Abalone shells are made up of calcium carbonate and grow in the ocean, forming part of a living ecosystem. Various types of shell have been used as gems for centuries. It is intimately connected to the sea and represents the tides of emotion. It facilitates an easy flow of feelings and sensitivities to others. Abalone is connected to family, particularly motherhood and is said to bring harmony in relationships. The play and variety of colors represent change as the beauty of existence. Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and the functions of the heart chakra.

Agate is the zodiac stone for Gemini birthdays from May 22 – 22. The variety of quartz crystals that encompasses Agates is known in a spectrum of colors including green, yellow, red, reddish-brown, white, black, and pale blue. Agates exhibit interesting patterns and color banding that adds to their unique beauty. The most popular varieties are known as Chalcedony, Carnelian, Moss Agate, Onyx, and Blue Lace Agate. Since ancient times, agates have been favored in jewelry due to their abundance, hardness, and wide variety of colors. Agate was the traditional birthstone for May in both Hebrew and Roman traditions. They are said to bring good luck, protection, and balance while providing a connection to the earth and nature. Agates are beneficial to all Chakras according to color.

Amazonite is a blue-green to pale green stone in the feldspar group. It comes mainly from United States and Australia. This variety of feldspar is named after the Amazon River. Amazonite balances feminine and masculine energy. It promotes kindness and practicality. It is an excellent stone for artists and for men. Pale azure blue amazonite is known as the lucky "Hope Stone". Amazonite helps balance the emotions and gives physical stamina.

Amethyst is the zodiac stone of Pisces, February 20 - March 20. It is also the gemstone of the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. Amethyst, one of the most popular of the colored gemstones, comes in a variety of purple toned quartz, from pale translucent lavender to rich deep purple-red. Amethyst was believed by Greek and Romans to prevent the wearer from getting drunk, and was used in protection against poison. Leonardo da Vinci thought amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. Amethyst is known as the Sobriety Stone. It promotes sincerity and brings peace of mind to its wearer. Amethysts stimulate and support the 7th Chakra or Crown Chakra, spiritual awareness, meditation, and serenity. Care Tips: Guard your amethyst from heat and direct sunshine as these will fade its rich purple color.

Apatite is most often seen in blue, but can also be found in brown, pink, yellow, green (from Spain called asparagus stone) and a rare variety of violet. Apatite is an inspirational stone. It develops psychic abilities and spiritual attunement. Use it to aid communication and self-expression. This stone Encourages extroversion and dissolves alienation. It Stimulates creativity and intellect and Clears confusion. At the physical level Apatite aids absorption of calcium into your bones, helps cartilage, teeth and motor skills. Relieves arthritis, joint problems and overcomes hypertension.

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for those born in March, and is traditionally known as the zodiac stone of Scorpio, October 24- November 22. Aquamarine, long associated with the ocean and water, blesses those born in March. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, which includes emerald, but aquamarine is less brittle and more durable than emerald. Aquamarine ranges in color from light blue to bluish green to deep blue. Aquamarine is the stone of courage, and helps alleviate fears and phobias while strengthening mental clarity and communication. Aquamarine calms and supports the 5th Chakra or Throat Chakra

Aventurine is mainly quartz, a quartzite, usually containing mica. It occurs in several colors including green, red and blue. Green Aventurine is the stone of luck and chance. It is said to increase perception and creative insight. It is a heart chakra stone. Blue Aventurine is an Aries stone that opens the third eye. It is a powerful mental healer that increases vitality and a positive outlook. This stone assists in self-discipline and developing inner strength. Aventurine has a stabilizing effect on the emotions. It is excellent for teenagers.

Bloodstone is the traditional zodiac stone of Aries, March 21 - April 20. Bloodstone, a variety of Jasper with extra iron oxide, is also known as Blood Jasper. Bloodstone has been treasured since ancient times and was often carved into religious images by Medieval Christians. Known as the stone of strength, vitality, and courage, it promotes honesty, integrity, and healing in relationships. A centering and grounding stone, it helps to clear obstacles while giving strength and purpose to "present time" awareness. Bloodstone is said to aid in attracting abundance and prosperity to the wearer. Bloodstone supports the 1st or Root Chakra.

