Read up on the natural properties of the gemstones I use, and what they can offer you.
More info added regularly

All the texts you will find here, I have written based on my own experiences with these stones and what I can share about them, but please bare in mind, the effect a crystal has on you is a personal thing, and naturally varies a bit from person to person.

If a stone is right for you personally, you will KNOW, as you’ll be pulled to it noticeably and have a natural liking for it. Trust your senses, they won’t steer you wrong.

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Abalone Abalone is technically not a stone or crystal, but a shell, but it too has some wonderful properties which can be useful. Abalone can be useful for handling and calming emotional situations, and has a soothing effect on the emotions. Wearing or having abalone around while working through an emotional situation with someone can help you to remain more at peace within yourself. Abalone can also be helpful to stimulate psychic development and intuition, and promotes imagination in a healthy way. Keywords: balancing of the emotions, creativity Chakra(s): Crown, third eye, throat Zodiac sign(s): Cancer, Pisces Related Planets: Neptune

Agate (all varieties) Agate is a wonderfully protective stone, helping you to set boundaries and enhances those boundaries’ effectiveness. It can be useful to enhance your sense of privacy, and some even say that placing an agate at the door or wall connecting you to a noisy or intrusive neighbor will help alleviate your problem with them. Agate also has a wonderfully grounding energy, giving you a sense of the solid and stable when you most need it. It helps with anything which benefits from its’ stabilizing effect, such as making plans or serious decisions, and anything structural. There are many different kinds of Agate, each one having specialties of its’ own, but the above is true of most Agates. Keywords: protection, grounding, balance, privacy Chakra(s): varies by color Zodiac sign(s): Taurus Related Planets: Saturn

Amazonite Amazonite is a calming, encouraging stone which is most traditionally associated with the throat chakra. It thus aids with communication, helping you find and speak your truth gently, gain insight, as well as enhance your confidence in what you say. The particular benefit of Amazonite actually comes from the fact that it links together the throat and heart chakras, helping you to speak from the heart and communicate with, and from, your highest self. In this way it’s linked to your intuition, creativity, and imagination. Amazonite has also proven to be an invaluable stone for assisting shy and sensitive people to feel comfortable in social situations. Not only does it bring out the self-esteem necessary, but it seems to actually bring out one’s social side as well (regardless of how social you usually are, or aren’t). It’s also said to help balance masculine and feminine energies, and is useful to enhance your psychic abilities, as well as lessen stress. Keywords: Communication, confidence, social, intuition, calming Chakra(s):Throat, Heart Zodiac sign(s): Aquarius, Pisces

Amber With an energy like liquid sunshine, Amber is used to tap into the power of the Sun, and is good for vitality, joy, protection and warming. A powerful stone for manifestation, Amber is also used for healing of the physical body. It carries a negative electrical energy charge and therefore is good to draw energy into its bearer. Because Amber is not a stone, but actually ancient, fossilized tree sap, it’s very light, feels warm to the touch, and possesses an energy that resembles something alive, like the trees from which it originated. Another unique quality of Amber is that it absorbs a trace of energy from whoever touches it for prolonged periods of time. In this way, carrying a piece of Amber around could be like having someone you love always with you… though one should be careful to cleanse it well for that very reason if it comes in contact with someone who’s energy you wouldn't fancy carrying around with you. My personal favorite is the raw pieces, that haven’t been polished. I find that they hold energy better. Amber gives a soothing, light energy that is both calming and energizing at the same time. It is said to cleanse its environment by drawing out negativity, and is said to relieve physical pain the same way. Keywords: warms, energizes, protects, lifts depression Chakra(s): stomach, solar plex Zodiac sign(s): Leo, Sagittarius

Amethyst Amethyst is a variety of quartz in shades of purple, lilac or mauve. It is famous as an all-purpose healing stone, as well as a stone of the third eye chakra which enhances insight and promotes a mindframe suitable for meditation. It's often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy, and lessen pain when held gently against the affected area (I can personally attest to that fact.) Amethyst is excellent for soothing the mind and re-balancing the spirit, and has long been used to open the spiritual and psychic centers, making it one of the power stones. It is also used as a dream stone and to help insomnia. When worn with Carnelian, it is said to restrain those who are domineering and highly strung, while Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive, particularly when placed in the South corner of a room. Using an Amethyst as a meditation focus will increase the positive spiritual feelings. Amethyst is also helpul for overcoming fears and cravings. It can help clear your aura, stabilize and transform any dysfunctional energy you may have. It works very well on addictions, providing the wearer/user is willing to do the work, and is said to guard against drunkenness and to instill a sober mind (the word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness"). It is a great gemstone for meditation, allowing you to attain and maintain that state. Needless to say, Amethyst is most effective on the Third Eye Chakra. It also opens and activates the Crown Chakra. This is an excellent multi-purpose stone which, IMHO, even the beginner crystal enthusiast should have in their possession. You really can't go wrong with it. Keywords: spiritual, relieves pain, healing, opens third eye, intuition? Chakra(s): third eye, crown, but can be used on any chakra associated with current pain

