Ruby

• Color: Red

• Luster: Adamantine to Vitreous.

• Hardness: 9

• System: Trigonal

• Origins: Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, Colombia, India, Japan, Myanmar, Namibia, Pakistan, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

• Healing: Helps to engender feelings of Confidence, Enthusiasm, Security, and Self-Esteem, Steadies, and Warms.

• Magical Attributes: Acts like the Sun – as a reliable source of Life-Energy – and brings the wearer benefits associated with the Sun. Smooths Relationships with other people.

     Ruby is a variety of the mineral Corundum, colored by chromium oxides. (The blue variety is Sapphire and there is also yellow and colorless corundum.) High-quality gem Rubies of rich color and translucence are rare, hence their great value. Much more common are red and purple-blue opaque stones with a heavy metallic sheen. But even low-quality Rubies have a mouth-watering beauty that makes them hard to resist. Traditionally the gemstone of the Sun, Ruby is believed to confer wealth, power, long life, and health.

Rutilated Quartz

• Color: Clear with fine strands of Orange-Brown or Yellow needle-like inclusions.

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 7

• System: Trigonal (Quartz) and Tetragonal (Rutile).

• Origins: Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Norway, Pakistan, and United States.

• Healing: Encourages us to make progress, no matter how tough life gets. Helps us to see beyond fixed ideas. Lightens Heavy Moods.

• Magical Attributes: Speeds up Events and Processes. Removes Obstacles.

     Also known as Sagenite, Angel Hair, or Venus Hair, this beautiful combination of Quartz and Rutile is found in the Alps in Europe, the Urals in Asia, and in Brazil. Prized as a precious stone, it is cut into facets and cabochons. Rutilated Quartz’s clear and orange/gold tones make it excellent for encouraging the body to repair itself.

Sapphire

• Color: Blue, Violet-Blue, Black, Green, and Yellow.

• Luster: Sub-Adamantine to Vitreous.

• Hardness: 9

• System: Trigonal

• Origins: Australia, Cambodia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and United States.

• Healing: Calms, Reduces, and Regulates tension created by anxiety and fear. Increases powers of personal expression benefiting the Heart and Throat Chakras. Stimulates the higher mind.

• Magical Attributes: Aids Victory over All (Star Sapphire), Attracts Favorable Blessings and Spirits, Dealing, Inspiration, Love, Meditation, Peace, Power, Prophecy, Prosperity, Protection, Protects from Envy and Harm, Provides Spiritual Strength, Psychic Abilities, and Wisdom.

     Said to encourage magical workings, Sapphire has long enchanted many collectors. Although generally considered a blue stone, this variety of Corundum, however, is Ruby. After Diamond, Sapphire is the second hardest mineral known to man. Sri Lanka produces the most Sapphires, although the finest come from Kashmir. There is something solid, understated, and reassuring about the colors and shapes of Ruby and Sapphire. They help us to focus upon lasting, worthwhile valued – are still often the best for restoring our equilibrium.

Selenite

• Color: Blue, Brown, Clear, Red, White, and Yellow.

• Luster: Pearly to Vitreous.

• Hardness: 2

• System: Monoclinic

• Origins: Madagascar, Mexico, and Morocco.

• Healing: Brings clarity of mind. Expands Consciousness. Quickly unblocks Stagnant Energy with its rapidly flowing and cooling energy. Shifts Negative Emotions, especially resentment and long standing anger.

• Magical Attributes: Clears away Darkness and Shadow, Helps Avoid Difficulties, and Protects us from Blame and Harm.

     It enhances clarity of the mind and concentration, expanding ones awareness of the self and of ones surrounding and have a positive effect on the brain. It soothes the nerves and enhances willpower.

Serpentine

• Color: Shades of Brown, Green, Red, and Yellow.

• Luster: Vitreous to Waxy.

• Hardness: 3 - 4

• System: Microcrystalline and Monoclinic.

• Origins: Afghanistan, Austria, Britain, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Greece, India, Italy, Korea, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, and United States.

• Healing: Calms and Stabilizes the mind. Enables absorption and use of “Prana” (life-energy) throughout the body. Heightens Perception. Good for Meditation and Harmonious Integration of new states of Awareness. Helps to understand yourself spiritually.

• Magical Attributes: Allays Fear, Develops Psychic Skills, Enhances Communication Abilities. Has the power to Avert Harm.

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     The name Septarian derives from the ancient belief that the stone was a remedy against snake bites. This idea may have stemmed from Serpentine’s sinuous patterning, as well as its coloration reminiscent of snakeskin. It is metamorphic, forming from Olivine-rich rocks, and is principally found in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Russia the the US. The fibrous form of Serpentine is asbestos (also known as Chrysotile), which should not be used, because its dust can cause serious lung diseases, such as Emphysema. However, the massive form of Serpentine is completely safe.

Smithsonite

• Color: Pink, Blue, Green, Blue-Green, and Gray.

• Luster: Vitreous to Pearly.

