Commonly mistaken for jade, these stones are actually a type of quartz. Quartz is one of the most diverse minerals on the earth, forming in many different colors and shapes. The use of quartz as a gem stone dated back to early Grecian times, but really became popular with the Romans where it was carried by soldiers to heal wounds. For centuries it was believed as precious as diamonds, reaching its peak during the rule of Catherine the Great of Russia, who was a royal patron of this art. Quartz is known to be the universal healing stone.

Onyx is a semiprecious variety of agate and has played a significant role in many civilizations around the world. Dating back to early Biblical times, it is mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the high priests. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans prized onyx using it to make cameos and jewelry for the privileged. In India, onyx was worn to protect from the evil eye and in the Middle East it was regarded as the worry stone, having the power to absorb negative energy.

Carnelian gemstones range in color from a brownish red to a deep orange-red. The red color is produced by the iron in this gemstone and is brought out by the natural heat from the sun or by other heating processes. It is said to bring clear thinking and was used by the Roman Empire to ward off envy, fear and rage. Both Mohammed and Napoleon are known to have worn Carnelian.

Comprised of dolomite and limestone, chrysanthemum stones also possess natural formations of andelusite, celestite, feldspar and calcite crystal that resemble the blooming chrysanthemum flowers. The Chinese believe that this stone brings harmony and change to life, enhancing compatibility, renewal of relationships, and unity. It helps one begin and continue.

These unique stones were worn by medieval shamans (priestesses who use magic to cure the sick and control demons) as a form of protection. Dalmatian jasper is known for its creamy color and black speckled patterns.

Legend holds that a monk accidentally dropped copper shavings into a vat of molten glass to form this brilliant material. Goldstone is a man-made stone that dates back to the European Renaissance. It is created from brown glass and copper oxide. When they are heated, they form sparkling crystals of gold as they cool. It is said to be an uplifting stone that reduces tension and was used during the Renaissance to decrease joint pain.

Known as the protection stone, coral comes in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, blue and black. It is among the most ancient of gem materials, used for adornment since prehistoric times, found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age. In ancient China, coral was a symbol of wealth and high social status. It is one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures and to Buddhists, coral is a treasure that can protect you from devil spirits. Myth tells of its reputed ability to calm and improve life, restoring harmony in the event of emotional conflict. In addition, mystics claim it cures madness and gives wisdom but loses its power when broken. For centuries it was used to as a medicinal stone helping with digestion and nutritional deficiencies.