Mystical Crystals
An Alphabetical Guide to
Crystals, Rocks, and Stones
It wasn’t easy to choose just a few crystals for the “Top Twenty” recommendations in this guide. There are hundreds of crystals on today’s market—and there are thousands of types of combination crystals, too.
Once you start collecting, don’t limit yourself to following any strict guidelines. Shop around, buy what you like, and feel free to add any stone that catches your eye. You can even use this list as a starting point for all the crystals you would like to own . . . someday.
Here is an alphabetical guide to common crystals, rocks, and stones.
Abalone is not technically a crystal. It’s a flat, open shell with a mother-of-pearl sheen inside. Sometimes known as sea ears, many people like to use abalone shells to burn incense (on a layer of sand) for use during cleansing and smudging rituals.
Agates come in a wide variety of colors and appearances. They are good crystals to use when you need a little help with logical thinking.
• Blue lace agates feature cascading bands of blue and white, reminiscent of sea and sky. Use them when you want to contemplate the depths of emotion or of higher consciousness.
• Botswana agates, with their smoky-colored rings, are strongly recommended for firefighters, as well as people who smoke, those who want to quit smoking, and those who come into regular contact with excessive amounts of heat or smoke.
• Dendritic agates are associated with agriculture and plant life, and related concepts like growth, plenitude, and the abundance of nature. Gaze into a dendritic agate, and you will see the silhouetted outline of trees and forests. Tuck dendritic agates next to your houseplants to give them a boost.
• Fern agates—in which each striation seems to be a miniature, leafy fern—help us communicate with plants and attune us to the world of devas and nature spirits.
• Fire agates, filled with opalescent, lavalike swirls, can help you feel more courageous, assertive, and enthusiastic. Use fire agate to add spark to your writing.
• Moss agates, with their deep, mossy-green color, are sometimes called the gardener’s stone because they can help you grow plants and wealth.
• Tree agates, with their leafy green striations, seem to display images of leafy boughs. Climb the branches of a tree agate to new heights of consciousness, or take one into your backyard to get an overview of your home life.
Alexandrite, which changes from green in daylight to red in incandescent light, was discovered in Russia in 1830. It was named after Czar Alexander II, whose imperial colors were red and green. Use alexandrite when you want to experience a dramatic transformation, see yourself in a new light, or get in touch with your own regal nature.
Amazonite, a green form of feldspar, can help you unlock your Amazon warrior spirit. It is especially good at helping you find your voice and develop your communication skills. It is even said to have healing properties for the throat and lungs, which is one reason musicians have traditionally used it. Some gamblers carry amazonite for luck.
Amber, which is petrified sap from a prehistoric pine tree, can help you discover ancient wisdom and knowledge. Some amber stones even contain the preserved bodies of prehistoric insects. Amber has been popular for thousands of years, as an elixir, in jewelry and amulets, and as a talisman. It’s one of the few stones that can be electrically charged, which means it can generate heat quickly and
efficiently.
Amethyst—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Ametrine, a combination of amethyst and citrine, combines the yellow energizing power of the sun with the spiritual properties of amethyst in a single bicolored gemstone. Ametrine is a good stone to use when you want to utilize your full range of talents, or when you want to join forces with another person or group.
Andalusite—see chiastolite and fairy cross.
Angel aura—see rainbow aura.
Angelite, a beautiful sky-blue stone, is used to connect with angels, spirit guides, and the higher self. It can also help you with telepathy, psychic awareness, astral travel, and lucid dreaming.
Apache tears take their name from a legend about a group of Apache Indians who were ambushed by an enemy tribe, driven to the top of a high bluff, and forced to leap to their deaths. Their grief-stricken wives wept over the bodies, and their tears became the translucent black obsidian stones we know today. According to the legend, whoever owns Apache tears will never cry again because enough tears have already been shed.
Apatite, whose name comes from the Greek word for “deceive” because it is often mistaken for other minerals, comes in a wide range of colors and shapes: white, brown, yellow, green, blue, purple, and red. Apatite can help you alter your appearance, too—especially if you want to lose weight.
Aqua aura is clear quartz dipped in molten gold, so it has a light, metallic-blue tint and built-in shielding abilities.
Aquamarine, the favorite stone of sailors, is attuned to the ocean and spirit of the sea and all the associated properties of water. During the Middle Ages, it was said that people who held an aquamarine in their mouths could call the devil from hell and force him to answer their questions. Aquamarines are also supposed to guarantee happiness, wealth, and a happy marriage.
Aragonite, a form of calcite, usually comes in a cluster that looks like it took form in a sudden burst of energy. Aragonite can add a burst of energy to your projects and personality, too.
