some of this book has been compiled from the mrbead monthly … · 2010. 6. 18. · dzi agate is...

1 | P a g e G e m s t o n e P r o p e r t i e s

Copyright © 2010 Nigel Mckay, MrBead.com. All rights reserved worldwide

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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.



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. Eachindividual 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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.

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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 theGreek 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online Aquamarine

From lightest sky-blue to the deep-blue of the sea, aquamarines comes in a beautifulrange 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 areinspired 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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on ll levels.

found in mazonite makes your married life happier.

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es

with your environment. llowing you to pause and reflect, while feeling settled and secure.

negative nergy with positive. Making it easier to find direction and feel in control of your life.

, rnelian is for people with the

odiac sign of Leo. Click the picture to buy these beads online

of ray, yellow or brown. It has a compact

fibrous structure and fine splintery fracture.

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 veryimportant stone in the spiritual realm. Green is the color of healing - with aventurine the all-purpose healer. Not only good for physical disorders, blockages and migraine, but also healinga Amazonite, sometimes called Amazon Jade, is a similar stone to Aventurine. Usuallyyellow-green to blue-green. Some say AC

n Another stone from the quartz family - usually bright reddish orange, with an opacity between translucent to clear. Carnelian is for confidence. Said to help blooddisorders and eliminate toxins from the body. Carnelian is in tune with the energiof the Earth, making you feel anchored and comfortable

Carnelia

A 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, replacinge A good stone for people starting new projects or who feel they are going nowhere. It motivatesallowing you to find the energy to make the most out of life. Caz

Chalcedony Chalcedony is a very fine-grained variety of quartz with a waxy luster in a variety colors - usually blue-white, buff, light tan, g

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ave

original tree in fantastic colors. The brilliant reds and greens are caused by traces of on oxides.

n

posedly reduces hostility, irritability nd melancholy. Click the picture to buy these beads online

. ts

of Jerusalem with its 12 walls decorated with precious gemstones, e tenth being chrysoprase.

lieves

cal body. with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer.


oiss

ony group of gem quartzes and its bright even color and texture is ideal for

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In the petrified forests of the American Desert Southwest, many of the original tree tissues hbeen replaced by chalcedony in the formation of petrified wood. What remains is a mineral replica of the ir For a long time, chalcedony have been used as gems, cut and polished as ornamental stones. It’sthought to have been used as a sacred stone by the Native Americas, promoting stability withithe ceremonial activities of the tribe. Chalcedony is said to bring emotional balance, vitality, stamina, endurance, kindness, charity and friendliness. It supa

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 beadsIn Europe until the middle of the last century it was used lavishly, when deposimined in Silesia exhausted and it became expensive. The Book of Revelations

(21:20) describes the holy cityth According to an 11th Century Byzantine manuscript, chrysoprase strengthens vision and reinternal 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 physiAstrologically, chrysoprase is associatedC

lla Chrysocolla is similar to chrysoprase. The name chrysoprase (rhymes with bland craze) is from a Greek word meaning Golden Leek. It is the rarest of the chalcedbeads.

Chrysoc

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. Because of its vivid

after three-years. However, the Chinese during the Song Dynasty, uff

igmented lacquer. Most beads and jewelry sold as cinnabar now, consist of a carved wood base layers of resin, and are totally harmless. Click the picture to buy these beads online

right lemony shades. Citrine with manmade color tends to have il

ought that ve

own, try holding citrine to lift your spirit.

not only acquire wealth but to conserve it too. itrine is the birthstone for November, and its corresponding signs are Gemini, Aries, Libra, and eo. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Cinnabar Technically, Cinnabar is mercury sulfide – found near recent volcanic activity. Its name comes from Medieval Latin cinnabaris; Red leadred color, powdered cinnabar was used during ancient times for "war" andceremonial face and body paint.

