From God’s beautiful garden of stones…..
Please note that all stone characteristics, properties, and descriptions listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and entertainment, and not meant to treat medical conditions. Cane Hill Designs does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
Agate, Blue Lace
The palest blue you can imagine, it’s cool, clean, crisp and quiet. Think of a spring day. Blue lace agate enhances grace and lightheartedness. It’s a soothing stone known for calming the mind and releasing stress.
Agate, Green
Delicate, opulent, and translucent deep green stones. Most of us know we seem to feel better when we have green plants and trees around us. According to Feng Shui, that’s because green is a benevolent, humanistic color. Green agate corresponds to someone who is compassionate, generous, has good fortune and a keen sense of justice.
Agate, Red
Red agate is a rich deep reddish brown to black with cream striations create a strikingly beautiful stone. A delightful stone that seems to give a warm and reassuring feeling, banishing fear and pushing away sorrow completely.
Agate, Tree
White with inclusions of deep green dappling give a sense of a natural living yet ancient stone with enduring beauty. Like an old apple tree, the balance and beauty of nature is at work in your own life. All the worries about everything you thought you needed or might need disappear completely.
Amber
Amber is 50-million-year-old, fossilized tree sap, or resin, from prehistoric pine forests. Often times, amber will contain fossilized insects, mammalian hair and other organic matter and are generally considered more valuable if this is the case. It can easily be scratched so to clean amber, use mild soap, room temperature tap water and a soft cloth. Amber was used, historically, as a talisman for courage and self-confidence, and was thought to bring good luck to warriors in battle. Some cultures thought amber symbolized the renewal of marriage vows and was used to assure promises.
Amethyst
This majestic gemstone ranges in color from deep purple to pale lavender. Traditionally worn on the robes and crowns of royalty. Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that amethyst holds the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken one’s intelligence. This popular gemstone was also used as a symbol of peace and unification. It is also thought to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness in those who wear it. Some folks will use amethyst to help treat insomnia and sugar imbalances, and to relieve headaches. A harder stone, it can be cleaned using a steamer and ultrasonic cleaner.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a sister to the rich green emerald. It can be found in a range of pale blue hues and aqua green colors. Legends refer to aquamarine as the treasure of Atlantis, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. In addition, aquamarine is also believed to have a soothing influence on relationships, especially in marriage. Its power to ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an excellent stone to give on anniversaries. To many ancient cultures, it was a symbol of happiness, courage and everlasting youth. Traditionally, aquamarine is also the birthstone for March.
Aragonite
It is a mellow, orange or straw yellow-colored carbonate gemstone that has come to symbolize truth and understanding. The Aragon River in Spain, where it was first discovered in 1788, is what the mineral is named after. It has been traditionally used to make jewelry for young adults to help them learn patience, instill them with responsibility, generate the ability to be punctual and to stave off the habits of procrastination.
Amazonite
Amazonite is named after the Amazon area in Brazil, where it was originally discovered. It is associated with deposits of granite and quartz and is found in parts of Colorado. The coloration varies from light green to a darker ”emerald” green. Use a mild soap and room temperature tap water with a soft cloth so you do not diminish the luster of the gemstone. Amazonite is said to bestow truth, honor and integrity to its wearer.
Aventurine
Aventurine is found in a variety of luscious colors greens, red, blue, or a beautiful soft peach. Think optimism, bountiful life, practical enthusiasm and adventure. Some associate aventurine with good luck.
Carnelian
A fiery red stone with rich tones of gold, create a very warm stone. In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife. Carnelian is thought by some to enhance self esteem, to combat feelings of inadequacy, and to increase physical energy.
Citrine
Think sunny days warm, pale, translucent yellow. From the earliest of times, citrine was called the “sun stone” and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight. It is thought to have a positive sunny influence that can relieve backache, and combat depression. The stone is found in Colorado, Spain, France, and Scotland.
Coral
This skeletal creature with its microscopic plant life inside, living in harmony in those silky warm waters, is a vibrant part of the South Pacific. The way in which coral grows teaches lessons. Lessons that show us the importance of living so that we make the world a good place for the children and grandchildren that follow, to value our life.