Aventurine—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Azurite is good for psychic work, and it’s an integral part of many crystal and gemstone-healing layouts. Its deep, cobalt-blue color will help you go deep within yourself for psychological and spiritual insights. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, European painters loved azurite for the beautiful blue pigment it lent to their art.
Barite, a sky-blue stone, is favored by many Native Americans, who use it to transform from physical to spiritual beings in their ceremonial practices. Barite is also said to inspire lucid dreams and dream recall.
Basalt stones, formed when volcanic lava cools and hardens, are dark and smooth. Basalt stones hold heat consistently and are ideal for hot stone massage.
Beryls are colorless, at least in their pure form. In fact, it’s actually their impurities that make most beryls so valuable. Emeralds, for example, are beryls, as are aquamarines. Other types of beryls include golden beryl, which is also known as heliodor, a powerful reminder of the sun’s light and energy. Pink beryls, also known as morganite, can soothe raw emotions and stimulate healing, and red beryl, also known as bixbite, is a vibrant, purplish-red stone that can bring new life to longstanding relationships and stimulate the circulatory system.
Biotite—see mica.
Bixbite—see beryl.
Bloodstone—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Blue tiger’s eye—see hawk’s eye.
Boji Stones are magnetic stones with a high concentration of iron. Boji Stones are usually sold in sets—one rough “male” stone, and one smooth “female” stone that work together to demonstrate the give and take of daily life. They can help you balance the feminine and masculine aspects of your personality, or smooth wide-ranging emotions and experiences. (The name “Boji Stones” is a trademark of Boji, Inc. They are also called Kansas Pop Rocks.)
Bornite—see peacock ore.
Brazilianite, a greenish-yellow crystal discovered in Brazil in 1945, is heavier than it looks. Because people are still learning about its properties, Brazilianite is associated with academic achievement, attention to detail, study skills, and intelligence.
Bustamite, which ranges in color from pale pink to reddish brown, can “bust through” energy blockages and, like all red stones, it can help with love and health issues.
Calcite, which gets its name from the Greek word for “lime,” is one of the most common minerals on earth—it comprises about 4 percent of the earth’s crust. Despite the fact that calcite is everywhere, collectors value it for its beauty and variations. Calcite is also known as Iceland spar, lime spar, pineapple jasper, Mexican jade, and Mexican onyx.
Carnelian—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Cat’s eye, a form of chrysoberyl, is often confused with tiger’s eye, but it’s rarer. Cat’s eye has a distinct band of light across its face which sweeps from side to side. Just as cats can see in the dark, you can use cat’s eye crystals to peer into areas that could use some illumination.
Celestite, with its impressionistic points of white and blue, certainly reflects a celestial theme. Some people believe that it can connect us to guardian and guiding angels. It can also help those who would like to try astral travel.
Chalcedony is a catchall term for translucent quartz. The chalcedony family includes agates, aventurine, bloodstone, carnelians, chrysoprase, flint, jasper, and onyx.
Charoite was discovered in 1947 near the Chara River in Siberia, where Russia’s political prisoners were often exiled. Because of this, the crystal has come to be seen as an aid to those who feel—or fear—exile from others. Charoite wasn’t introduced to the West until 1978.
Chevron amethysts, with their distinctive V-shaped markings, combine the clarifying qualities of clear quartz with the royal qualities of purple amethyst.
Chiastolite, also known as cross stone, fairy cross, andalusite, chiastolite, and staurolite, is a variety of andalusite. When it is sliced, you can clearly see a cross shape in the stone. As a result, it can symbolize Christianity, devotion, death, rebirth, and immortality.
Chinese writing stone, which originates in the Yangtze River Valley in China, seems to be inscribed with characters from the Chinese alphabet. Use it when you want to improve your writing and communication skills. Some believe it can also help us access the Akashic Record, the cosmic repository of all knowledge.
Chrysoberyl—see cat’s eye.
Chrysocolla, also known as gem silica, features distinctive rings of blue and green—which almost look like contour maps of dark blue islands, floating on a turquoise sea. Use chrysocolla when you want to explore uncharted territory, or develop a map of your own consciousness.
Chrysoprase, with its distinctive green-apple hue, hearkens back to the original forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Chrysoprase is frequently used to renew love and passion between long-married couples. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight, however, or its color will fade.
Chrysotile is asbestos, which can be quite dangerous to one’s health. If you own a mineral sample of chrysotile, do not cut it, drill it, sand it, break it, or flake it. Don’t confuse chrysotile with the harmless crystal chrysolite, an off-green variety of peridot.
Citrine—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Coral is treasured by crystal collectors, even though it’s not a crystal. In ancient times, coral branches were cast as a fortune-telling device. Little girls wore coral necklaces for luck, and travelers carried coral for protection whenever they had to voyage by sea. Because coral is a form of sea life that grows in large communities, you can refer to it when you need help living and working with other people.
