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Gemstone Chart
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Gemstone Chart
Black Gemstones
Black Onyx
About: Onyx is a banded Chalcedony that is brown or gray in
color with bands running in parallel layers throughout the stone.
To get onyx black, gray Chalcedony is often dyed and/or heat treated.
These are common gemstone enhancements. Black onyx has a shiny luster that
makes its surface seem glassy. A fine example of man assisting mother nature.
Just beautiful!
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Inner strength, focused attention
Found In: Common to Brazil, India and Madagascar
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Its neutral, so most any stone; for a
classic spectator look pair it with white quartz, white jade or sterling silver beads
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Y Necklace.
Black Onyx, Matte
About: Matte black onyx has an unpolished finish, making it unique and different.
Because its luster is matte, over time without wear the stone can dry out and
develop a grayish tint. If it dries out too much, rub a little baby oil on its surface
for a shinier, darker appearance. Wear it, and the oils in your skin will do the same.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Inner strength, focused attention
Found In: Common to Brazil, India and Madagascar
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Its neutral, so most any stone; for a
contrast in texture, pair it with a gemstone with a polished finish like malachite. Or, try
crystals.
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Snowflake Obsidian
About: A variety of volcanic glass, snowflake obsidian is black with
whitish-gray patches. The patches occur when the volcanic glass crystallizes as it cools.
When polished they resemble snowflakes.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Perseverance, insight
Found In: Worldwide, but common places are Iceland, Italy and the USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Snowflake obsidian rocks with black onyx.
For a change, try matte finish crystal quartz, dyed black pearls or black diamond color crystals.
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire; for contrast
use gold fill or brass wire
Beading Project:
Blue Gemstones
Lapis
About: Blue never looked so good. Lapis is one of just a
few naturally occurring blue stones. Sometimes it is dyed or
heat treated to enhance its color. It has golden flecks of pyrite
and/or white calcite coursing through it. Lapis lazuli is one of a few
gemstones known as a friendship stone, perhaps because of its metaphysical
property of truthful communication. Isn't that what we all want from our
friends?!
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Inner vision, truthful communication
Found In: Mostly Afghanistan, but also Chile and Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: It can stand alone, but also looks great with brass beads.
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Brass wire if the pyrite is prevalent; Sterling silver wire if the lapis has a little white calcite running through it.
Beading Project: How to Make a Friendship Necklace with Friendship Stones
Gemstone Chart
Sodalite
About: Sodalite comes in a range of shades of deep blue to blue-violet and sometimes has
white calcite streaks. Great with denim and is a good substitute for lapis.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Access to subconscious, intuitiveness
Found In: Africa, Brazil
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Crystal quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Brown Gemstones
Bronzite
About: Bronzite is a beautiful rich golden brown stone. It displays a metallic
shimmer due its high iron and silica content.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: England, India, South Africa, Sweden and USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Red coral, gold metal beads
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold fill wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Mahogany Obsidian
About: Mahogany obsidian is a rich reddish brown color with black rivers or
patches of jet black. Its reddish brown color is reminiscent mahogany wood, but
mahogany obsidian is a volcanic glass.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Release from inner limitations
Found In: Worldwide
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Smoky quartz, jet, mother of pearl
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold fill or brass wire
Beading Project:
Septarian
About: Septarian is a 'mineral concrete' formed when several minerals fill
porous sedimentary rock. The process is called concretion. Septarian concretions
contain several minerals, commonly calcite, jasper, hematite and aragonite.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Promotes appreciation of creative forces
(Aside from its color patterns, perhaps this is why I love it!)
Found In: Brazil, India, Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Citrine, Smoky Quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold Fill, Copper
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Smoky Quartz
About: Smoky quartz varies in color from tan to deep chocolate brown.
Its coloring is due to natural irradiation. Smoky quartz beads are often heat
treated for better or deeper coloring.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Grounding, manifestation of one's dreams
Found In: Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland and the USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Pick your favorite. Brown is a great neutral color.