Carnelian is the Zodiac stone for Virgos, August 24 – September 23. Carnelian is from the quartz family, and is a variety of Chalcedony; it is sometimes called Red Agate or Red Chalcedony. Beloved for its rich color that ranges from brilliant orange to deep-red to red-brown, Carnelian is a wonderful stone for jewelry and has been used widely since before Roman times. Carnelian was often used in signet rings that were pressed into wax to seal letters and correspondence of great importance. A stone of ambition, energy, and drive – Carnelian helps you to find positive courage to achieve dreams. It stimulates and motivates energy flow while protecting the wearer from negative emotions. Carnelian is associated with the 1st and 2nd Chakras or the Root and Belly Chakras.

Chalcedony is a variety of the mineral quartz that occurs in a great variety of colors including blue, lavender, white, buff, light tan, gray, yellow, pink, red or brown. Chalcedony is a common quartz found in United States, Austria, Czech Republic, Iceland, Mexico, Britain, New Zealand, Turkey, Russia, and Brazil. Considered a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, chalcedony nurtures and promotes brotherhood and good will. Chalcedony harmonizes mind, body and spirit and instills generosity. Mothers use it to increase lactation, and it also fosters the maternal instinct. It increases physical energy. Chalcedony is healing for the eyes, gallbladder, bones, spleen, blood and circulatory system.

Chrysoprase is an opalescent apple green colored variety of Chalcedony (quartz). Most green stones owe their color to chromium or vanadium, but Chrysoprase derives its color from the nickel content. It is found in Australia, Brazil, the Ural Mountains, and the U.S. and is the rarest of the chalcedony group. This stone helps to make conscious what was unconscious. It strengthens the workings of insight and the higher consciousness. It encourages hope and joy and helps clarify problems. Chrysoprase has been used as a cure for restlessness and is said to provide protection on sea voyages. Chrysoprase attunes to the 4th Chakra, the Heart Chakra.

Citrine is one of the modern birthstones for November, and is a very popular member of the quartz family. It can range in color from pale yellow to dark amber and golden brown. Citrine is excellent for jewelry because of its hardness and rich color range. Citrine is considered to be the stone of wealth, allowing personal power to manifest as great success. Citrine's rich warm color brings “sunlight” energy to its wearer, never absorbs negativity, and brings earthly pleasure, generosity, creativity, and endurance. Citrine supports and empowers the 2nd or Belly Chakra, and the 3rd or Solar Plexis Chakra.

Coral is a gemstone created of calcium and calcite combining to create a wide variety of colors. Coral comes from the sea where it grows in long branch like formations, created by sea life as a reminder of all that lives below the surface of the water. Coral is one of the most ancient types of jewelry and has been worn for thousands of years in necklaces, bracelets, hair adornments and pendants. Coral has been found in ancient Egyptian and European burial sites. Red and orange corals are known to stimulate your energy and make you feel warmer from the inside out. It is also said to promote fertility. Coral is also said to give the wearer an overall calming feeling. A great lore of coral is that is has a powerful charm that will stop bleeding, and injuries will heal faster. Coral is believed to ward off hurricanes, evil spirits and to bring good weather.

Diamonds are the modern birthstone for April. They are comprised of compressed carbon, the foundational element of all life. This brilliant stone has been found to occur naturally in almost every color and shade including blue, red, green, yellow, lavender, pink, gunmetal blue, coffee brown, and black. The color may be intense or very pale, and are priced based on their clarity, color, and flawlessness. Diamonds are considered the "king" of precious gems, and have long been a symbol of love and betrothal. They represent power, purity, and strength, and are said to attract inspiration and abundance. Diamonds help stimulate and support all Chakras, but especially the 7th or Crown Chakra.

Emeralds are the modern birthstone for those born in May. Emeralds are part of the Beryl mineral family, along with Aquamarine and Golden Beryl. Emeralds are the stone of the goddess Venus, so they embody love, fertility and rebirth. They attract love and success and help to bring balance at all levels by healing and activating our hearts highest desire. Emeralds are also the traditional zodiac stone of Cancers who celebrate birthdays from June 23 - July 23. Emeralds stimulate and support the 4th or Heart Chakra.

Fluorite is formally called “fluorspar,” its name comes from the Latin “to flow.” It comes in shades of nearly every color of the rainbow. The ancient Egyptians used fluorite to cave statues and scarabs. The Romans believed drinking from a vessel made of fluoride would keep the drinker from getting drunk. During the 18th century it was powdered and mixed with water to create a popular remedy for kidney disease. Myth says that fluorite has been transported to Earth from a higher dimension; or that it is light crystallized, and thus having the property to bring light (illumination) to the bearer. It works on the 3rd eye chakra, and it is useful to aid in meditation, increase concentration, clear the mind while providing evolution of harmonious and orderly spiritual growth. It is also used to improve clear reasoning and to aid in study and intellectual pursuits. It allows us to see truth behind illusion, and bring stability to our lives. As a healing stone, use to treat bones, teeth, and cell structure. It protects against ill health by eliminating negative energies that cause disease.