Danburite, a clear crystal that sometimes has a subtle pink hue, was originally found in the area around Danbury, Connecticut. Because Danburite is remarkably clear and brilliant, it can be a useful tool when you need to think clearly and come up with brilliant new ideas.
Desert rose crystals, formed of sand and light brown gypsum, bloom from the mineral-rich groundwater beneath the surface of deserts in Mexico and Morocco. They are a form of selenite. While desert roses are extremely fragile, they are also exquisitely beautiful. They are fun to hold in the open palm of your hand, especially when you want to contemplate areas of your life in which you can blossom and grow. They can serve as a gentle reminder that surprising creations can spring from an area that looks dry and deserted at first glance.
Diamond, the hardest mineral, has long been a symbol of perfection, durability, and endless love. Diamonds also symbolize brilliance and material success. Some people believe that diamonds amplify the properties of other crystals.
Diopside, which is usually green, also comes in brown and white, as well as a rare blue variety called violan. The most interesting variety is star diopside, which features a four-rayed star that might make you think of Venus, the morning and evening star.
Dioptase crystals come in shades of radiant, rich green. They actually look like scale models of the Emerald City, straight from The Wizard of Oz. Use dioptase when you want to fantasize about starting a new life or when you wonder if the grass really is greener on the other side.
Dolomite is an interesting crystal because scientists can’t quite explain how it is formed. Apparently, dolomite starts its existence as a form of limestone, but somehow, in a process just short of metamorphosis, the calcite and aragonite it contains are transformed into dolomite. For that reason, you might want to have dolomite on hand if you are dealing with issues of dramatic transformation, but you don’t want to become a completely different person.
Dumortierite, a form of blue quartz that can come in shades of deep violet, is a popular ornamental stone. It is often carved into beads, eggs, spheres, and cabochons.
Emeralds have been treasured throughout history. Their characteristic green color is not only breathtaking, but it also symbolizes life, growth, fertility, and creativity. The ancient Incas and Aztecs in South America believed emeralds were holy. Gemstone mines near the Red Sea were favored by Egyptian pharaohs between 3000 and 1500 BC. The Vedas, the ancient sacred writings of Hinduism, say that emeralds are lucky stones that enhance well-being.
Epidote, which usually comes in shades of green, is a stone of increase and growth.
Fairy cross (or fairy stone) comes in the shape of a cross. In addition to its obvious link to Christianity, the stone is also said to represent the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Fairy cross makes a natural good luck charm. It is sometimes called andalusite, chiastolite, or staurolite.
Flint, a gray, white, black, red, or brown variety of quartz found all around the world, was one of the first stones used as a tool. Prehistoric workers crafted flint into knives, scrapers, arrows, and pipes. With its highly polished sheen and attractive color variations, flint still makes a good tool for meditation.
Fluorite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Fool’s gold—see pyrite.
Fossils connect us to the past, both on a personal level and in a cosmic sense. Because fossils are literally the bones of the past, they are associated with the skeletal system, bones, hands, and feet.
Fulgurite is solidified lightning—or technically, it’s sand, melted and fused by lightning strikes on the beach. Most fulgurite crystals are shaped like long, hollow tubes, and they look like small twigs and branches. You can use fulgurite when you need a flash of inspiration, or when you wouldn’t mind a bolt from the blue.
Fuchsite, like all green crystals, can stimulate growth, financial success, creativity, and healing.
Gaia stone is green obsidian from the volcanic ash of Mt. St. Helens. Gaia was the mythological Mother Earth goddess who originated at the time of creation and gave birth to all life. Many people associate Gaia stone with the earth and goddess archetypes.
Galaxite, also known as galaxyite, is a granular black stone. Galaxite is sometimes called the aura stone because energy healers use it to cleanse, balance, and protect the aura.
Galena is lead, which can be toxic, so it should be handled with care. It is mesmerizing and beautiful, however, and its shiny surfaces can inspire reflection.
Garnet, traditionally worn to attract lovers, symbolizes devotion and long-term commitment. Occasionally, good friends exchange it to ensure that they will meet again. Garnets range in color from deep emerald green through yellow, brown, and red. Garnets have always been thought of as protective stones because people thought they were bright enough to light a path through darkness. In fact, according to one legend, Noah used a garnet lantern to light the ark.
Gem silica—see chrysocolla.
Goldstone was originally created by alchemists who were trying to make gold. It is glass with glittery metallic material in it. Even though it is man-made, it is still a beautiful stone and is both fascinating and uplifting to look at. Blue goldstone can be used to remind us of the beauty of the night sky, and it helps us remember that light can be found even in darkness.
