Gemstone Legends

There’s a reason gemstones are still around and continue to be a symbol of beauty. Most ancient cultures have given gemstones special meanings, or even special powers, that carry over to today’s beliefs. Sometimes it’s fun to wear a stone that is said to hold magic, even if you don’t believe it, because it gives you a bit of hope for better health and well being. Let’s take a look at some cool characteristics given to some of our favorite gemstones.


Agate
Agates are identical in chemical structure to jasper, flint, bloodstone and tiger-eye, and are often found in association with opal. Agate was highly valued by ancient civilizations, believed to render the wearer invisible. It was even used by the Egyptians. Agate is known as a cooling stone, used for reducing fever and quenching thirst. It quiets the pulse and heart beats, and ensures good health and a long, prosperous life. This stone also guards against danger. Wearing agate is also believed to cure insomnia and promote pleasant dreams.


Citrine
Citrine is transparent, coarse-grained variety of the silica mineral quartz. It is a semiprecious gem that is valued for its yellow to brownish color and its resemblance to the rarer stone topaz. Citrine is valuable in the treatment of depression as it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Symbolizing light-heartedness, joy and happiness, citrine is said to stimulate memory. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It is also believed to aid in digestion and removing toxins from the body. As the signature of wisdom and peace, citrine stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of higher intuitional levels.


Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a semiprecious stone valued for its deep, blue color. The source of the pigment ultramarine, lapis lazuli is not a mineral but a rock colored by lazurite. In addition to the sodalite minerals in lapis lazuli, small amounts of white calcite and pyrite crystals are usually present. Of its many uses, it was widely used by Egyptians for cosmetics and painting. Lapis lazuli was believed to be a sacred stone, being buried with the dead to protect and guide them in the afterlife. This stone is said to increase psychic abilities and to be a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever. Lapis lazuli eliminates negative emotions as well.


Quartz
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s continental crust, after feldspar. Varieties of quartz are the most commonly used minerals in the making of jewelry and hardstone carvings, especially in Europe and the Middle East. It has been called the “Universal Crystal,” and is the most recognized type of crystal. In fact, it’s what many people envision when they think of crystals. Quartz is thought of as a power stone. Quartz is a stone of clarity which dispels negativity and clears away negative energy. It can be used to purify and clarify on the spiritual, mental, and physical planes. It is also powerfully protective. Quartz enhances spiritual growth, spirituality and wisdom. It is used for protection because it counters black magic and protects from negative energy.

Find the right power stone for your personality to design a look to match your mood. We will continue to bring you more fun facts about gemstones in the future!

-Marissa

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Comments

    • Liz
    • November 9, 2011
    Reply

    nice!!

    • Marcy
    • November 9, 2011
    Reply

    I agree…very nice & informative …do you have more “legends”?

      • Marissa
      • November 9, 2011
      Reply

      Hi Marcy-

      We will bring you some more cool gemstone legends later, but here’s a link to some Fun Facts in our Beaders Loft: http://www.artbeads.com/fun-facts.html

      Hope you enjoy!

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  2. Reply

    My birthstone is opal. — The fire opal was frowned upon because the people thought it was reflecting the fires of Hell. Only witches and or wizards covet them. I just thought Id share that because it was interesting.

      • Marissa
      • August 8, 2012
      Reply

      I like that legend, Vivienne. I’m glad you shared your own gemstone legend 🙂

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  5. Reply

    Peculiar article, exactly what I needed.

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