Diamond
As a gemstone, diamond has remained a symbol of stability and dependability in an ever-changing world. While diamonds are found in many areas around the world, some are found in Arkansas, in the USA. Diamonds are believed to provide clarity of thought, encouraging the resolution of problems which comes with clear understanding, and is heralded as the stone of purity and constancy. Clean diamond jewelry with steam, ultrasonic and liquid jewelry cleaners, using a soft bristle brush to clean beneath the setting.
Emerald
The rich green color is renowned as a color of spring and a symbol of romance, hope and rebirth. The mesmerizing stone’s velvety green color is unmistakable and has inspired many myths and legends throughout history. In one such legend, the Holy Grail used by Christ at the last supper was made from a giant emerald. Afterward, the emerald grail was used to collect His blood dripping from the cross, infusing the grail with His holy powers. In the US, emeralds have been found in Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The best way to clean emerald jewelry is with warm water, a soft brush and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Fluorite
This stone comes in a rainbow of cool translucent colors, purple, violet, clear, green, and occasionally banded with all of the colors combined. Fluorite invokes a wonderful sense of renewal, a feeling we can always begin again. It is thought to relax and perk you up all at the same time, as if you just had a cool refreshing shower. Use a mild soap and room temperature tap water with a soft cloth to clean these stones.
Garnet
With its deep red glossy color, the garnets name is derived from the Latin word for Pomegranate seeds, granatum. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and romance, and associated with eternal love. Garnets are commonly believed to aid in the healing of broken bonds of love. Barton Mines in the Adirondack Mountains of New York is the world’s largest garnet mine. Clean garnet stones with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the stone well after washing it.
Howlite
Although its natural color is more like softly falling snow, the howlite stone can be dyed to provide an alternative to many other more costly stones. In the raw form it is found in “cauliflower” like masses. A stone for anyone who’s creating anything, it inspires, and provides trust, openness and discipline. All the requirements the creative soul needs.
Iolite
Think the sky at dusk, these clear blue to clear violet stones look dichroic. In other words they appear to be a different hue when viewed from different angles, almost a dreamy quality. The name actually comes from the Greek word “ion” which means “violet.” Iolite is said to help us see the path we are on and the path we should be on.
Jade, Jadeite
The Chinese have traditionally believed that jade increases energy and prolongs life. Like white ice over the green China Sea, green-white jade reminds us that there is more to life and to who we are than what we see on the surface. Jade gives balance to what we see (body) and what we don’t see (spirit).
Jade, Nephrite
The stronger of the two jade varieties, it has a deep green color reminiscent of the carved Buddha statuettes, the most verdant green imaginable. Green jade promotes deep, enduring peace and strength.. It is said to offer physical and emotional well-being.
Jade, New
New Jade Serpentine, with shades of green will make you feel as if you’re stretched out in a hammock gently rocked by cool summer breezes. It produces a tranquil mood, some say it helps us when we’re depressed, especially when we feel stuck in a situation.
Jasper, Brecciated
Brecciated jasper is a striking, earthy blend of warm brick-red and burgundy patterned with browns, blacks and tans. It is commonly believed to be a calming stone. Its nurturing energy is said to bring happiness and repel negative feelings. It is an inspiring stone for those looking for balance in their lives. This beautiful jasper is thought to help its wearer find a positive outlook in life and achieve a sense of tranquility.
Jasper, Fancy
Fancy jasper is a jasper of fairly scrumptious colors: mauves, lilacs, creams and greens all mixed together. It’s referred to as “the party stone”, to help people lighten up and enjoy themselves.
Be forewarned, however, you may feel like cutting loose wherever you wear it.
Jasper, Picasso
Celebrate life. Put on your high heels and dance a little. That’s what this gemstone calls for. It says wake up. It reminds us that it isn’t only later than we think, it’s also earlier. We still have time to “live a little”. That’s Picasso jasper’s message. We enjoy life more when we don’t ignore it.
Jasper, Picture
Reminiscent of Utah’s vast sandy expanse with golden brown and red stone “mountains” rising like ancient castles from within it. Some say they can feel a quiet, powerful sense of who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going all present in the beautiful picture jasper.
Jasper, Tigerskin
Tigerskin jasper takes us out of our heads and puts us back into our bodies, giving whole new meaning to the expressions “hold that tiger!” or having “a tiger in your tank.” Expect to purr at least a little when you wear it. In an old children’s story a bunch of tigers hold onto each other’s tails and run around in a circle so fast they melt into a pool of rich creamy butter. That’s the look of tawny golden tigerskin jasper.