Goshenite, a clear, colorless beryl, was used to make eyeglasses in ancient times. Even today, contemplating a goshenite crystal can help you focus, filter out distractions, and visualize the location of a lost object.
Granite is a common rock that comes in shades of gray, white, pink, and green. Because it is a composite of many smaller crystals (primarily quartz and feldspar), granite can be used to represent community issues—and because it is often used as a building material, it can also be used as a token of relationship building.
Grossularite is a type of garnet. It comes out of the earth lumpy, bumpy, and rather misshapen looking, but it polishes beautifully.
Gypsum is a sedimentary rock that often forms in massive beds as saltwater evaporates, so you can associate it with the sea, the sun, and the sand. It is usually gray or white.
Halite, which is actually rock salt, is usually pink or white. Because it is literally the salt of the earth, it is good for grounding, cleansing, and protection.
Hawk’s eye, also known as blue tiger’s eye, is quartz, usually in shades of blue-green to blue-gray. Use it when you need a clear overview of a situation or when you are hunting for answers.
Heliodor is a golden form of beryl, named after Helios, the Greek god of the sun. Each morning, Helios rose at dawn and traveled the sky in a chariot pulled by four golden horses. Use heliodor when you want to travel—spiritually, at least—from one horizon to another.
Heliotrope—see bloodstone in the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Hematite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Herkimer diamonds were found originally in Herkimer, New York. They look a lot like diamonds, but they’re actually quartz. Many are double terminated, and it’s not unusual to find Herkimer diamonds with enhydros, which are bubbles of trapped air and water. Some people use Herkimer diamonds to enhance their dreams, boost astral travel, or recall past lives.
Hiddenite is a green stone, and it is best known for attracting prosperity.
Howlite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Iceland spar—see calcite.
Indicolite—a blue form of tourmaline.
Infinite, a blend of serpentine and chrysotile from South Africa, has come to be known as the healer’s stone because it reportedly pulls pain out of the body. Some healers believe that it works on a cellular level to disperse crystallized energy.
Iolite was treasured by Viking navigators, who found they could use it as a filter to look directly at the sun without damaging their eyes. The stone is normally a deep violet-blue, but it has pleochroic properties, meaning that it can also look clear or yellow, depending on how it is cut. Take iolite with you when you travel, use it as a navigational aid in your spiritual journeys, or keep it as a touchstone for any venture into unexplored territory. While you probably don’t want to use it to look at the sun, some people believe that iolite can facilitate psychic visions.
Jade comes in two varieties: jadeite and a creamier, less translucent nephrite. Jade is usually green, but it can also come in blue, black, violet, white, yellow, red, and brown. Because jade is remarkably durable—stronger than steel, in fact—it has become known as the stone of longevity. In China, jade has been treasured since at least 2950 BC. The ancient Chinese believed that jade could preserve the body after death; one tomb contained an entire suit made out of jade to assure the physical immortality of its owner. In Central America, the Olmecs, the Mayans, and the Toltecs all treasured jade and used it for carvings and masks.
Jasper—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Jet, a black form of petrified wood similar to coal, can help you through the darkness of depression or serve as a guide through the dark, hidden mysteries of psychic experience.
Kansas pop rocks—see Boji Stones.
Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene. Because it is pink, kunzite is associated with gentleness, friendliness, emotional balance, and compassion.
Kyanite, which comes in shades of green, blue, and black, is a layered stone that can help you peel back the layers of your personality or even uncover past life experiences. Kyanite is also a good stone for channeling.
Labradorite, also called spectrolite, might seem like a dull, ordinary dark rock at first. In the right light, however—and once it has been polished and cut—labradorite becomes one of the world’s most fascinating, beautiful minerals, with a rainbow-colored sheen that seems to dance across its surface. Labradorite serves as a tangible reminder that people, too, hold gifts and talents that should not be overlooked.
Lapis lazuli—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Larimar is as blue as the Caribbean Sea—which, coincidentally, is the only place it can be found, in the Dominican Republic. Gazing at larimar is as soothing as watching waves roll over a white, sandy beach. Larimar is sometimes known as Atlantis stone or dolphin stone.
Lavulite—see sugilite.
Lead—see galena.
Lepidolite, a lovely lavender stone, contains both mica and lithium. Lithium is often prescribed in pharmaceutical form to people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe depression. Likewise, lepidolite is a stone for people who need to balance their moods and calm negative emotions, anxiety, or addictions, or to sleep better. Lepidolite is fragile, and it should not be soaked in water.