Garnets are the modern birthstone for January, and the traditional zodiac stone of Aquarius, January 21 - February 19. A hard, durable, often very brilliant stone, Garnets are best known in deep red to red-purple shades but can also be found in rich greens, yellows, oranges, violet, and pink - basically all colors except blue. Traditionally, garnets were used to strengthen and protect against disorders of the blood. Garnets are gemstones that promote truth and clarity, creativity, regeneration, and balance. They are attractors of romantic love, passion, and sensuality. Garnets offer protection from toxins, depression, negativity, and anemia. Garnets help to awaken the "inner fire" of creativity. Garnets stimulate and support the 1st Chakra or Root Chakra.

Iolite is a lovely blue to violet blue gemstone. The name comes from the Greek ios, which means violet. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Green land. Viking sailors used iolite as a polarizing filter to find the sun on cloudy days for a safe offshore navigation; it is known as the Viking Compass. Also called the Water Sapphire, its healing properties are said to bring harmony and well-being to personal relationships. Iolite is also said to help bring on visions.

Jade (yellow) has long been considered a very lucky gemstone and has been worn for luck and fortune. It is a sacred stone to both the Chinese and the Mayans, widely used to carve sacred symbols as it is said to bless everything it touches. The Chinese word for jade means “most beautiful stone.” Later in history, jade was considered an esteemed royal gem representing wisdom and courage. Jade emanates energy of peace, harmony, wisdom, love, virtue, grounding, and devotion to a higher purpose. The Chinese especially associated Jade with occult wisdom, and it can be used as a “philosopher’s stone” to stimulate wisdom and help you achieve goals. Place a piece of jade under your pillow to induce lucid dreams. A stone of manifestation, jade can help you realize your dreams and find your life path, while helping to understand and heal karma. As a healing stone, Jade can be used in ailments of the kidneys, heart, larynx, liver, spleen and thyroid. It is also said to prevent sickness. Jade also promotes the healing of the Earth, compassion for animals, plants, and all living things.

Labradorite was first found in 1770 on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada. It is also found in Norway, and the former USSR. There is a blue semi-transparent variety called spectrolite that is only found in Finland. Labradorite is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions. It stimulates the imagination, helps to develop enthusiasm and thus inspires new ideas and allows you to see more clearly in meditation. Labradorite attunes to the 6th chakra, the “third eye” and is calming for the mind.

Moonstone is the other well-loved modern birthstone for June, and is known by its enchanting play and "flash" of glowing light that seems to spring from inside the stone. It is a part of the feldspar family from a variety known as adularia and is typically found in white to milky blue, but can also come in other soft colors such as peach, tan, and green. Moonstone was regarding in many cultures as a holy, magical stone. In India, the moonstone is believed to bring good luck and is considered sacred. The Romans thought that wearers of the Moonstone would receive wisdom, wealth and success in battle. It has been known as the "dream stone" which helps the wearer to have beautiful visions while asleep. Moonstone helps to bring all that is needed to fulfill your deepest wishes, balancing emotions and honing intuition. It represents nurturance, motherly love, support, and encouragement and has been credited with healing and regenerating tissues, organs, and the reproductive system. It is attuned to the feminine Goddess energy, the moon, and water. Moonstones support and attune the 4th Chakra or the "Heart" center.

Onyx is the traditional Zodiac stone for Leo, July 24 to August 23. It is an alternate birthstone for February and the mystical birthstone for December. It is also the gemstone for the 10th wedding anniversary. Onyx is a type of black chalcedony quartz with a fine lustrous texture. Onyx has been used in jewelry for thousands of years, and was especially prized by the Greeks and Romans. It was extremely popular during the Victorian and Art Deco periods. It helps to strengthen and ground physical and spiritual energy, while aiding in self-mastery and balance of masculine and feminine energies. It is the stone of visions and guidance through meditation and dreams. Onyx is associated with the 1st or Root Chakra.

