Gem Meanings N to Z

A general guide to the geographical & physical makeup, plus the folklore of the metaphysical & healing properties
of a series of Gemstones.

PEARL
Physically - WHITE/PEARL. A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. calcium carbonate with organic substances and water.

The ideal pearl is regarded as perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur and are widely used in jewellery design.

Almost any shelled mollusk can, by natural processes, produce some kind of "pearl" when an irritating microscopic object becomes trapped within the mollusk's mantle folds. 

A cultured pearl is formed in a pearl farm, using human intervention as well as natural processes. Saltwater pearls grow within pearl oysters. Freshwater pearls often grow within mussels. Most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China.

The Latin word for pearl means "unique", alluding to the fact that no two pearls are regarded as identical.

Metaphysically - used for giving wisdom, balanced by love, they are a feminine gem, a symbol of modesty & purity. They amplify all the best female qualities such as caring, nurturing & are a soothing influence, they lessen stress and its resulting problems.

Pearls are absorbing by nature and because of this be aware that if you feel negative while wearing them, they will amplify it but if you are feeling great they will amplify that too and make you feel even better, they help you to learn to understand yourself & lead to self realization.

BLACK PEARL
Physically - BLACK or GRAY hued Pearls are cultured from the black pearl oyster 

Metaphysically - Symbolising prosperity & riches, adding a level of spiritual strength and integrity, than can lead to greater physical success and worthiness. They can be also be seen as a shield of protection for the emotions and feelings providing greater courage and self control.

RED CORAL
Physically - RED or PINK. The common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The sale of Red Coral is banned in many countries, unless it is 'antique'.

Sea Bamboo is often used as a replacement and exhibits many similar properties, it can be dyed at times. Still called 'Coral' by traders and jewellers, Sea Bamboo is cultivated and is fast growing, thus not harming the natural reserves of Coral Reefs.

Metaphysically - regarded as a stone of balance, achieving harmony with the natural forces. Especially suited to balancing female energies and reproduction. Traditionally used for protection, can aid in reducing despondency and feelings of dread or fear.

Primarily used for balance in achieving spiritual/physical harmony. The red colour and the stones ‘nature’ activates the base chakra stimulating the higher pursuit of pre-determined goals and dreams, so is able to provide a sense of wisdom and understanding in life.

ROSE QUARTZ
Physically - PINK. Is a type of quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is usually considered as due to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese.

The first crystals were found in a pegmatite found near Rumford, Maine, USA, but most crystals on the market come from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Metaphysically - used to work on all chakras to gently remove negativity & reinstate the loving, gentle forces of 'self love' & unconditional love toward others. Restores calm after chaos. It is known as the 'stone of gentle love' & brings peacefulness to all kinds of relationships.

It promotes receptivity to the beauty of art, music & poetry, enlivens the imagination. Brings spiritual attunement to the energy of love .It provides balancing of the yin-yang energies & can attune each chakra to the proper frequency of energy vibration.

Heals emotional wounds & helps us forgive ourselves & others. An excellent gift for expressing love.

SMOKEY (SMOKY) QUARTZ
Physically - BLACK/BROWN. A brown to black variety of quartz. Like other quartz gems, it is a silicon dioxide crystal. The smoky colour results from free silicon formed from the silicon dioxide by natural irradiation.

Smokey quartz comes from many sources around the world.

Metaphysically - regarded as a 'stone for strength‘ & connecting to higher guidance. Centres aligns & strengthens the body, enhancing wise decision making and intuition.

It can be used to banish grief, to enhance self control, to stimulate to succeed and prosper. It further helps one to follow their own path alone, brings the recognition of personal strengths, talents, and assists one in receiving reality as it truly is. It helps one to become the master of ones own destiny.

TIGER EYE
Physically - GOLD/BROWN. Also called Tiger's eye or Tiger eye, is a chatoyant gemstone (has optical reflectance), that is a golden to red-brown color, with a silky luster. A member of the quartz group.
Varieties in colour range from Gold, Yellow, Brown, Red and Blue. 

Tiger's Eye mostly comes from South Africa and East Asia, but there are many sources all around the world.

The name's origin is associated with the bands it resembles in an Tiger's eye.

Metaphysically - a stone used for gathering scattered thoughts into order & loose ends to completion, brings the energies of the sunlight & sand. It resonates to the frequencies of Earth, encouraging stability & dynamic beauty, conducive to peacefulness & opens one to encounters with others during meditation, increases psychic abilities & can assist in gently activating the third eye.

It has the grounding energy of the earth embellished with glowing warmth, gives confidence & motivation  Brings in Light when it is needed most.

TURQUOISE
Physically - BLUE/GREEN. An opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. 

It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. 

Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day.

For at least 2,000 years, the region once known as Persia has remained an important source of turquoise. China has been a minor source of turquoise for 3,000 years or more.

There are many world locations for Turquoise, including United States, Afghanistan; Australia (Victoria and Queensland); north India; northern Chile (Chuquicamata); Cornwall; Saxony; Silesia Sinai; and Turkestan.

The word turquoise, which dates to the 17th century was derived from the French language turques, because it was first brought to Europe from Turkey from the mines in Persia.

Metaphysically - regarded as a stone that reflects the one carrying or holding it, it tunes into the energies of the person and transmits them back into the world. It elevates ones goals & understanding & is popular with creative problem solvers, it helps us with communication, enhances healing abilities & provides protection.

Turquoise is able to help people realize who & where they are & leads them to greater self realization. It brings mental & spiritual clarity, it quiets the mind & reduces stress. It will also help bring a tolerance to others that balances all levels of your own personality. Good for strengthening the physical body.
 

This page is for reference & general information purposes only.
It is intended for education and allows for discussion & sharing.
See your doctor or other qualified practitioner for persistant or life threatening health related issues. This information presented here does not replace medical treatement or advice. 

 This information has been gleaned from a mix of printed materials and personal experience;  personally interpreted, created & written by Bead heaven.
Copyright 2011
Thanks to Wikipedia for chemical and geographical information.

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