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver, Gold Fill
Beading Project:
Tigers Eye
About: Tigers eye is a golden brown gemstone that exhibits chatoyance, which is a
changing in color or luster depending on the angle of light. It's often heat treated to
achieve blue tigers eye, red tigers eye and, recently, green tigers eye.
With a Mohs scale of mineral hardness of 7, tigers eye is a naturally
hard stone which is often carved. Tigers eye is also one of a few stones known as friendship stones.
It has come to symbolize National Friendship Day (third Sunday of August).
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Balance between extremes
Found In: Largest deposit, South Africa; Also found in Western Australia, and the USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Citrine, smoky quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold Fill, Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
How to Make Friendship Necklaces with Friendship Stones
Gemstone Chart
Clear Gemstones
Crystal Quartz
About: Crystal Quartz, or rock crystal, is a colorless form of natural quartz.
When I wear it, a lot of people don't believe it's a real gemstone. If you can get
a strand with few or no inclusions, it's beautiful, especially when faceted.
It makes a good substitute for the April birthstone, clear diamond. According to Wikipedia,
quartz is the second most abundant mineral found in the earth's continental
crust.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Amplification of one's intention
Found In: Worldwide
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Black onyx, sodalite or almost any gemstone
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Green Gemstones
Amazonite
About: Amazonite comes in beautiful shades of minty aqua green. Sometimes,
black tourmaline or pyrite is mixed. Amazonite takes its named from the Amazon
River, where certain green stones (it is unknown if they were actually amazonite)
were originally found.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: China, Russia, USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Black onyx
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Chrysoprase
About: Highly prized for its apple green color, chrysoprase also comes in darker
shades of green. Some stones have a brown matrix. It contains small quantities of
the mineral nickel. Chrysoprase was used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians in jewelry
and other ornamental objects. So, it has a long history.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Growth, compassion
Found In: Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa and Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Smoky quartz, tigers eye
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Malachite
About: Malachite reminds me of the lush green grass hills of Ireland. Of course, I've
only seen pictures of them, but still, malachite is a gorgeous deep green
with bands of darker green running through the stone. A high copper content is responsible
for these luscious shades of green.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Enlightened leadership
Found In: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Russia, Mexico and England
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Look to mother nature, its her great neutral!
(Or try citrine or black onyx)
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Memory Wire Necklace
Gemstone Chart
Peace Jade
About: Peace jade is glorious mix of shades of pink, purple and green. Though it's
trade name is jade, it's a mixture of stitchite (pink and purple), serpentine
(green) and white quartz. Mother nature has already cooked up the color
palette. Simply choose beads in one or two of its colors to use as filler beads
in a jewelry design.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: China
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Crystal quartz, rose quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Peridot
About: Peridot is birthstone gemstone for the month of August. It's soft green color
is vibrant without screaming. It's a popular stone and is often paired with
amethyst and citrine for a striking combination.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Prosperity, well-being
Found In: Australia, Brazil, South Africa and USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Malachite, amethyst, citrine
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Sesame Jasper
About: The name Jasper is derived from the Greek word iaspis,
meaning 'spotted stone'. Sesame jasper and kiwi jasper are trade names used to
describe this lovely jasper. It truly lives up to jasper's 'spotty' reputation.
This variety of jasper is a minty green color with spots of black, reminiscent of polka dots.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: Brazil, France, Germany, India, Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Black onyx, crystal quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Grey Gemstones
Labradorite
About: Labradorite beads offer a play of colors or iridescence that is quite
beautiful. Depending on the way the light hits the
stone you may be surprised at the color you see flashing from its grayish
background. You never know which color you'll see. Perhaps blue-green, a
little yellow, maybe even light orange.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Magic, protection
Found In: Near the town of Labrador, Canada
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Pair it with pearls or Swarovski®
crystals in montana blue
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Hematite
About: This beauty is an iron oxide mineral with a hardness of 5 to 6.