Pearls are one of the modern birthstones for June. They have been recognized since the earliest times as the emblem of purity and modesty. Royal families throughout history and geography have revered the pearl as one of the most valued treasures while collecting and adorning themselves with this lustrous, organic gem. Most commonly found today is the cultured pearl from pearl farms. Pearls are produced by mussels in freshwater lakes or rivers, or by large oysters in the ocean. Freshwater pearls naturally occur in white to pink shades, but are now dyed, heat-treated or irradiated to achieve many fashionable colors. Tahitian pearls come in shades from silver, to green to black and their colors are natural. South Sea pearls range from white to golden shades naturally as well. Both South Sea and Tahitian pearls are prized for their size, luster, and natural color and are considerably more valued than Freshwater pearls because of their comparative rarity.

Peridot is the modern birthstone for August. Peridot is the gemstone form of the mineral olivine. This lovely gemstone only comes in shades of green, from pale yellowish green to brilliant chartreuse to deep olive green. Peridot is rare and expensive in larger sizes, and can usually only be found in smaller stones. Peridot was a favorite of the ancients and was extensively used in Egyptian and Roman jewelry. In ancient times it was considered an aid to friendship and was also believed to free the mind of envious and negative thoughts. During the Middle Ages, it was believed to dispel the darkness and terrors of the night. King Edward VII wore a Peridot for good luck. Peridot has long been prized for its healing powers. It promotes warmth, friendliness & happiness, while stimulating and strengthening organs and cells. Peridot attunes and supports the 4th or Heart Chakra.

Prehnite is an orthorhombic mineral found in association with volcanic rocks. Prehnite is typically pale green to yellowish green with a white streak. It is named after a Dutchman, Colonel H. von Prehn, who discovered the mineral at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, and brought the first specimens to Europe. Prehnite is a stone of unconditional love and the crystal to heal the healer. It alleviates nightmares, phobias, and deep fears, uncovering and healing the disease that creates them. It is healing for the kidneys and bladder, thymus gland, shoulders, chest, and lungs. It treats gout and blood disorders, repairs the connective tissue in the body and can stabilize malignancy.

Rhodocrosite is a calcite stone usually found in raspberry-red and pink colors, but a faded pink and slightly orange coloration is also common. Its name comes from the Greek “rhodos”, meaning rose, and “khros”, meaning color. It has also been known as “Inca Rose” or Rosinca, since Northern Argentina (the world’s largest and best source of Rhodocrosite) was once part of the Inca Empire. In 1938 a German born archeologist found Inca tombs containing jewelry made of this gem, and baptized it “Inca Rose”. The descendents of the Incas in the Andes still believe that the blood of their ancient rulers’ blood turned into stone where the Rhodocrosite mine was found. This is the most powerful love stone. It draws into the wearer the feeling of unconditional love, self love, love of the earth, etc. Working on the heart chakra, Rhodocrosite heals emotional wounds, cleanses the heart and emotional body and reprograms it to receive joy, healing feelings of self-blame and bringing acceptance and integration to life. It is also a stone of balance, clarity, curiosity and wonder.

Rose Quartz is the pretty pink gemstone known as the love stone. The high energy of quartz gives rose quartz the property of enhancing love in virtually any situation. In turn, this lowers stress. All in all it is a very soothing and happy stone. It adds positive energy to relationships and represents compassion, forgiveness and harmony. Rose Quartz is said to be calming and useful for clearing stored anger, resentment, jealousy and fears. It balance emotions and heal emotional wounds and traumas, even grief, bringing peace and calm. It can help with reconciliation with family and others. Overwhelming or unreasonable guilt is eased by rose quartz. Physically rose quartz is used in crystal healing to benefit the heart, the circulatory system, fertility, headaches, kidney disease, migraines, sexual dysfunction, sinus problems, throat problems, depression, addictions, ear aches, slowing signs of aging, reducing wrinkles, spleen problems, fibromyalgia, and reaching one's ideal weight / weight loss. Rose quartz is also helpful and protective during pregnancy and with childbirth. It is also sometimes said that rose quartz is helpful for supporting brain functions and increasing intellect. Rose quartz is associated with the heart chakra.

Ruby is the zodiac stone of Capricorns, December 23 - January 20. Prized through the ages as the "queen" of all gemstones and the modern birthstone for July, ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Its color ranges from purplish or bluish red to a yellowish red. The ruby is a brilliant stone and is very hard, durable, and wearable. The ruby is said to protect the wearer from negativity, harm, or illness while attracting stability, loyalty, and wealth. Historically, it has been symbolic of love and passion, considered to be an aid to firm friendship, and believed to enhance beauty. It is a stone of energy, passion and enthusiasm! Ruby stimulates and supports the 1st or Root Chakra, activating the kundalini energy in a balanced way.