Lemurian seed crystals are wand-shaped crystals. They usually have a lot of broken edges, and they are covered with distinct, deeply etched ridges. Those markings play a key role in a rich and complex legend that surrounds the crystals. According to the story, Lemurian seed crystals were all encoded with the knowledge and history of an ancient civilization in the Pleiades star system. The crystals were planted—or seeded—on Earth to attract Pleiadian souls to reincarnated lives on this planet, and to unite our civilizations across time and space.
Lodestone, a furry-looking magnetic stone, has been used for thousands of years in amulets and talismans. It is a tangible reminder of the power of attraction, reportedly able to draw power, good fortune, and love to anyone who holds it.
Luvulite—see sugilite.
Magnesite doesn’t usually form crystals on its own, but it is a major component of a wide variety of other stones, such as aragonite, dolomite, and serpentine. It is, for the most part, calcite, so it is associated with bones and teeth. Magnesite is usually white or gray.
Magnetite, a black iron ore, is naturally magnetic, so it can be used to attract love, luck, and health. Magnetite is a form of hematite.
Malachite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Marble, smooth and cold to the touch, has always been a favorite material of artists and craftsmen. Michelangelo envisioned greatness in the powerful stone. Use marble when you want to free the god or goddess within yourself.
Marcasite, also called white pyrite, is a silvery form of iron. Because of its high iron content, it is sometimes used as an aid to help women recover from childbirth, when their blood is frequently depleted of iron.
Meteorites like tektite and moldavite prove that it is possible to catch a falling star. Most meteorites are dark brown or black, and pitted and mottled from their descent through our atmosphere. Meteorites symbolize travel across great distances, lifelong journeys, and long-distance communication. You can use a meteorite when you want to connect to other worlds or tune in to the energy of the universe.
Micas are a group of minerals found in all types of rocks—igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. The three most common mica minerals are muscovite, biotite, and lepidolite. While mica flakes are brittle, mica crystals can withstand high temperatures and environments that erode other minerals. Use mica when you want to persevere through a pressure-filled situation.
Mirror apophyllite is a favorite crystal among collectors, who are drawn to its shape; most apophyllite ends in a four-sided pyramid or a straight-edged cube formation. Usually colorless or white, apophyllite also comes in shades of pastel green. Because apophyllite is so shiny, many people believe it has the power to reflect the past and reveal the truth.
Mochi marbles, also known as moki balls, moqui marbles, or shaman stones, were named after a Native American tribe in the Moqui Desert, who used the balls to play games. Mochi balls contain iron and sandstone, and they usually are sold in pairs—a rough “male” ball and a smooth “female” sphere. They often have a slight magnetic charge, which further reinforces their association with attraction, partnerships, and duality.
Moldavite, a misty green meteoric stone, is a rare variety of tektite.
Moonstone—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Morganite, or pink beryl, was named in honor of banker J. P. Morgan. Like emeralds and aquamarines, morganite is a beryl.
Morion is a naturally dark crystal, blackened from exposure to natural radiation. Use morion if you want to explore shadow issues—such as “negative” thoughts and feelings—or contemplate the hidden aspects of your unconscious.
Mother-of-pearl is another organic substance that frequently finds its way into crystal collections. It isn’t a stone; rather, it is the opalescent, pearly lining of an oyster shell. Mother-of-pearl is usually associated with protection as well as the calming, peaceful nature of the ocean.
Muscovite, a form of mica, is found both in crystal form and in layered sheets. Muscovite can form an insulating barrier against heat; in fact, oven windows used to be made of muscovite. You might want to use muscovite when you want a layer of protection between yourself and a particularly hot issue.
Nebula stone is black with nebula-like markings for access to cosmic wisdom and understanding.
Nephrite is a creamier, less translucent form of jade.
Novaculite is a form of white quartz commonly used to make whetstones for sharpening knives, razors, and other steel implements. In metaphysical circles, novaculite is also known as the cord-cutting crystal. Some healers use it to cut psychic or etheric cords; it can also be used to cut through clutter, cut straight to the heart of an issue, and cut through problems.
Obsidian—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Okenite is a white mineral that looks a lot like cotton balls. It’s sometimes called “a warm and fuzzy” stone because it inspires warm, fuzzy feelings of comfort and acceptance.
Olivine—see peridot in “Starter Sets.”
Onyx is usually black or brown, and sometimes it has bands of white and tan. It’s easy to imagine stories based on the shapes or patterns in its markings. Black onyx owes its rich, solid color to an ancient dying process that is still in use today. According to legend, onyx has been known to cool the fires of passion, and even provoke discord and arguments between lovers.
