from its physical properties to its place in legend and history.
Jasper, Red Creek
Miners were looking for turquoise when they found Red Creek jasper. The lovely red, green, yellow, blue-gray and black stone offers the perfect autumn/fall color combination for jewelry.
Jasper, Sesame
Discover the intriguing history and unique beauty of sesame jasper, a stone with striking speckles and earthy tones—perfect for bold, natural jewelry designs.
Jasper, Silver Leaf
Natural sophistication. That's what Mother Nature got when she combined grey, black and white in a beautifully swirling pattern to create the distinctive silver leaf jasper.
Jasper, Tigerskin
Tigerskin "jasper" is a perfect choice for earthy jewelry styles. Its contrasting swirls and stripes of tan, yellow and yellowish brown create a tawny stone that's so rich looking its decadent.
Jasper, Zebra
It's time to get designing! Zebra jasper motivates us to move out of apathy into action. It helps us avoid over-thinking and encourages us to just enjoy the experience of living.
Kunzite
The soft pink and purple hues of kunzite are well-suited for feminine jewelry designs and special occasion jewelry such as for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones in history--more than 6,500 years old! Valued since antiquity, lapis lazuli is a highly sought-after stone in jewelry designs.
Lepidolite
With its variety of pinkish rose to purple hues along with other shades, lepidolite offers incredible tonal flexibility in jewelry designs, pairing well with other gemstones and metal tones.
Magnetite
Magnetite (not to be confused with magnesite) is a rock mineral believed to alleviate negative emotions such as fear, anger and grief while promoting positive qualities in the wearer.
Malachite, Red
While malachite gemstones are renowned for their rich green color, red "malachite" is just as loved for its warm terra cotta color and metaphysical associations of energy and courage.
Marble
Marble is viewed as a stone of potential. Marble has been used in architecture, decorative carvings and, of course, jewelry for centuries for its fantastic cutting and shaping properties.
Marcasite
Explore the captivating history of marcasite and delve into its physical properties. Discover how it is used to craft jewelry with a subtle, timeless elegance.
Moonstone, Pink/Peach
Discover the history, meaning and unique beauty of pink and peach moonstone—from its ancient associations with love and intuition to its gentle shimmer and design potential in modern jewelry-making.
Moonstone, Pink Flake
Pink flake moonstone is a beautiful stone in feminine jewelry designs, but the overall color isn't so pink (especially the redder specimens) it can't also be used in masculine designs.
Moonstone, Rainbow
Unearth the beauty of rainbow moonstone and learn its history, geological properties, design uses and proper care in this Gem Note.
Moonstone, Silver
Nothing says subtle sophistication like grey or silver. Silver moonstone is a tantalizing silvery-grey translucent stone with a sheen that enhances just such a sense of sophistication.
Moonstone, White
Beneath the soft shimmering surface of moonstone gemstones surges a deeper, lovelier beauty: a white "moon"-like sheen that rolls over the stone as it is rotated or catches the light.
Mother-of-Pearl, White
Especially popular in Victorian-inspired jewelry designs, mother-of-pearl shell is often seen as cameos, but it isn't just for feminine jewelry, as it is a favorite for cuff links and tie tacks.
Obsidian, Black
Discover the history and properties of black obsidian, from ancient tools to modern jewelry. Learn how this volcanic glass has shaped cultures and design
Obsidian, Golden Sheen
Black and gold are a timeless pairing--and golden sheen obsidian proves their elegance. Additionally, the reflective nature of obsidian makes it a favorite for self-reflective meditation.
Obsidian, Mahogany
Obsidian's naturally dark, glossy color makes it fashionable for men and women's jewelry. It can be easily incorporated into vintage, gothic, Celtic and other designs from classic to modern.
Obsidian, Snowflake
Snowflake obsidian is striking in its appearance and is also a durable gemstone—making the spotted obsidian popular for use as a "worry stone" as well as a beautiful addition to jewelry.
Onyx, Striped
Combine the richness of cream and a whisper of green, then swirl golden tan and brown tones in, and you'll have the delectable look of striped onyx. A stunning stone for autumn jewelry!
Opal
This article explores the history, properties, and varieties of opal—including precious, fire, and common opals—highlighting their beauty, symbolism, and uses in jewelry design.
Peridot
Explore the rich history, metaphysical meanings, peridot properties and design inspiration behind this vibrant green gemstone.