Ametrine This is a pretty rare stone, which I have yet to aquire. It is a naturally occurring combination of Amethyst and Citrine, and ametrine has the properties of both those stones. It helps promote balance between the spiritual and the material worlds, allowing the wearer to realize that "all is One". It can be used to enhance cooperation, for balancing and a feeling of connectedness and clearing. Keywords: lucky, healing, intuitive, balances intuition and luck, brightening effect on emotions Chakra(s): third eye and solar plex Zodiac sign(s): Sagittarius, Aquarius? Related Planets: Jupiter

Aquamarine Aquamarine is a blue-green stone that has been called "Water of the Sea", because of its color. This is the stone to help you be in touch with your spiritual being. Aquamarine is most powerful as a meditation stone, as it brings a great peace and serenity. Some people can meditate on an Aquamarine to receive the wisdom to see truth, but this is a very advanced meditation. It is also a good stone for dreamwork. Aquamarine is associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace. It will help reduce fluid retention, and has been used to calm the nerves. It can also be used in treatment for swollen glands. Also good for the eyes and sight. It gives a sense of peace, and some shielding for the aura. Aquamarine is reputed to assist with calming communication issues. Keywords: soothing, dreamwork, insomnia, intuition, soothing, calming Chakra(s): throat Zodiac sign(s): Pisces Related Planets: Neptune

Aventurine Aventurine is the stone of luck and chance. It is said to increase perception and creative insight. This is the stone of opportunity. It helps one to see alternatives and potentials in all situations, giving a positive outlook, courage and inner strength. It is said to bring luck, especially in games of chance. It has similar properties to the planet Jupiter, and acts in a joyously expansive manner in one's life. Aventurine comes in various colors, the most well-known being green, orange, and white, though there are other shades as well. Keywords: lucky, expansive, optimistic Chakra(s): heart for green, crown for white, sacral for orange (others depending on color) Zodiac sign(s): Sagittarius, Leo Related Planets: Jupiter!

Blue Lace Agate Blue lace agate is one of the rarest and most popular of the agates. This is a calming, uplifting stone. The blue color strengthens the function of the throat chakra and encourages peace. It can be used wherever there is a build up of painful or irritated energy. Wear or carry blue lace agate for peace and happiness. Place it in your hand when you feel the need to de-stress. If you find yourself in stressful situations at work or home, keep some blue lace agate on your desk and simply gaze at it for relief. Blue lace agate is a gentle, calming stone that engenders tranquility. It assists in flight, grace, reaching higher Spiritual planes, communicating with angels and activates the throat chakra. It can ease the harsh edge off communication in difficult times, enhance public speaking, and smooth discussions. It is an inspiring stone that can assist in inner attunement, and has been used to perform miracles. As with all agates, it is a protective stone. Physically it has been used to aid with arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, growth, and bones. This stone helps one to reach high spiritual places through patience and peace. Associated with hope, unity, cleansing, harmony, protection, optimism, positive thinking, smooth energy flow, joy, truth, purification and promptness. Makes us more easygoing. In the home, surround blue lace agate stones with light blue candles to calm the atmosphere and reduce family quarrels. Keywords: calming, flowing, calms anger, relaxes emotions Chakra(s): throat, heart? Zodiac sign(s): Pisces Related Planets: Neptune

Botswana Agate Helps with attentiveness to detail. Energizes subtle bodies. Stimulates exploration of the unknown. Keywords: grounding, subtle Chakra(s): Zodiac sign(s): Virgo Related Planets: Mercury

Carnelian Carnelian is an energy booster. This energetic stone activates the lower chakras and helps the wearer to take action. It brings energy and fire, enhancing physical stamina and personal power and invoking joy, laughter and warmth as it opens the heart. Carnelian also increasing vigor, and helps combat depression and sluggishness. This stone is excellent for increasing courage, especially in the shy. It helps to promote self-confidence and offsets doubt and negativity. Keywords: energetic, courageous, assertiveness-enhancing, adds physical energy/stamina Chakra(s): stomach, Zodiac sign(s): Aries Related Planets: Mars, Sun

Citrine Citrine is a wonderfully joyous, optimistic, cheerful stone, helping to clear one's thoughts and inspire feelings of lighthearted and love of life. While doing this, it helps bring good fortune into your life and increases luck, sometimes in very unexpected ways, as good cheer and a happy disposition tend to attract abundance and prosperity to it. Because of this, it is sometimes called the “prosperity stone”, and many merchants recommend placing it in cash boxes, purses, and anywhere else you want money to flow into. Keeping a Citrine cluster around in your house also promotes a more cheerful home environment, while having one around at the workplace allows for more optimism, and decision-making unmarred by doubt or fear. Citrine can really help to alleviate depression and self-doubt, diminish irrational mood swings, open the mind to new thoughts, while increasing confidence and the ability to attain your goals. Citrine never needs clearing, as it does not accumulate negative energy within itself. It’s one of only 2 stones which do this- the other being Kyanite. Keywords: Joy, lucky, prosperity, abundance, cheer, optimism, good for financial matters Chakra(s): solar plexus Zodiac sign(s): Scorpio, Sagittarius, Gemini Related Planets: Venus, Jupiter

