Gemstone Guide
Amethyst
The zodiac stone for Pisces and birthstone for February, Amethyst is mined in several countries including Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar and the USA. The purple gemstone is also said to promote calm and serenity and is attributed with courage and peace.
Onyx
The zodiac stone for Leo and the birthstone for February, Onyx is mined in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. Though traditionally black in colour, there are varieties of sardonyx which have bands of white running through them. Onyx is considered to be a good protective stone which relieves stress and aids sleep.
Citrine
Associated with the month of November and the zodiac stone for Virgo, today, the majority of citrine is mined in Brazil, though areas of Spain, France and Scotland have previously produced the gemstone. Citrine is said to attract success and prosperity, whilst promoting creativity and cheerfulness for the wearer.
LApis Lazuli
The zodiac stone for Libra and the birthstone for December, Lapis Lazuli has traditionally been mined in Afghanistan, though deposits also occur in Canada, Chile and Mongolia. Lapis Lazuli is believed to be the stone of truth and friendship, and was one of the first gemstones to be worn as jewellery.
Amazonite
The birthstone for December and zodiac stone of Virgo, Amazonite is mined in Namibia, Colorado and Zimbabwe. Though named after the Brazilian river, no deposits have actually been found in that particular area of Brazil. Amazonite is said to bring prosperity, calm emotions and make married life happier.
Agate
Agate is the zodiac stone for Gemini and the birthstone of September, the main source of Agate is the western US states of Montana and Idaho, though mines also occur in Australia, Brazil and Madagascar. An emotional healer, Agate is also said to encourage memory, concentration and self-confidence. Agate comes in a range of colour; Fire Agate is an iridescent red.
LAbradorite
The zodiac stone for Sagittarius, Labradorite was first mined in the region of Canada bearing the same name, and can now be located in Mexico, China and Scandinavia. Labradorite is said to promote wisdom and patience and improve self-esteem.
Moonstone
The birthstone for the month of June, moonstone is not associated with any specific zodiac, and is mined in several countries including Sri Lanka, Norway, Australia and Tanzania. Moonstone is considered to bring good fortune to the wearer, and is said to protect women and children particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
Smoky Quartz
The zodiac stone for Capricorn, smoky quartz is mined in Brazil, Japan, Australia and previously Scotland. It is believed to be a calm and comforting stone which improves intuition and minimises negative emotions.
Tiger’s Eye
The zodiac stone for Gemini, Tiger’s Eye is mined mainly in South Africa but is also found in Burma and California. A form of quartz, Tiger’s Eye is said to encourage confidence and courage, and bring good luck.
Freshwater Pearl
The zodiac stone of Cancer and the modern June birthstone, freshwater pearls are commonly grown in China and Australia, and are available in numerous colours and varieties. Pearls signify strength and sincerity, and traditionally used by brides due to their connotations with love and marital bliss.
Pyrite
Pyrite is not associated with any zodiac sign or birthstone and mining occurs throughout the world in countries including Mexico, Bolivia and South Africa. Pyrite is believed to improve memory, intelligence and analytical ability.
Hematite
Associated with the zodiac sign of Aries, hematite is mined in Switzerland, Italy and the area of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Traditionally perceived as a grounding stone, hematite is believed to increase optimism and reduce stress.
Cornelian/Carnelian
The zodiac stone for Virgo, Carnelian is mined in various countries including Japan, Brazil and Uruguay. Known for its vibrant colour, it is also said to encourage confidence and a drive to succeed.
Rock Crystal
Rock crystal is used as an alternative birthstone to the diamond for the month of April. This colourless variety of quartz is mined internationally in countries including the UK, Switzerland and Madagascar. Rock crystal is considered to help with all conditions and helps focus the mind.
Malachite
Malachite is the birthstone for those born in the month of July and is associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces, Capricorn and Scorpio. This striking gem stone can be found in numerous countries including Namibia, Siberia, Mexico and France, and is said to promote a good night’s sleep and creativity.