Opals reflect a wide variety of colors—they put on a constant, glittering show of flashing lights, like lightning on a smaller scale, or the sun breaking through clouds as it rises or sets. Opal is fragile, and it can crack if it is left in direct sunlight or if it gets too hot. Even under normal conditions, it should be moistened frequently with water or oil. The Romans believed opal was the symbol of hope and purity, and they thought it could keep wearers safe from disease. The ancient Greeks thought opal was a prophetic stone. In the Middle Ages, opal was prescribed for poor eyesight, blonde women wore opal necklaces to keep their hair color bright and pure, and thieves carried opal because they thought it would make them invisible. Opal might be able to help you be inconspicuous in situations where you don’t care to be noticed.
Orange millennium, a newly discovered form of carnelian, is found only in the high desert of the U.S. Southwest. The distinctive round nodules are said to be good for detoxification of both the mind and the body.
Orthoclase—see moonstone in “Starter Sets.”
Peacock ore, the stone of happiness, is a bright blue form of bornite with a multicolored sheen. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s okay for you to strut like a peacock. Use it when you feel especially proud of an accomplishment or when you want to show off a bit.
Pearls are formed in response to irritation—they start as a single grain of sand that gets covered with layer after layer of a gleaming, lustrous, jewel-like nacre. Pearls, in other words, symbolize a perfection that has its foundation in hardship. The growth of a pearl is a metaphor for human development—we, too, have the power to transform pain and to gain wisdom from difficult situations. Pearls are connected to both the sea and the moon, just as the moon has the power to affect the tidal waves of emotion. You can use a pearl when you want to better attune yourself to the ebb and flow of life.
Pearl aura—see rainbow aura.
Peridot—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Petalite is sometimes called the stone of the angels because its light pink color suggests a link to the higher realms.
Petrified wood—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Phenakite takes its name from the Greek word that means imposter because it can look deceptively similar to quartz.
Picasso marble, also known as Picasso stone and Picasso jasper, looks like Picasso himself painted each stone in his distinctive cubist style. For that reason, it’s sometimes referred to as the artist’s stone. Use it to free your creativity.
Pink manganocalcite, or pink magnesium calcite, is sometimes called the Reiki stone. Healers like it because it seems to magnify their own healing energies and efforts.
Prehnite, the yellowish-green stone of remembered dreams, is sometimes recommended as a crystal for lucid dreaming, dream recall, meditation, and prophecy.
Purpurite, named for its distinctive purple color, would be a regal stone for anyone in a position of leadership and authority—especially if that role involves a spiritual component.
Pyrite, commonly known as fool’s gold, is anything but foolish. Pyrite is associated with intelligence, logic, and clear thinking. Pyrite has been used for ornamental pieces and in jewelry for thousands of years. In South America, Incans created scrying mirrors from large slabs of polished pyrite. According to legend, the ancient Chinese earth symbol, a golden cube, was derived from pyrite.
Pyromorphite, the victory stone, often looks like a cartoon cactus, because it is green with little bumps and “needles” all over.
Quantum-quattro silica is a combination of minerals found only in Namibia—chrysocolla, shattuckite, malachite, dioptase, and smoky quartz.
Quartz is the mainstay of the crystal world. It is a versatile, multipurpose stone. Quartz crystals can grow singularly or in groups, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Most quartz crystals are six-sided.
Well-known stones like agate, amethyst, carnelian, chalcedony, jasper, onyx, and tiger’s eye are all forms of quartz.
• Blue quartz, which comes in shades of blue, gray, and lavender, is a fairly rare stone, found in the United States and Brazil. Like all blue-colored stones, blue quartz is calming, peaceful, and serene.
• Chalcedony quartz is not a single crystal, but a collection of finely grained microcrystals. Chalcedony quartz is even more varied than clear quartz, because it can come in any color or pattern. Agates, carnelian, jasper, onyx, and tiger’s eye are all members of the chalcedony family.
• Clear quartz, a transparent, colorless crystal also known as rock crystal, may be the most popular stone of all. Mystics have loved clear quartz for centuries. They believe it can purify the air, cleanse and clear the environment, amplify thoughts and feelings, clarify one’s thinking, and speed spiritual development and healing. Pure white light passes through it easily.
• Dendritic quartz tells its story through markings that look like the branches of a tree. “Dendritic,” in fact, means branched, like a tree.
• Drusy quartz is covered with other tiny sparking crystals, and each one will catch and reflect light on its own.
• Milky quartz, also called snow quartz, is white and cloudy, like milk. Sometimes, inclusions of milky quartz are responsible for the ghostly phantom crystals in clear quartz. Milky quartz is calming and relaxing, and it makes a good gift for children.
• Purple quartz should not be confused with amethyst. It has a dark violet color and may have inclusions or clouding within it.
• Rose quartz is the stone of peace and emotional healing. It’s also a romantic stone—its rosy color is associated with all forms of love and friendship.