• Hardness: 4.5

• System: Trigonal

• Origins: The Ocean

• Healing: De-clutters the mind, helping us to focus clearly. Helps us let go, find our own path, and welcome new states of being. Stabilizes Emotions and Releases Stress.

• Magical Attributes: Instills Confidence in times of flux. Provides Security in new relationships.

     Many collectors have been attracted to Smithsonite by its unusual silky, pearlescent sheen. But it is intriguing also for its typical form, which is botryoidal – resembling a luscious bunch of grapes. In ancient times Smithsonite was a source of Zinc, which was mixed with Copper to make Brass. This ability to blend easily reflects its powers to enhance creativity and aid smooth transitions. The stone is named for the British scientist James Smithson, who founded the Smithsonian Institution.

Smoky Quartz

• Color: Brown-Black to Smokey Brown.

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 7

• System: Triclinic

• Origins: Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Scotland, Switzerland, and United States.

• Healing: Calms the mind and focuses its thoughts. Gently grounds us.

• Magical Attributes: Concentrates Energy, Directing and Absorbing Energy and Altered States, Healing, and Provides a Focus for Meditation.

     Smokey Quartz dissipates blocked energy and negativity, providing a mildly sedative effect, helping you to relax. It is an excellent stone for meditation as it assists in grounding, centering, and enhances awareness, dream recollection, and channeling abilities.

Sphene

• Color: Yellow-Green, Green-Brown, and Brown-Red.

• Luster: Adamantine

• Hardness: 5 – 5.5

• System: Monoclinic

• Origins: Myanmar, Tanzania, and Uruguru Mountains.

• Healing: Gently increases levels of Physical Energy. Helps us Understand our Emotions. Makes us open to new ideas and concepts.

• Magical Attributes: Clarifies new directions, Encourages lateral thinking, and Offers solutions to problems.

     The transparent, gem-quality variety of the mineral Titanite, Sphene frequently occurs in metamorphic rocks, particularly in cracks within crystalline schists with Quartz, Chlorites and Feldspars. A dirty, translucent olive-green in color, Sphene forms strange-looking, flattened wedge-shaped crystals – indeed, its name means “wedge” in ancient Greek. Like a real wedge, Sphene can be used to open the door to new levels of experience of to gain access to deeply entrenched conditions, making it an important healing stone.

Spinel

• Color: Red or Brown (sometimes Blue, Green, or Colorless).

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 8 - 9

• System: Cubic

• Origins: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.

• Healing: Boosts sluggish energy flow. Helps the body to detoxify itself.

• Magical Attributes: Acts as a spur to decisive actions.

     Spinel rarely forms large crystals, more often resembling the thorns or spines from which it takes its name. From a practical point of view, this can make the stone difficult to use in healing – unless crystals are still within their matrix rock (as is often the case). High-grade Spinel’s have a brilliance approaching Diamond, making them popular for jewelry. The stone was traditionally worn as a charm for good luck and to inspire noble thoughts. Link many red stones Spinel was also used as a remedy for bleeding.

Spirit Quartz

• Color: Brown to Grayish-Brown, Pale Lilac, Opaque White, Sky Blue to Aqua, Yellow to Gold, and a Rainbow of Bright Colors.

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 7

• System: Trigonal

• Origins: South Africa

• Healing: It tempers anti-social, confrontational, egoistic, or self-centered and assists those with a fear of social situations to be more open and friendly. Promotes cooperation, group consciousness, and a willingness to put aside the self in favor of the higher good.

• Magical Attributes: Frequent use can drain an individual of vitality unless proper steps are taken to ground and disperse excess energy. High energy stone with a strong field of vibrations. Develop your psychic abilities. Keeps you mentally sharp and focused.

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     Spirit Quartz is also known as Fairy Quartz or Cactus Quartz. It is an exceptionally spiritual stone. Its uplifting, high vibration energy makes it excellent for meditation and psychic awareness, enhancing harmony and peace. Carrying the gift of the spirit this stone carries the vibration of universal love and rebirth, opening, aligning, and purifying the entire chakra system, perfectly balancing the male and female energies.

Staurolite

• Color: Dark to Light Brown, and Yellow.

• Luster: Dull to Vitreous.

• Hardness: 7 – 7.5

• System: Orthorhombic

• Origins: Australia, Brazil, Russia, Switzerland, and United States.

• Healing: Gently Grounding. Settles the body and mind when energies are overactive and scattered. Works well at the Root Chakra and at the base of the spine.

• Magical Attributes: Balances Opposites. Encourages us to stick to our convictions in the face of opposing points of view. Establishes Poise and Stability.

     This is one of those minerals that can almost look artificial. However, Staurolite’s interpenetrating twin prisms are formed naturally. They make cross shapes, and so the stone has become known as “Cross stone” or “Fairy stone”. It is often found still embedded in its matrix – usually a soft, creamy yellow rock – making it an impressive display piece. Staurolite has always been used to bring good fortune and protection. For example, in Switzerland, Staurolite crosses were used as amulets at baptisms. In Brittany they were worn as lucky charms said to have fallen from heaven.