Hematite derives its name from the Greek word for blood, haima. Hematite if
the major mineral in most iron ore deposits. Hematite is a deep dark gray with a very shiny surface.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Grounding, manifestation
Found In: Brazil
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Black onyx, crystal quartz, howlite
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver
Beading Project:
Orange Gemstones
Carnelian
About: Carnelian is a luscious semi-transparent stone. It's usually dyed and heat-treated
to obtain colors that range from a deep red-orange to a bright orange. Carnelian is a mineral
of the quartz family with a hardness of 7.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Courage, vitality
Found In: Worldwide
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Red jasper, gold beads or opalite (a
manmade synthetic opal)
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold fill wire, sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Citrine
About: Citrine can be a wonderful honey colored stone though
it's usually dyed and heat-treated to obtain this color. Its color
range is wide, from a pale yellow to amber to deep orange. I love it,
though I've found that the darker the color of the beads the greater
their cost. Citrine gets its name from the French word citron, meaning lemon.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Manifestation, personal will
Found In: Africa, Brazil, Spain, France, USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Tigers eye, peridot
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold fill wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Red Aventurine
About: The word aventurine is derived from the Italian word aventura,
which is a type of Italian glass discovered around the year 1700. The red-orange
beads contain mica, which creates a glistening effect that is seen in better
quality well cut stones. Others colors of aventurine are green and blue.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Discernment, determination
Found In: Brazil, India, Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Peridot, dyed yellow jade
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire, Gold Fill, Copper
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Pink Gemstones
Rose Quartz
About: Pale pink to rose-red in color, rose quartz is the epitome of femininity,
romance and love. Rose quartz is translucent and photosensitive. The color of very light or barely there
color stones can fade when exposed to sunlight for long time periods.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Emotional healing
Found In: Brazil, Madagascar, South Dakota USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Peridot, Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, Brass, Copper
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Purple Gemstones
Almandine Garnet
About: Almandine garnet is the most common variety of garnet. It derived its name
from the town of Almandine in Asia Minor. Its colors range from orange-red to purplish red.
Garnet gemstones are found in all colors except blue and is the modern birthstone
for the month of January.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Strength, security
Found In: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Austria, Czech Republic
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Turquoise
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Amethyst
About: Amethyst ranges in color from the deepest to the
palest shade of purple. It is the birthstone gemstone for the month of February.
Ancient Egyptians used to make beads and amulets of amethyst.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Protection, purification
Found In: Brazil, Canada, Russia, South Africa and Mexico
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Turquoise, citrine, peridot
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Fluorite
About: Found in all colors though pure fluorite is colorless. I mostly
find it in a mix of purple, green and clear or white and sometimes a golden yellow.
Though fluorite is used as a flux in the manufacture of steel, its beauty in jewelry
is subtle and calming. Fluorite gemstone beads are often sold in multicolor strands.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Mental enhancement and clarity.
Found In: Germany, England, China, Argentina and the USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Amethyst, malachite, crystal quartz
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Green/Purple - Sterling silver wire, Yellow - Gold Fill
Beading Project:
How to Make a Lariat.
Gemstone Chart
Red Gemstones
Jade
About: When I purchased this strand of jade I was surprised to find that most dyed
jade is originally white, a natural color for jade. Jade used for beads is an
ornamental stone called Nephrite Jade, which naturally occurs in grays,
greens, yellows, browns or whites. The white color is not solid
but rather mottled, think slightly thawed milk. Dyed jade is available in
most any color. The picture to the left shows natural white jade and dyed red jade.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Mental enhancement and clarity.
Found In: China, Southeast Asia and North America
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Pair with black onyx
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Tan Gemstones
Dalmatian Jasper
About: The name Jasper is derived from the Greek word iaspis,
meaning 'spotted stone'. Dalmatian Jasper's namesake is our canine movie stars, dalmatian dogs.