Sapphire has been the traditional birthstone of April since ancient times, including the Hebrew, Roman, and Arabic traditions and is also the zodiac stone for Taurus, April 21 – May 21. Sapphire is corundum, and comes in virtually any color of the rainbow including blue, pink, purple, orange, green, clear, black, and red (known as ruby). The sapphire's hardness, brilliance, and availability in a spectrum of beautiful colors make it an important and versatile gemstone. Sapphire is a stone that enhances creative expression, intuition, and meditation. Sapphires are believed to be "wise" stones with the ability to focus clear thinking, and loving, healing energy to those who need it most. The sapphire is said to draw protection and guidance to one's mission in life while bringing hope, faith, and joy in our journey. The sapphire is the symbol of the heavens, truth, and higher awareness. Sapphire is associated with the 6th or "Third Eye" Chakra.

Tiger's eye is a variety of quartz, typically found in light brown to dark brown colors with lustrous yellow-to-brown parallel fibrous inclusions. Tiger’s Eye connects the rich browns of the earth to the golden energy of the sun, promoting a bridge between Earth and Sky and a balance between the physical and spiritual. It is said to enhance the “earth” qualities of the wearer which includes reliability, stability, practicality, safety, peacefulness and a feeling of being grounded. It provides vitality, physical strength, mental clarity and responsible judgment. Since it is so attuned to earth and solar energies, Tiger’s Eye is a stone of wealth and prosperity. Traditionally favored as a gift between lovers as it helps partners get more in tune with each other in a psychic or even telepathic way, given to a couple it ensures their steadfastness and loyalty to each other.

Topaz is one of the modern birthstones for November, and is also the zodiac stone of Sagittarius, November 23 - December 22. Its name comes from the Sanskrit name for fire. Topaz occurs not only in the transparent yellow, yellow brown, orange brown, and pinky brown, but also in a very light to medium red, very light to light blue, very light green, light greenish yellow, and colorless. Topaz is a hard, brilliant stone with a fine color range, and is very popular in jewelry. Topaz is exceptionally brilliant, known as "The Stone of the Sun", allowing its wearer to place their dreams and wishes into it to be reflected into the universe for fulfillment. True topaz, the symbol of love and affection, aids in sweetening ones disposition by balancing emotions, while helping to break up stagnant energy in the body. Topaz helps to attract good fortune, happiness, and hope. Topaz supports and increases the power of the 3rd or Solar Plexis Chakra, but influences the other Chakras based on stone's color.

Tourmaline, a modern birthstone for October, has only found popularity since the late 18th century, but it is easy to see why everyone loves it now. Tourmalines come in just about every color of the rainbow, and most stones exhibit more than one color at once! From lush greens and bright blues, to hot pink and deep red, Tourmaline is an amazing stone that is perfect for jewelry due to its beauty and durability. Tourmaline is prized for its ability to balance the right and left sides of the brain while inspiring and awakening its wearer. Tourmaline awakens objectivity, compassion and serenity. It also enhances tolerance, understanding, and discernment. Tourmaline is a very protective stone that is often helpful for channeling and healing work. Tourmaline is often associated with the 4th or Heart Chakra, particularly watermelon tourmaline, where it opens one to accept love. Other colors of tourmaline are associated with the chakra of the same color.

Turquoise is one of the modern birthstones for December, and has been used since ancient times for adornment. Turquoise is an opaque stone that exhibits a range of blue and green colors from sky-blue to dark blue-green to apple-green depending on the mineral composition. The finest color is an intense, seamless blue which can be found in Persia and from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona. Turquoise has been considered a lucky and protective stone in many cultures since ancient times. Used in rings, earrings, necklaces, head ornaments and amulets, it protects the wearer with courage, balance, strength, and success and guards against accidents, especially falls. It has also been used as a protective stone to pregnant mothers. Its versatility as a "power stone" made it one of the most honored gems in Native American culture. Turquoise helps to align all the Chakras, but is especially attuned to the 5th or Throat Chakra. Care tip: All turquoises are susceptible to aging and may turn darker with age and from contact with skin oils and skin chemistry. Care must be taken when wearing turquoise, both to avoid contact with soap, grease, and other materials that may discolor it, and protect it from abuse, since turquoise scratches fairly easily, and should not be dropped.