• Rutilated quartz is clear quartz with metallic gold, copper, or blue-gray titanium inclusions, which are sometimes called Venus hair. The fibers are fascinating to look at, and they add new depths and direction to any energy that passes through the stone.
• Smoky quartz is translucent brown, black, or smoky gray. Some people believe that it can filter and trap the negative thoughts and emotions of other people, while others suggest that it can actually send negativity back to its source and prompt the person to rethink his or her attitude. Carrying a smoky quartz can help you be more selective in the type of people you choose to be around.
• Snow quartz—see milky quartz.
• Spirit quartz, also known as porcupine quartz, cactus quartz, and spirit crystal, is covered with smaller crystals pointing in all directions. Like all crystals that feature multiple groupings, you can use spirit quartz when you want to work with large groups of people or if you want to direct your energy into multiple fields.
• Tourmalated quartz is clear or milky quartz blended with needlelike strands of black tourmaline. The blend of light and darkness might prompt you to think about the contrasts and contradictions you carry within yourself—your light side and your shadow, your conscious and your unconscious mind, your masculine and feminine sides of your personality. Tourmalated quartz is a powerful stone to use when you are dealing with dualities and polarities of any kind, and it can help you find harmony even in opposition.
Rainbow aura, also known as angel aura, opal aura, and pearl aura, is quartz that has been infused with platinum. Technicians put the stone in a 1,600-degree vacuum filled with chemically purified platinum vapors. The platinum is permanently bonded to the surface of the crystal, which results in a breathtaking, opalescent sheen. The rainbow colors of a rainbow aura can remind you of the clearing skies after a rainstorm and brighter days to come.
Rainforest rhyolite is a form of jasper.
Rhodochrosite means rose-colored, and in fact, its vivid hue is remarkable. Some call rhodochrosite the stone of love and balance. Its variegated, rosy hues can remind you to enjoy love and romance, all in the proper balance.
Rhodonite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Rhodozite crystals are tiny, ten-sided crystals from Madagascar. Extremely rare, rhodozite is said to enhance any crystal it comes near and never need cleaning.
Riverstones are smooth, rounded pebbles found in rivers and on beaches. They become naturally polished as water and other rocks move against them.
Rubellite is pink to red tourmaline.
Ruby. For thousands of years, ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones of our earth. Ruby is a corundum, which is colorless in its pure form. Add a hint of chrome, iron, titanium, or vanadium, however, and you’ll get a ruby—or a sapphire. Some rubies feature a starry flash of light in their center, which is known as asterism. The intense red of a ruby symbolizes power, passion, and desire.
Sapphire, the stone of prosperity, is also a corundum, which makes it the sister of the ruby. Ancient Persians believed that the sky was a gigantic blue sapphire stone. It’s true that sapphires come in all shades of blue, from the cerulean blue of a summer sky to the deep blue of twilight. Sapphire also comes in related sunset colors of orange, pink, purple, and yellow.
Sard is porous, reddish-brown quartz.
Sardonyx, a form of onyx, features layers of sard and onyx in bands of red, brown, black, and white. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said to never stick to the wax. Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing lots of sardonyx.
Satin spar—see selenite.
Selenite, a clear, striated gypsum, was named after Selene, Greek goddess of the moon. Selenite, also known as satin spar, comes as a shimmering clear crystal and in a form called a rosette. Alabaster, an ornamental stone used in fine carvings for centuries, is also a form of selenite. Use selenite if you are dealing with issues that seem to come and go on a regular basis like the moon. Because Selene was said to be the mother of fifty children, you can also use selenite if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, raising children, or dealing with your own mother.
Seraphinite, a vivid green crystal, is often referred to as an angel stone. In the traditional medieval hierarchy of angels, a seraph held the highest rank. Use a seraphinite crystal to contact or thank your guardian angel.
Serpentine comes in various shades of green. Some people believe it can guard against the bites and stings of venomous creatures. On a metaphysical level, it is also thought to help with the rise of kundalini, or “serpent fire” energy through the chakras.
Shaman stones—see mochi marbles.
Shiva lingam stones are found only near the Narmada River, one of India’s seven holy sites. During the dry season, the stones are collected from the riverbed. Shiva lingam stones are fertility stones; lingam is Sanskrit for phallus, and the stones symbolize the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, himself. The markings on a shiva lingam stone, however, symbolize yoni or female energy, for the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.
Silica is the highest, purest form of gem-quality chrysocolla.
Smithsonite, also known as bonamite, usually comes in grapelike clusters of light green, blue-green, lavender, and purple. It was named after James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonite is a gorgeous crystal, and like other stones that form in clusters and groups, it can help you with your relationships and community endeavors.
Snowflake obsidian is black obsidian.
Sodalite—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Spectrolite—see labradorite.