Pipestone (Catlinite)
Pipestone has a robust brick red color and can contain quartz or mica for a bit of sheen and shimmer, making this gemstone a favorite for both women's and men's jewelry designs.
Pyrite
Due to pyrite's color, luster and high specific gravity, it has been mistaken for gold, hence the nickname: fool's gold. But don't be fooled into thinking pyrite isn't perfect for jewelry!
Quartz, Cat's Eye
Cat's eye quartz is thought to bring good fortune—sounds like a great reason to use it in jewelry! There are more reasons cat's eye quartz is ideal for jewelry, too, especially men's designs.
Quartz, Rutilated
Discover rutilated quartz, a stunning quartz variety with golden or silver rutile inclusions, known for its energy-amplifying and clarity-enhancing properties.
Quartz, Snow
Snow quartz looks pure and fresh as newly fallen snow. Snow quartz is associated with innocence, which is why wearing it is said to help give a child-like perspective free of cynicism.
Quartz, Solar
Solar quartz is a rare formation of white crystalline quartz with some druzy inclusions and beautiful natural orbicular patterns that may have green or brown moss-like inclusions.
Quartz, Tourmalinated
You know quartz is a gemstone, but what does tourmalinated mean? It's what gives this gemstone its distinct and sophisticated color scheme that's loved in women's and men's jewelry designs.
Rainbow Calsilica
Rainbow calsilica is a man-made material created for the gemstone market from carbonate rock, which means this intriguing material still possesses perceived metaphysical properties.
Riverstone
Riverstone is light tan to light brown and is a favorite neutral in jewelry. The stone takes pigment well and is often dyed. Luckily, the dyed stone still retains perceived metaphysical properties.
Septarian
Each septarian specimen is unique with a joyous, ancient quality. They look fantastic and are thought to have beneficial metaphysical abilities, too.
Seraphinite
Seraphinite is a soft gemstone, which can make designers nervous to use it, but the beauty of this greenish stone named after angels can't be emphasized enough for use in jewelry.
Serpentine
According to metaphysical beliefs, serpentine provides clear thought to better facilitate meditation, but that isn't the only reason you should consider designing with this gemstone.
Shungite
What do Russia and Nobel Prizes have to do with Shungite? There's a very interesting and varied history with this folklore favorite.
Slate
Slate is believed to preserve you from weakness. Made from pressed mudstone, this stone is black due to plants or plankton, and may contain fossils.
Soapstone
Soapstone is incredibly soft, which makes it a perfect stone for carving. Natural soapstone tends to have light shades of gray, green or brown, making it ideal for autumn-themed jewelry.
Stichtite
There aren't many purple gemstones, making purplish pink to purpose-red stichtite a delight to use in jewelry. Plus, it has metaphysical properties your customers may be looking for.
Sugilite
Sugilite offers lots of designing possibilities whether it's beads, cabochons, inlays and more. Like amethyst, sugilite's variety of purples makes it go well with just about everything.
Tanzanite
Rarer than diamonds and almost as famous, tanzanite has skyrocketed in popularity. You'll want to learn about the gem and start designing now as deposits could run dry!
Tektite
Looking to design with a gemstone that's out of this world? Tektite is a form of natural glass that forms not from the heat of volcanoes, but from atmospheric friction on meteorites.
Tiger Iron
Tiger iron is actually three gemstones in one. With the associations of the three component stones, tiger iron is ideal for men's designs, without reducing popularity in women's jewelry.
Topaz, White
Sparkling white topaz is used equally well as a centerpiece or accent in jewelry designs. Read on to learn more about this beautiful and adaptable gemstone.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline holds a special place in the hearts of jewelry designers and gem enthusiasts for its incredible amount of colors. No wonder it was thought tourmaline traveled along a rainbow.
Trolleite
Delve into the rich history, metaphysical properties, and captivating lore of trolleite gemstones, and discover inspiring design suggestions to integrate this beautiful stone into your jewelry creations.
Zircon
The brilliant colors and fire of zircon make it a luscious choice for jewelry. Metaphysical practitioners believe that is useful as a sleep aid.
Zoisite
A perfect gemstone for artists, writers and jewelry designers, zoisite is said to have creative energy. Ruby in zoisite varieties especially are said to help artists and their art become one.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®