The toxicity of mercury and cinnabar was well known before 2000 B.C, when slaves and risoners mining the ore died p

reduced the risk by using lacquer over the cinnabar carvings onto chests, candle sticks, snbottles and other ornaments.

oday, the toxic pigment is replaced by a resin-based polymer that looks the same as the Tpcovered by

”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 b

Citrine

more of an orange or reddish caste. Most natural citrine starts life as amethyst untheated in a molten state to change.

any people use citrine to attract wealth. In the Chinese science of feng shui, it’s thMplacing citrine in the Wealth Area of a room, the south-east corner, helps to bring money. I haone 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 onscious and subconscious minds. If you’re feeling dc

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 toCL

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d in with enamel paste. Cloisonné enamelware ing especially popular during the Ming

el-filling, enamel ring, polishing and gilding. Cloisonné beads are no different in this process, and their energies re similar to those of flaked stone. Click the picture to buy these beads online

ne life. However, it's been used gious meaning - like being

ef. However, these are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in welry. Most of this coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and

lisman against evil spirits and hurricanes. It’s also said to duce blood flow, helping anemia, and is thought to give wisdom and prevent madness. lick the picture to buy these beads online

se of the

Cloisonné is decorative enamelwork in which metal filaments are fused to the surface outlining a design fille

Cloisonné

dates back over 500-years in China, beDynasty (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, enamfia

Coral is not a true gemstone, but a product of mariCoral

as a gem since prehistoric times with a history of relione 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 RejeTaiwan. Coral was long thought to be a strong tareC Crystal

The Mayans, Druid priests, and Tibetan monks all knew the spiritual power ofcrystal. 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 becau

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

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many eople use crystal to focus attention on what they want. With a little imagination, you too can use

r ove, is great for emotional healing. Red,

ellow, and orange stones are said to produce energy; clear and aquamarine stones are healers;

g e interior a ghostly appearance. Smoky

uartz is caused by natural radiation from nearby granite rocks which have a small amount of dioactivity. Click the picture to buy these beads online

ost common flaked stone is goldstone. A manmade stone, first created by

hese ium.

g a positive attitude and individualism. As well as alming, refreshing, and is said to protect the center of the body reducing stomach tension.

ure to buy these beads online

for its glassy luster and wide range of color - from purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless, brown, pink, black and reddish orange.

e hand brings a sense of inner peace. Those ho choose this stone are likely to be artistic and creative, being able to earn money from their

especially for strengthening the

conductor allows energy to be focused via a person's thoughts to stimulate healing. Andpcrystal'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 otheuses too. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional lyand 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. Creatinan attractive effect of a crystal within a crystal, giving thQra

Stone The malchemists 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 - tare transmitter stones. Causing light to pass through you in order to convey or receive a medRevitalizing, energizing, and encouragin

Flaked

cClick the pict

The mineral fluorite is famous

Fluorite

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 thwtalent – as well as self-critical with a fear of failure. Fluorite is considered to be the most powerful healing stone,

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from the ruins of Pompeii, but despite being a favorite ith ancient civilizations, has been recently overlooked. lick the picture to buy these beads online

r

Latin word granatus, meaning like a rain - referring to how their crystals resemble seeds embedded in the matrix. Garnet comes in

a

d to illuminate the night and wore off vil. This luminosity is caused by garnet’s high refraction. Some say garnet prevents nightmares nd depression. Click the picture to buy these beads online

es giving distinctive character. Although a similar color to turquoise, gaspeite is a nickel carbonate. Even little softer than turquoise, and should be

aspe eninsula, Quebec, in Canada, where it was originally found. It’s now mined in Western

lso

ng the veil between distress and ignorance. Gaspeite also helps to reduce emotional norance, prevent loss, and is related to the heart chakra. Click the picture to buy these beads

nline

bone tissue. Fluorite has been excavatedwC

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 weaand tear because of their excellent hardness of over 7 on the Mohs’ scale. Garnet, theJanuary birthstone, derived its name from the

gmany 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 usinggarnet 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 believeea

This is a relatively rare mineral and a fairly new discovery found in 1966. It’s almost apple green in color, and some verities are even neon green - it can also have brownish patch

Gaspeite

treated with at least as much care. Gaspeite is found around nickel sulfide deposits, and gets its name from the locality of GPAustralia 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 athought to bring spirituality into everyday life. Awakening illusions, attracting friendship, and removiigo

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obscure designs that can be indescribable.

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, stylesand 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

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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 non-crystalline 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

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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

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o-it

lding for centuries.