Spinel crystals come in a variety of reds, greens, and blues. Historically used as a substitute for rubies and other gemstones, spinel is most often put to metaphysical work as a detoxifier.
Staurolite—see chiastolite and fairy cross.
Stichtite, a rosy, purple-colored crystal, is formed when continental plates collide. In the home, where personalities can also collide, stichtite can help create a tranquil, quake-free environment—especially if children and immature adults in that home happen to be prone to emotional outbursts.
Sugilite, also known as luvulite (or lavulite) and royal azel, is sometimes known as the healer’s stone. It comes in varying shades of pink, purple, and violet. It is frequently used by healers to draw pain from the body—or the psyche—and instill peace of mind.
Sulfur, a vivid yellow mineral that almost looks chemically enhanced, hints at both physical and metaphysical brightness. Because yellow is often associated with sunlight and air, sulfur is said to clear and enlighten the mind.
Sunstone, also called aventurine, feldspar, or oligoclase, can help you dispel clouds of negativity and fear, radiate health, happiness, and good fortune, and assume your natural place as a leader and center of attention.
Tanzanite, a blue form of zoisite, is sometimes called the workaholic’s stone. Masai herdsmen discovered it in Tanzania in 1967, and Tiffany’s jewelers introduced the stone to the public two years later. Its color ranges from ultramarine to a light, purplish blue, making it an ideal crystal for relaxation and dreamwork.
Tektite is a type of meteoric glass, found only in Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Like other meteors, they are generally pitted, and some seem to have been stretched in a molten state. While tektites were originally thought to have fallen from outer space, scientists now tend to think that tektites are actually earth rocks that melted when meteorites fell on them.
Thulite, which is sometimes called unionite, is a red form of zoisite.
Tiger iron helps with creative endeavors and all types of artistic abilities.
Tiger’s eye—see the “Starter Sets” chapter.
Topaz was once thought to be tinted with the golden glow of the Egyptian sun god Ra. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make people stronger—and even invisible.
Tourmaline, a breathtaking, rainbow-colored stone, has been used for more than 2,000 years. In medieval times, tourmaline was thought to heal the sick and even prevent death. Tourmaline stones show a wide range of colors, depending on how you look at them. Some specimens also feature a cat’s-eye chatoyancy. Tourmaline comes in many colors: black, blue, brown, green, opalized, pink, red, and watermelon.
Turquoise has been a holy stone, good luck charm, and talisman for thousands of years. Its famous color is the result of two components: blue from copper, and green from iron or chromium. Its color will actually change, sometimes, depending on the body chemistry of the person who wears it or holds it. The ancient Egyptians included turquoise with the bodies of its pharaohs in the tombs, and Persians wore turquoise to ward off the evil eye. The Aztecs in Northern Peru used turquoise to decorate their ceremonial masks, and some Native Americans believed that turquoise was a link between lake and sky.
Turquonite is howlite that has been dyed blue to resemble turquoise. It is often falsely sold as turquoise.
Ulexite, also known as lexite, is a desert stone formed in alkali salt flats. Ulexite is commonly known as the “TV stone.” If you set a ulexite slab on a piece of paper with writing, the words seem to be projected onto the crystal. However, if you look at a slab of ulexite from the side, the stone looks completely opaque. Ulexite is a good stone to use if you want to project a message to the outside world or get insight into yourself or other people. Ulexite is a soft stone, and it could fall apart if you soak it in water.
Unakite, which is sometimes spelled unikite, is pink and green—or more specifically, coral and olive. It consists of three minerals: feldspar, epidote, and quartz. Some people believe that unakite is a good stone for pregnant women to carry, and that it can boost the health of both mother and child.
Variscite is a cool, pale green stone that looks a lot like turquoise. It can help you cool down when you feel overwhelmed by worry, tension, and stress.
Vesuvianite, originally found on Mount Vesuvius, is associated with fertility and goddess energy—probably because of its vibrant green color.
Wulfenite, an orange, yellow, and red stone, can fire passions and keep love burning.
Zebra stone, just as you might expect, is marked by its distinctive black and white stripes. Use it when you need to compare and contrast two or more issues, or when a situation seems to be so polarized as to be black and white.
Zircon, a beautiful, natural gemstone, is often mistaken for cubic zirconia, the laboratory-grown diamond imitation. Historically, zircon was used as a diamond substitute, and you can still use it in place of diamonds for metaphysical purposes. In addition to clear varieties, zircon is available in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. Jacinth is a red form of zircon.
Zoisite, is typically green with a ruby-colored center. Because zoisite so often incorporates two separate stones on opposite sides of the color wheel, it can be a useful tool if you are trying to harmonize two extremes, attract new people or ideas, or work in a partnership of opposites.