Golden brown and black spots cover a tan to tannish grey background. Jaspers in general are
found in many colors all over the world. Jaspers contain a good dose of foreign materials,
which account for the wide variety of colors. Mother nature doing her thing!
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: France, Germany, India, Mexico, Russia
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Black onyx, citrine
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold Fill
Beading Project:
How to Make a Bead Bracelet.
Gemstone Chart
Feldspath
About: Talk about animal attraction! To me, feldspath resembles animal print. Its
golden yellow background with brown lines remind me of a tiger's coat.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore:
Found In: Worldwide
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Bronzite
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Gold fill wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Magnesite
About: Magnesite is typically white with a brownish weblike pattern running throughout
the stone. It's very porous and holds dye well. It is often dyed a bluish
turquoise color to simulate natural turquoise. The picture to the left is of
magnesite in its natural color.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Opening to inner vision
Found In: Austria, Poland and the state of Nevada, USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Bronzite
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver or Gold fill wire
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Picture Jasper
About: Picture jasper is opaque and comes in a wide variety of mixed
shades of brown, yellow, tan and black. So named because in a lot of specimens,
landscapes are often perceived. Its used a lot in making southwestern jewelry.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Facilitates inner journeying
Found In: Depends on variety...For example, Owyhee Picture Jasper is found in Oregon and Idaho USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Turquoise, rhodonite, citrine
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, Copper
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
Turquoise Gemstones
Turquoise, Blue
About: Blue turquoise owes its coloring to copper. A high copper content
equates to very blue turquoise. The name turquoise is derived from the French word
pierre turquoise, meaning 'Turkish stone'. Turkey was once a major trade
route through Europe from central Asia. Native Americans highly value turquoise.
Traditionally, in the USA, turquoise was used primarily in southwestern jewelry.
Today, turquoise is used by everyone from the home beader to the couture jewelry
designer to make jewelry for a wide variety of tastes.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Communication, spiritual expansion
Found In: Afghanistan, Australia, China, Iran, Southwestern USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Onyx, and though not a 'gemstone' per se, white freshwater pearls
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling, Gold Fill, Copper
Beading Project:
String Beads
Gemstone Chart
Turquoise, Green
About: Green turquoise owes its coloring to iron. A high iron content
yields very green turquoise.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Communication, spiritual expansion
Found In: Afghanistan, Australia, China, Iran, Southwestern USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Most any color as green is mother nature's neutral
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling Silver, Brass
Beading Project:
Gemstone Chart
White Gemstones
Howlite
About: Named after the Nova Scotian geologist, Henry How,
who discovered it, Howlite is a white to yellowish-white stone with
brownish, grey or black veining. Sometimes it's unimpressive...
Until it's cut into some rockin' beads like these.
Howlite is often dyed and sold as a substitute for turquoise.
Metaphysical Properties or Lore: Calming stone, thought to relieve stress.
Found In: Nova Scotia Canada and California USA
Complementary Gemstone Pairings: Clear quartz, black onyx, hematite or a pop of red coral
Most Complementary Jewelry Wire: Sterling silver wire
Beading Project:
Make a jeweled beaded bib necklace.
Gemstone Chart
This Gemstone Chart is by no means inclusive of all gemstones. New gemstones are discovered all the time.
I do hope that you'll use this Gemstone Chart as a starting place to find a gemstone to create an eye catching jewelry design that'll be loved by you and admired by others for years to come.
I love reading about the lore and metaphysical properties of stones and gems. And, I have compiled this information for your entertainment and enjoyment. But, I make no promises, express or implied, about their potential healing properties. Enjoy!
References:
Jewelry Maker's Comprehensive Catalog, Fire Mountain Gems
The Book of Stones, Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, 2007
The International Colored Gemstone Association, Gemstone.org
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org
Bead suppliers often have a tremendous amount of information on the beads they sell. A more comprehensive list of gemstones is available directly on the site of a supplier that I use regularly. The list is also available for purchase as a book.
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