“ Speak the ancient language of gemstones and learn the extra layer of meaning of each
and every gem’s origin, tradition and story. ”
Rhodolite
Stone of Focus
Rhodolite’s name is a modern composite of the Greek words rhodon, “rose”, and lithos, “stone”. It’s a member of the Garnet group, and to most dealers and other gem professionals, any predominantly purple garnet is rhodolite.
Features & Traits
Rhodolite’s attractive colour has made it one of the most valuable of gems generally classified as “red” garnet. It has a strong market supply and availability in a wide range of sizes.
Healing
- Allow for confidence and self-worth.
- Calm and feed the soul.
- Improve focus and concentration.
Rose Quartz
Stone of Healing
The Pale Pink colour of Quartz, which can range from transparent to translucent, is known as Rose Quartz. Often, it has numerous internal fractures that give it a cloudy translucence and a visual texture that’s almost like the veining in Jadeite Jade. This internal reflections give it an intriguing “floating light” effect.
Features & Traits
Rose quartz is generally inexpensive, with the best colour in medium to large sizes. Small stones with good colour is harder to find.
Healing
- Balance both the Yin and Yang.
- Facilitate emotional healing.
- Boost self-worth and love.
Ruby
Stone of Contentment
Which colour would you spontaneously associate with love and vividness, passion and power? Obviously this will evoke the colour Red. Red symbolises Love, it emanates warmth and a strong sense of life. Such is Ruby, the King of Gems. The name Ruby comes from the Latin word ‘Ruber’ which means ‘Red’.
Features & Traits
Large rubies are scarce and costly. In fact, carat for carat, a fine ruby is worth 2 or 3 times more than a diamond of equal quality. The ruby is more durable.
Healing
- Stimulate passion.
- Amplify positive energy.
- Aid circulation and cleansing of the blood.
Sapphire
Stone of Inspiration
A Sapphire means “Blue” in Greek. For centuries, it has been associated with royalty and romance. In ancient Rome and Greece, kings and queens were convinced that Sapphires protect their owners from envy and harm.
Features & Traits
Fancy sapphires encompass every colour except blue and red. Orange “padparadscha” sapphire is the rarest variety. Other colours are generally less expensive than fine blue sapphire.
Healing
- Promote insight, intuition and inspiration.
- Reduce inflammation and fever.
- Lessen tension and confusion.
Star Sapphire
Stone of Relaxation
A cabochon-cut Star Sapphire characteristically shows a six-rayed star, caused by needle-like “silk” inclusions that reflect and scatter light. Star Sapphires range from semitransparent to opaque, in many of the same colours as non-phenomenal Sapphires.
Features & Traits
Some traditions say that the Star Sapphire is a stone of destiny, and that its star acts as a guiding light and protects its wearer against evil.
Healing
- Awaken or heighten psychic abilities.
- Relaxing physical exertion.
- Boost strength to overcome challenge.
Spinel
Stone of Depression
Spinel is history’s most underappreciated gem because it is usually confused with better-known stones like Ruby or Sapphire. Due to a widespread use of synthetic spinel as an imitation for many other gems, most customers don’t even know there’s a natural version of the stone.
Features & Traits
Fine gem spinel is transparent, hard and has luster and light. The name derives from a Greek word meaning “Spark”.
Healing
- Alleviate stress and depression.
- Aid detoxification and fasting.
- Benefit the skin.