Jasper, Zebra
Move out of apathy into action. Avoid over-thinking and be encouraged to just enjoy the experience of living. Zebra jasper’s striking colors intensify that message. Like the swift, wild horse for which it’s named, it shows us how to live. It says: Get out of your head! Get into your body. Let the zest for life flow through you. If you feel like galloping, then gallop!
Labradorite
It is named for Labrador, the Canadian peninsula where it was first found in 1770. A soft grey/blue stone with lustrous blues and greens flashing inside it. Like the sound and glistening beauty of a gentle rain, it quiets us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Something for people who tend to overwork.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is an intense royal blue stone. Until the Middle Ages, it was referred to by the name sapphire (from the Greek for the color blue). Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli has been associated with strength and courage. One of the most famous uses of the stone is in the mask of King Tutankhamen.
White Magnesite
Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate found in caves in Nevada, a calcium carbonate with a hardness and texture similar to turquoise and marble. Native Americans, including the Pomo Tribes of California, carved white magnesite gemstones into beads for jewelry and currency. White magnesite is said to have calming properties, helping to improve the imagination.
Malachite
The luxuriant, swirling patterns of malachite have striking light and dark green marbling that is unmistakable. The startling beauty of this stone has come to represent sensuality and beauty. Malachite is also great to use for gifts because it conveys a message of friendship and loyalty.
Marble
Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Geologists use the term “marble” to refer to metamorphosed limestone. The characteristic swirls and veins of many colored marble varieties are the result of various mineral impurities, like clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or chert that originally had the presence as grains or layers in the limestone. Thought to enhance serenity.
Moonstone, Multi-Colored
Moonstone is said to help with stress by calming the mind and soothing the spirit. So, if you’re feeling stressed and anxious, put on your most beautiful moonstone jewelry, pour yourself a cup of tea (or a glass of your favorite wine), kick off your shoes and put up your feet.
Mother-of-Pearl
Exquisite, iridescent mother-of-pearl epitomizes everything we love about being feminine. Its beauty is gentle and delicate. It calls up feelings of tenderness. That’s understandable because mother-of-pearl is truly a mother. Its name refers to the inner layer of a mollusk shell where a pearl literally grows from the mother-of-pearl secretions.
Obsidian, Snowflake
Think of a night so dark everything seems to have disappeared. The moon is gone, the stars and planets are gone. You look out the window and see great white flakes of snow floating to earth. That’s the look of snowflake obsidian. It’s actually volcanic glass that has formed as lava quickly cools. Snowflake obsidian is found primarily in Utah. Like a sky full of beautiful snowflakes, it restores a deep, abiding sense of protection and reverence.
Onyx, Striped
Striped onyx, a form of chalcedony, is suggestive of foods that comfort us: mashed potatoes, peppermint tea, ice cream or rich, smooth chocolate. All things that soothe us, lifting our spirits, like beautiful, creamy striped onyx.
Pearls
While many pearls are found in the waters of the South Seas, cultured freshwater pearls are also grown along the Mississippi River in the United States. They have been used for personal adornment and coveted by peoples throughout the globe for thousands of years. Pearls are believed to signify innocence and faith. Pearls should be treated delicately, wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wearing or, for a more thorough cleaning, use mild soap and water.
Peridot
Peridot, the birthstone for the month of August, is also given in celebration of the 16th year of marriage. Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is thought to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships. Shimmering, pale green peridot, is often called the evening emerald. New sources of peridot include Arizona and Oregon.
Quartz Crystal
Purity, clear, clean, shimmering, all good adjectives to describe crystal. The word crystal brings thoughts of sparkling raindrops, waterfalls, fine glassware and shimmering chandeliers. Cool and pure these stones area associated with purity and clarity of thought.
Lemon Quartz
Lemon quartz is created by heating amethyst, yellow quartz and iron together at extremely high temperatures. This heating process is what gives lemon quartz its brilliant, yellow color. The radiant beauty of lemon quartz is truly dazzling, particlarly when light catches the facets and it truly comes to life.