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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 twmillennia, Babylonians used in for seals twelve-hundred years ago, and in India

has been carved into jewelry and bui 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Jet Jet is a soft, opaque black gemstone, easily identified because it is very, verylightweight. Jet is composed of carbonized wood. The material was first found nearthe River Gages and mentioned by Pliny in Ancient Greece. Jet is rather difficult tofind 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

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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ity.

Malachite Malachite is green with irregular black banding. Its green stripes have the ability tosoothe and bring rest - helping sleep, meditation, the circulation and balancingemotions. The copper content helps rheumatism. It's also the guardian stone oftravelers 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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 quant

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Mookaite Mookaite is the name given to a silicified porcelanite which forms in WesternAustralia. An Australian aboriginal healing stone, helping wounds, stabilizing healthand boosting the immune system. Mookaite also purifies blood in the liver andspleen, 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

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Moonstone Moonstone is translucent, and softens the light shining through it to give a pearlymoon-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 moonscolorless 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Obsidian Obsidian is hard natural glass formed by rapid cooling of volcanic lava. Usuallyfound 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 fweapons. 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.

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om several elements.

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Opal All of Nature’s fury can be seen in fine opal. Like a Rembrandt: fire, lightning, all thecolors 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 astone fr

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 non-opalizing opal – usually pink opal from Peru. Opal’s fantasy-like play of color is caused by small spheres of silica creating interference and

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-

ther mussel.

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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 shellbuilding, nacre. To cultivate a pearl, farmers slit the mussel and insert small pieces

of live tissue from ano 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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 1997. 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 1962. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Rhodonite 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

Russian court.

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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. Inthe chakra system red relates to creativity and sexuality, and green is associated withhealing, 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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dreams.

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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

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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 1944. 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 andeep reddish purple color. It has been described as a purple turquoise although there is no relabetween the two minerals. Its jewelry uses are becoming widespread and sugilite is being used in jewelry styles with turquoise, malachite and coral.

d a tion

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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. Colorsrange from a rich golden yellow to dark brown.

Tiger’s-Eye is good for those worried about health. It builds will-power and inner-strength, 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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

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

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dyed.

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ise didn’t reach Europe until the crusades hen the name originated, meaning "Turkish stone”.

s near, or a lover is unfaithful. It’s also said to protect gainst pollution and strengthen the body.

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gentle release of energy blocks, leading to an emotionally calm state.

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. Click the picture to buy these beads online

Turquoise

Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone, formed by volcanic rock reacting to copperdeposits 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

Turquoise has been found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs and the Tibetans used it as currenccenturies ago. North Africa and the Middle East hold large deposits, but most turquoise today originates from Burma and is carved in China. Turquow 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 ia Turquoise is porous, so contact with liquids, oils or even perspiration should be avoided. Jewelryshould be removed before washing. Turquoise is commonly impregnated with plastic, colorleoil or wax to improve color and increase durability. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green. As genuine turquoise is expensive, reconstituted turquoise is common today. Craftedreal turquoise chips fused with other stones to cut the cD Unakite

Unakite consists of pink feldspar mottled on green epidote and quartz. Ffor finding the root cause of an illness – useful for conditions where the symptoms can’t otherwise be treated. It works by allowing the long-term

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Unakite can neutralize the tion from television sets.


For al

Also believed to stimulate the reproductive system, encourage pregnancy, and helping the healthy development of the baby in the womb. Some people even say harmful effects of electromagnetic radiaC

l gemstone bead & pearl supplies: MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk For all gemstone Strands click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

To join the free monthly MrBead Newsletter click here or the link on MrBead front page

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Save to your computerHow to navigate this bookGemstone Properties StartAgateAmberAmethystAquamarineAventurine & AmazoniteCarnelianChalcedonyChrysopraseChrysocollaCinnabarCitrineCloisonnéCoralCrystalFlaked StoneFluoriteGarnetGaspeiteGlassHematiteHowliteJadeJasperJetLabradoriteLampworkLapis LazuliLavaMalachiteMillefioriMookaiteMoonstoneObsidianOnyxOpalPearlPeridotPietersiteRhodoniteRuby ZoisiteRhinestoneQuartzSodaliteSugiliteTiger’s Eye & Cat’s EyeTopazTurquoiseUnakite

some of this book has been compiled from the mrbead monthly … · 2010. 6. 18. · dzi agate is...

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