Agate-Moss Agate, Banded Agate, Blue Lace Agate, Landscape Agate (it really resembles a landscape!) and others comprise this type of chalcedony. They have an amazing array of colors. Even petrified wood has had it's organic matter replaced by agate! It is said to protect the soil and encourage change.

Amazonite-a pale green stone that is slightly opaque or milky in tone.

Amber-the golden orange colors of fossilized tree resin has been popular for centuries all over the world. Baltic Amber is the most common translucent variety which sometimes contains insects and other organics. Butter Amber (also called Milk Amber) has an opaque yellow color due to air bubbles trapped within the structure. Copal amber is also more opaque, and is used in African jewelry. It has been known as a protective amulet that attracts good fortune and good people into one's life.

Amethyst-a type of quartz known for its rich purple, lilac or mauve color. It is said to guard against drunkenness and to instill a sober and serious mind.

Aventurine-a form of Quartz crystal that is most often green in color due to inclusions of mica.

Black onyx-though not true onyx, it's deep black color is a classic for jewelers and beadworkers. It is said to improve clarity of sight and mental capacities, and protects against the evil eye.

Citrine-the golden, or "citrus" color is usually due to the heat-treatment of Amethyst; natural Citrine is extremely rare today. It is believed to protect against low self esteem, loss of creativity and hope and other forms of emotional distress. It's believed to attract financial wealth.

Coral-we know it mostly as the deep reddish-orange "tree of life" from the sea but it also comes in other colors-black, golden, blue, pink and white. Red is the most valuable color and is found off the coast of Japan, Africa, Malaysia and in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the African coastline. Coral is said to be protective, especially of children. We must be careful of where we buy coral, as the reefs are fragile ecosystems and easily destroyed.

Cornelian-Also "incorrectly" called Carnelian because of the Latin word for flesh, carne, when in fact it was named for the Latin word for heart, cor. The reddish-orange translucent variety of chalcedony is said to have a calming effect and healing powers.

Fluorite-used in ancient Egypt to carve Scarabs, Flourite is also believed to help the symptoms of kidney disease. It is frequently multi-colored in green, purple, clear, pink, blue and yellow.

Freshwater pearls-mainly cultivated in Japan and China, these "tears of the gods" also occur in the rivers of Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany and Mississippi. It is also said to be the union of fire and water, and when worn set in silver it is said to be protective against depression, danger, insanity, jaundice, loss of beauty, sharks and early death; it is also said to be an aphrodisiac.

Garnet-said to cure depression and warm the heart (sometimes called the stone of Compassion) it is also said to be an aphrodisiac. The dark red stone typically used in jewelry has a semitranslucent glow to it. It occurs worldwide in many types.

Hematite-this shiny stone was once used for mirrors, and was said to "ground" one's energy and to protect the wearer from weakness, stress, fear and bleeding. It is also said to "aid the flow of yin and yang energies in the nervous system". The gray metallic luster is complementary to sterling silver jewelry.

Jade-Actually two different types of this emerald green stone-Jadeite and Nephrite-both are used as a medium for carving for over 2,000 years. Spanish Conquistadores wore it to prevent or cure hip and kidney complaints. It is also said to protect financial interests and against mental weakness.

Jasper-There are many types of jasper (chalcedony): Red Jasper (an opaque rust-colored stone), Fancy Jasper (ranges in color from greens, to browns, to mauves and whites) and Poppy Jasper (rust tones with black and white speckles) are just a few. "The Supreme Nurturer" is said to protect against sight defects, ageing and drought.

Labradorite-from Labrador (Canada), this stone comes in many colors but the most popular use in jewelry shows off the "schiller", or the opalescent play of color.

Lapis lazuli-this is a vivid blue "stone of truth" with metallic specks said to protect one from evil in general and ensures safety against depression, grief and sadness. It is also reputed to promote love, faithfulness and psychic sensitivity. The best quality is said to originate in Afghanistan.

Malachite-The intense shades of green color comes from the copper content within the banded crystals. It is said to protect the wearer from danger and illness, especially for babies. It has also been called the "Peacock Stone" for the natural patterns and colors likened to the peacock's tail.

Moonstone-moon worshipers and others revere this stone for its opalescent sheen. And in the case of Rainbow moonstone, the opalescence is even more colorful. It is said to improve passion between lovers, and protects women in matters of reproduction.

Peridot-August's birthstone, this pale olive-green translucent stone was brought to Europe in the middle ages by the Crusaders from St. John's Island in the Red Sea. It had been mined there for over 3500 years.

Quartz-colorless, transparent crystals, or "ice of the gods" were used to predict the future and protect against a variety of evils. It is found worldwide but is most common in Brazil. Rutilated quartz is popularly known as Venus-hair Stone for its dark, needlelike crystals scattered throughout.

Rose Quartz-ranges from pink to peach, it is the "Love Stone" of ancient beliefs.

Sodalite-sometimes confused with lapis lazuli (which contains sodalite), this stone comes in all shades of blue. It can contain white streaks, however, and doesn't have the metallic specks. It is most commonly found in Ontario, Canada.

Tiger eye-technically called Chatoyant Quartz due to the fibrous structure that gives it the "cats eye" effect. Tiger Eye is black with iron oxide giving it the wavy, golden brown stripes. It is reputed to protect against digestive problems, and encourage insight and independence.

Turquoise-It's called Tibetan, Arizona, Chinese, African, and the finest is said to come from Iran, but this intense blue stone got its name from Turkey. There, it was known as the Horseman's Talisman and would protect a rider from injuring himself in a fall from his horse. It was one of the first gemstones to be mined more than 3000 years ago. The color varies from sky blue to green and was thought to change color in warning of danger or illness.