Quartz, Rose
Rose quartz came to be known as the stone of love and reconciliation from the Greek myth about Aphrodite and Adonis. Their blood was commingled when Aphrodite was cut by a thorn bush while saving Adonis from an attack by Ares. Their blood stained white quartz to make it a rose-pink color. Later, it became customary for the Romans to use the stone as a gift of love.
Quartz, Smoky
Alluring smoky quartz, named for its smoky color, is formed when rock crystal is irradiated. That usually occurs at high altitudes which is why its most notable sources are Brazil, Colorado and the Swiss Alps.
Quartz, Tourmalinated
Because it’s quartz, this gemstone is abundant, but no quartz is more tasteful and distinctive. Whether the rich black bubbles through it or is discreet like the stroke of a fine ink pen against its sparkling clear-white base, tourmalinated quartz is gorgeous! Think of a conversation with a stranger who, as soon as you began talking to each other, you felt like you’d known forever, that’s the vibrant, spontaneous energy.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite does for us what paying attention to nature always does for us. It softens our needs. It helps us put petty things behind us. It reminds us that leisure is important and that there’s a bigger picture we often lose sight of. We pay attention to small things like the petals of tiny white daisies, the gossamer wings of a dragonfly, or a leaf pressed so long into a stone it has become part of it. That’s the experience and wisdom of rhodonite.
Ruby
The queen of gems, deep red ruby is the rarest and most valuable of gemstones. Rubies have been so loved by royalty, they have always included them in their insignias and famous jewelry, but rubies actually have humble beginnings. Most deposits are still worked in the primitive way they’ve been worked for centuries. They are panned from rivers and picked out by hand from the other minerals around them. Their beauty is only skin deep. In their natural rough form, they are dull greasy-looking stones. But cut and polished, their high luster is dazzling, comparable to diamonds.
Sapphire
Since medieval times, sapphire has been associated with the majesty and tranquility of the heavens. Thought to dispel evil thoughts and bring peace and amiability. The stone is associated with Abraham from the Bible. It is known as the stone of new love and commitment and encourages faithfulness and loyalty.
Sodalite
Sodalite is like a beautiful woman who’s an intriguing imposter. In Canada, she’s often referred to as “Princess Blue” because she was found there during a Royal visit. She’s also a wonderful lapis lazuli look-alike, at a fraction of lapis lazuli’s cost. Her name reveals nothing of her beauty but refers only to her sodium content.
Spinel
It reminds us to set our egos aside and become devoted to another person. Like all fiery red stones, it encourages great passion. And it has been traditionally associated with longevity. Devotion, passion, longevity-three ingredients of a happy marriage.
Sunstone
Like a red-orange sunset blazing above the Pacific Ocean, Sunstone’s glowing iridescence is mesmerizing. The metallic (golden) glitter in this feldspar is caused by light reflecting on tiny copper or hematite crystals imbedded in it.
Tigereye
Look into the eye of a magnificent tiger. That creature’s animal magnetism gleams in this golden-yellow, deeply banded gemstone. When we keep our eyes wide open, we are more apt to act appropriately and at the appropriate moment. It’s an approach to life that can help us live longer and embrace life as an exciting learning experience. When things get tense around you, remember to stop, look and listen before you do any leaping.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is the color of a waterfall cascading down a mountainside. Topaz has always been associated with compassion and communication.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline holds a special place in the hearts of jewelry designers and gemstone enthusiasts everywhere. Tourmaline displays a greater range of colors than any other known gemstone. It is believed that tourmaline is found in all these colors because it traveled along a rainbow and shone in all the rainbow’s colors.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the official birthstones for the month of December, and is heralded as the stone of communication. It encourages enthusiasm, inspiring new projects and bringing to light undiscovered artistic abilities. Turquoise also stands for understanding and attention to detail, to attracting prosperity and success. Whether you study ancient Egyptians, Chinese Dynasties, Aztec Mythology or Native American people, it seems clear that turquoise has always been and always will be considered a stone of life, beauty, and good fortune.
Zoisite
Luxurious deep green zoisite with its black inclusions is like a beautiful inlaid treasure chest. Named after the collector Zois, zoisite was first found in 1805 in Austria’s Sau-Alp mountains. This green zoisite with inclusions of hornblende and occasional ruby crystals was found in Tanzania in 1954. Since then it’s also been found in Norway, western Australia and the U.S.