Coral Coral is a quiet “stone” of organic origin (obviously not being a stone at all, but rather a fossilized sea plant). It brings inner peace, strength, and understanding of purpose. Coral can be used to reconnect with nature and its variety of wonders. Coral comes in various natural colors (at Opal Sky, I do my best to avoid artificially-colored corals), well-known ones being red and pink. Red coral in particular is a stone of passion. Pink is a little more gentle, inspiring a sense of aesthetic appreciation instead. Creativity and optimism are also qualities that coral can bring out. Keywords: in touch with emotional nature, other characteristics by color Chakra(s): by color? Zodiac sign(s): Cancer Related Planets:

Fluorite Florite helps heal holes in one's aura where energy is drained. It grounds, balances and focuses one's energies, absorbs and alters negative energies, and is one of the best stones to dispell computer electromagnetic energy, so keeping a piece in front of the computer screen can be a good idea. An aid in study and intellectual pursuits, it increases concentration, helps absorb new information, and allows clear and detached reasoning. Fluorite also promotes spiritual and psychic wholeness and development. It protects psychically and in the physical realm. It can help one meditate and learn to go past the "chatter" that our minds tend to generate when first learning to meditate. It can help get rid of mental blocks and similar mental issues. Physically it helps general health throughout the body's main skeletal and muscular systems. All colors are also good for auric cleansing. Mixed colors bring enhanced protection. Clear fluorite guards against psychic attack and strengthens consciousness. Blue fluorite has the quality of protecting the emotions and restoring emotional balance. Purple fluorite strengthens mystical insight, psychic awareness, and can open the third eye, as well as helping to increase new ideas and promote creativity. Green fluorite is an excellent all purpose healing stone that promotes healing on all levels. It also promotes self-love. A fluorite that has a combination of colors has the qualities of every color it possesses. Keywords: enhances concentration, imagination, creative ability, protects against/dispels electromagnetic energy Chakra(s): by color Zodiac sign(s): Capricorn, Virgo Related Planets: Uranus

Garnet Keywords: passionate yet earthy, sensual, relieves menstrual cramps, increases desire? Chakra(s): Root Zodiac sign(s): Taurus, Scorpio, Leo Related Planets: Mars

Moss Agate Keywords: protective, gardener’s stone, green-thumb, grounding, better attunement to earth-energies Chakra(s): heart Zodiac sign(s): Taurus Related Planets:

Goldstone Keywords: Enlivening, Chakra(s): Zodiac sign(s): Taurus, Sagittarius Related Planets: Venus

Hematite Hematite is an exceptional and very effective protection stone, unique in that it will not just protect, but actually bounce back any negativity that is sent your way right back to the sender. It is often considered to have an unusually intense energy, that makes certain people downright uncomfortable with wearing it. If you have an affinity for it though (a sure sign being that you like it, and want to wear it), you probably cannot find stronger protection from a stone. Hematite forms a reflective shield around the wearer, letting negativity bounce off and return to the sender. The bearer should remember however, that their own negativity will be reflected to them if they are its’ source. It is therefore a "lesson stone," teaching those who are aware to release and ground their negativity. It can be a terrific stone for Empaths and highly sensitive people, as its’ effects are similar to having a shield up. So long as the person isn’t themselves a source of negativity, and only wish to be protected from outside negativity, this is a great stone to shield you in crowds and during tough times (if you feel comfortable with it). Hematite is also a good mental stimulant. It helps with organization, original thinking, logical thinking, mathematics. It’s very grounding, particularly good at grounding out excess energy and acting as a stabilizing force, as well as increasing intuition. Keywords: protective, strengthening, grounding Chakra(s): root Zodiac sign(s): Scorpio, Capricorn, Virgo Related Planets: Pluto

Iolite

Jasper

Kyanite A wonderful stone that builds bridges between people, facilitating communication, telepathy and the ability to help heal others. It brings calming and stimulates psychic power and intuition. Kyanite is an excellent meditation stone which helps the wearer get into the meditative state. Use it also, in astral travel and dream work. Truly a stone of the New Age Kyanite never needs cleaning or clearing (one of only 3 stones, the others are Citrine and Melody's stone). From a metaphysical point of view it can be used to instantly align all chakras. Tranquility, communication, psychic awareness. Excellent for meditation and dream recall and releasing buried information. The fan like clusters or blades that are formed by kyanite make it an ideal stone for restoring energy balance. It is a very effective energy conduit that can balance most systems of the body. It can quickly create stillness and tranquility, especially in the realm of emotions, earning it the title of "Empath's stone". The best kind of Kyanite is considered the vibrant blue or blue-green variety. It is also found in shades of gray, black, yellow, white and a colorless variety that is considered quite rare. Kyanite is best used with the throat Chakra.

Labradorite

Lapis Lazuli

Mookite

Clear Quartz

Tiger's eye (yellow)