Aventurine is the Star Sign for Libra and the Planetary stone of Taurus.  Sometime during the 18th century, a Venetian named this stone aventurine which comes from the Italian "a ventura," meaning "by chance". Aventurine has been used as a lucky amulet and is a popular stone for gamblers. Legends say that it is an all-purpose healer, used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity. An ancient legend from Tibet tells of its use to help nearsightedness. Many believe that aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit and bring an inner peace.

Its name is derived from the Amazon River, although no deposits have been found there. Both the ancient Egyptians and other Middle Eastern cultures made items from amazonite. It also has been found among artifacts of Central and South America. The Pike's Peak district of Colorado, U.S.A., became the most important source of amazonite after 1876. Amazonite is believed to have many healing characteristics, including improving your skin, clarity of thought and social interaction. It is also know to bring its wearer confidence.

Also called Hsiuku Jade, this rare stone is found only along the Hsiukuluan River in Taiwan. Pineapple jade is known for its partial transparency and delicate, yellow color like that of the fresh of pineapple. Since pre-historic times, the Chinese have revered this yellow jade as a sacred stone symbolizing earth and nature. Its mythical properties are said to bring calm and healing.

Howlite, named for its discoverer Henry How, a Nova Scotia geologist, is a mineral rock with black web-like streaks that give it its unique character. Traditionally, howlite was thought of as having powers to enhance the memory Wearing a howlite can help release stress, and reduce anger and painful emotions, bringing about an aura of calm. Some people use howlite to help get a restful sleep and assistance in recalling dreams. Howlite was also used by ancient healers to aid in disorders of the bones.

An organic gemstone, it offers its wearer the powers of love, money, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom and quicken the laws of karma. It is a stone with a rich history on all continents.15th century Europe, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, gave Mother-of-Pearl its name. However it has been used in precious jewelry as far back as 3000 years before Christ, as it was worn by Sumerian and Mesopotamian royalty. Early Chinese myths told of their power in fighting dragons. Ancient legend says that mother-of-pearl was thought to b e the tears of the gods and the Greeks believed that wearing they would promote marital bliss.

Originating in ancient Egypt, scarabs were worn by both the rich and poor. They were believed to be a magical object that provided protective powers to ward off evil and provide for its owner in this life and the next. Scarabs were oval shaped and made by carving symbols and likenesses of animals into a variety of gemstones and terra-cotta. The flat side was inscribed with the names of pharaohs, religious symbols and magical mottos.