Agate Color: all colors, banded Agate is a banded, concentric shell-like chalcedony, sometimes containing opal substance. The name is derived from the river Achates in Sicily. Amethyst Color: purple, violet, pale red-violet Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the quartz group. The name means “not drunken” (Greek), as amethyst was worn as an amulet against drunkenness. Birthstone: February Meaning: Sincerity Aquamarine Color: Light blue to dark blue, blue-green In Latin aquamarine means water of the sea. It is named this because of its seawater color. The most deposits of this stone are found in Brazil Carnelian Color: brownish red to orange Named after the color of the kornel cherry because of its color. When held to the light, the color variety shows stripes, and a cloudy distribution of color. Chalecedony Color: bluish, white, gray Chalecedony is used by gemologists as a species name for all cryptocrystalline quartzes. Chalecedonies are, in their natural state, waxy or dull. Citrine Color: light yellow to dark yellow, gold-brown The name is derived from its lemon yellow color. Natural citrines are rare. Fresh Water Pearls Color: comes in numerous colors Freshwater pearls are best known for their whimsical shapes and wide range of sizes and colors. Birthstone: June Meaning: Health Garnet Color: Red, frequently with brown tint, and violet tint The name derives from the Latin for grain because of the rounded crystals and similarity to the red kernels of the pomegranate. There are many different types of garnet but the two most well known types of garnet are the pyrope and almandite. Birthstone: January Meaning: Constancy Jade Color: Green, also all other colors The name Jade goes back to the time of the Spanish conquest of Central and South America and derives from piedra de ijada, i.e., hip stone, as it was seen as protection against and cure for kidney diseases. In prehistoric times, jade was used in many parts of the world for arms and tools because of its exceptional toughness. For over 2,000 years, jade was part of the religious cult in China and mystic figures and other symbols were carved from it. Jasper Color: all colors, mostly striped or spotted The name jasper is derived from the Greek and means “spotted stone.” Sometimes Jasper can be grown together with agate or opal. Moonstone Color: Colorless, yellow, pale-sheen The moonstone shows a magical play of light, and shimmers like the moonshine. This stone originates from Sri Lanka. Many mystical and magical connotations surround this stone. In several cultures, like for example in India, it is considered a sacred and magical gemstone and is also appreciated as a "dream stone", as it is supposed to bring about sweet and beautiful dreams. In Arab countries women often were Moonstone sewn into their garment, because there, this gemstone is appreciated as a symbol of fertility. Onyx Color: black also known as "black magic". The name originated from the Greek word "Onux", and was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Peridot Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, brownish Peridot was brought to Central Europe by crusaders in the Middle Ages, and was often used for ecclesiastical purposes. It was the most popular stone during the Baroque period. Rose Quartz Color: strong pink, pale pink Rose Quartz (named after its pink color) is often crackled, usually a little turbid, and colors can fade. Smoky Quartz Color: Brown to black, smoky gray Named after its smoky color. The darker stones are called “morion” and “caingorm”. The coloring is caused by (natural and artificial) gamma rays. Swarovski Crystals Color: made in numerous colors swarovski crystal is the finest quality crystal on the market today. The crystals are optically very pure and cut with tremendous precision creating beautiful sparkle effects in the light Tourmaline Color: Colorless, pink, red, yellow, brown, green, blue, violet, black, multicolored This stones name was thought to mean “stone with mixed colors.” The most desired colors are intense pink and green. Turquoise Color: Sky-blue, blue-green, apple-green The name turquoise means “Turkish stone” because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. Pure blue color is rare; mostly turquoise is interspersed with brown, dark grey, or black veins of other minerals. Birthstone: December Meaning: Prosperity Copyright © 2012 Hannah Koo. All Rights Reserved.