Sulphur

• Color: Bright Yellow and Yellow-Brown.

• Luster: Resinous

• Hardness: 1.5 – 2.5

• System: Orthorhombic

• Origins: Global

• Healing: Clears away subtle clutter. Energizes the rational mind. Promotes enthusiasm and optimism.

• Magical Attributes: Awakens us to Reality, Helps us see beyond everyday events, and Reveals Hidden Motivations.

     With its distinctive bright yellow coloring and interestingly shaped crystals, Sulphur makes a beautiful mineral specimen. Formed from volcanic gases, it burns easily, creating a bright blue flame, and this quality has been known of since ancient times. Sometimes called “Brimstone”, Sulphur was referred to in the Bible as an instrument of God’s punishment. Around the 10th century, the Chinese used it to make the first gunpowder. In healing, however, its fiery nature can be particularly useful. The finest Sulphur crystals come from Italy.

Sunstone

• Color: Orange-Brown-Gold with Gold flecks.

• Luster: Adamantine and Vitreous.

• Hardness: 6 – 6.5

• System: Triclinic

• Origins: Australia, Norway, Sweden, and United States.

• Healing: Feeds a sense of self-worth and promotes a positive self-image. Gently Energizing and Warming. Supports a willingness to stand up for who we are.

• Magical Attributes: Encourages artistic skills and expression, Energy, Health, Passion, Protection, and Sexuality. Just as Moonstone seems to contain the soft luster of the Moon, so Sunstone reflects the Bright Golden dazzle of the Sun. Represents Brightness, Lightness, and Optimism.

     Most people are familiar with Moonstone, with its soft, iridescent, pearly luster. Sunstone belongs to the same mineral family (Feldspar), but it contains brightly sparkling inclusions that reflect a warm, golden light. Found in Norway and the US, gem-quality Sunstone has high proportions of reflective color; best displayed in cabochons. Lesser grades are largely milky white or brown-orange with occasional flecks of brilliance.

Tanzanite

• Color: Strong Blue with pleochroism of Blue, Brown, and Red.

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 6 – 6.5

• System: Orthorhombic

• Origins: Tanzania

• Healing: Focuses healing energy wherever it is placed. Quickly releases strong pent-up emotions. Stimulates intuition and psychic skills. Integrates energy and information from diverse sources to create a new wholeness.

• Magical Attributes: Associated with transmutation and revelation. Can disguise the true nature of things. Reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary.

     This crystal was only discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. New precious stones always attract interest, especially when they have an ethereal quality suggestive of spirituality as this one does. Tanzanite is an example of the extraordinary emerging from the ordinary. It is a rare variety of the common mineral Zoisite colored by a few extra atoms within its lattice structure. It resembles Sapphire but has a more violet hue caused by atoms of Strontium. Its pleochroism means that 3 different colors – dark blue, brown-yellow, and red-purple – can be seen in the same stone, depending on the angle from which you view it. Its blue color can be deepened by heading.

Tektite

• Color: Various shades of Green, Brown, and Black.

• Luster: Vitreous

• Hardness: 6 - 7

• System: Amorphous

• Origins: Australia, Germany, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Russia, South East Asia, Tajikistan, and United States.

• Healing: Brings us back to the real world after flights of fancy. Helps us to find solutions to problems. Encourages integration of disparate energies, with a practical focus. Neutralizes over-emotional states.

• Magical Attributes: Amalgamates the energies of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial influences. Defuses Volatile Situations.

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     Tektite can often resemble old forgotten boiled sweets or bits of dried tar. But its origins are mysterious – rock and soil flung together and melted by meteoric impacts millions of years ago. Tektites are named after the places where they are found. For example, Australite is found in Australia, Javanite is Java, and Moldavite in Central Europe. One of the most unusual is “Libyan Glass”, a translucent yellow-green Tektite found strewn across the surface of the Libyan Sahara and thought to have been created by some cataclysmic event in the distant past.

Thulite

• Color: Gray, Pink, and Red-Pink.

• Luster: Pearly to Vitreous.

• Hardness: 6 – 6.5

• System: Orthorhombic

• Origins: Austria, Norway, and United States.

• Healing: Helps us to move on from unhelpful recurring emotional states. Motivates us to take action when we feel complacent or unenthusiastic.

• Magical Attributes: Gives us the confidence to explore and attracts us to the unknown.

     Known as an ornamental carving stone in Norway since ancient times, Thulite is a massive variety of the mineral Zoisite, found in metamorphic Limestones and also in igneous rocks where the original minerals have been altered. The stone has a delicate strawberry pink color (caused by Manganese), and may also contain the green more familiar with other Zoisites. Named after the mythical island of Thule, the land beyond the North Wind, Thulite is associated with the furthest limits of the world, instilling in us the confidence to go beyond our normal limits.