Gemstones and decorative stones (formerly known as semi-precious stones) are minerals and rock types suitable for jewelry use. They have been used for millennia to bring good luck and to adorn the wearer. Gemstones are quarried around the world. Many of the gemstones listed below can also be found in Finland.
Gemstones and gemstone jewelry are wonderfully beautiful in themselves. They are also said to convey meanings and empower their users.
ROSE QUARTZ
Rose quartz is the stone of love. It is said to heal heartaches and provide the bearer with inner peace.
Rose quartz belongs to the quartz group of stones. Rose quartz, like many stones from the quartz group, can be found abundantly in the soil of Finland. Its hardness level is 7 on the Mohs scale.
The German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs developed the scale in 1822. The Mohs hardness scale is a simple way to classify the hardness of minerals. Diamonds are the hardest and have a value of 10. Talkki is the softest, rated at 1. The durability of jewelry and gemstones is influenced by their hardness and impact strength.
Rose quartz is, as its name suggests, pink. It can be found in both a very pale pink and a darker pink. It has a long history as a lucky stone and as jewelry. It has been used since at least 600 BC in the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as in Tibet and other Asian countries.
Rose quartz is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in October.
AMETHYST
Amethyst is a calming agent, a stress reliever. It is said to bring security and eliminate negative thoughts while balancing emotional well-being.
The name of the stone amethyst comes from the ancient Greek word amethustos, which means 'clear'. At that time, it was believed that amethyst prevented its user from getting intoxicated.
In addition to these beautiful thoughts, amethyst is truly a beautiful gemstone. Amethyst is also a mineral of the quartz group. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 7. It is of the same hardness class as rose quartz, but harder than moonstone or turquoise gemstones.
Amethyst is also mined in Finland. The darker the shade of purple in the amethyst, the more valuable it is.
Amethyst is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in February.
ONYX
Onyx is a protective stone. It is said to absorb negative energy and transform it into neutrality, thereby strengthening the energy of its bearer.
Onyx also belongs to the quartz group. It is actually black calcedony. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 6.5-7.
Onyx has a long history. Both the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used it as jewelry and amulets before the beginning of our era. They also polished decorative items and even dishes.
TURQUOISE
Turquoise is also a protective stone, said to enhance the user's courage. It is said to attract love, friendship, money, and happiness.
The turquoise gemstone gets its name from the French language, referring to the 'Turkish stone'. Turquoise color, or turquoise blue, is a bluish-green color. The color is named after the Turquoise gemstone.
The hardness of the turquoise gemstone on the Mohs scale is 5-6.
Turquoise is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in December.
MOONSTONE
Moonstone is the stone of new beginnings. It is said to support inner growth and alleviate stress.
Moonstone is colorless, milky white, or grayish feldspar. Its hardness is 2.5 – 3 on the Mohs scale. It is also mined in Finland.
Moonstone is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in June.
MALACHITE
Malachite is a stone of balance. It is said to balance emotions and bring joy to life.
Malachite is an alkaline copper carbonate. It is a strong green mineral. Malachite gets its name from the Greek word malche (mallow). The Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used malachite for jewelry and amulets as early as ancient times. Malakiitti powder was also used as an organic color. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the malachite protected against witches and dangers to small children.
The hardness of malachite on the Mohs scale is 3.5-4.
TOPAASI
It is said that topaz brings joy, well-being, and good health to its bearer. It is a stone of love and good fortune. It is said that blue topaz also brings peace and tranquility to its user.
Topaz is a mineral that belongs to the silicate group. It is classified as a gemstone. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 8.
Topaz is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in November.
GARNET
The garnet is a protective stone. It is said to protect its bearer. Soldiers of ancient times used it as an amulet for protection. The red color also represents the heart, which is why the garnet is said to be the stone of love and friendship.
The name of the stone garnet comes from the seeds of the pomegranate.
AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine calms its bearer, alleviates anxiety, and promotes overall health.
Everything in aquamarine revolves around the sea: Its name comes from the Latin word for seawater (aqua maris). The light sea blue color somehow calms in a magical way. In ancient times, it was also believed that it would protect sailors at sea.
LAPIS LATSULI
Lapis lazuli is a symbol of knowledge and truth. The deep blue color represents royalty and honor. Lapis lazuli is famous for its 'Royal blue'. Lapis lazuli is said to promote confidence and enhance the courage to express oneself.
"Lapis" means stone in Latin. "Azula" comes from the Persian language and means blue. Historians believe that people have been using lapis lazuli as jewelry and amulets for over 6500 years. Lapis lazuli powder has also been used as an organic colorant. This gemstone has been used for example. In Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, as well as in Greece and Rome.
Lapis lazuli, often affectionately called "lapis," is the birthstone or lucky stone for those born in September.
Do you choose a gemstone jewelry piece solely based on its beauty, or do you also consider the meanings that they are said to convey?
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