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Interesting Nuggets……of information:
The Lore and Mystique……..of
Aventurine: 
Aventurine is thought to be a healing gem with a wondrous capacity for mental and physical properties; an attractive and durable stone composed of quartz. Aventurine often has particles of mica mixed into the quartz, which gives it a sparkle. It was named for aventura, a type of Italian glass found by accident about 1700. Aventurine comes in several colors, though the most common is green. There also orange and red-brown shades (aventurine feldspar) of aventurine but they are called sunstone. Many consider the green aventurine to be the most desirable. It is thought that Aventurine helps to dissolve unhealthy thoughts, feeling and related physical problems. It assists in keeping one balanced and harmonized. Translucent aventurine often fades in the sun; therefore the aventurine jewelry is better kept in a dark place.
Amethyst: 
Amethyst occurs in a continuum of primary colors from a light slightly pinkish violet to a deep grape purple. Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the quartz group.It is also associated with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries, Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and is felt to lend feelings of security and contentment and is often given as a gift of sincerity. The color purple is traditionally known as the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn rich and powerful monarchs and rulers.
This stone is fairly hard so you can use a steamer and ultrasonic cleaner with it or clean with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Keep away from strong chemicals and avoid sudden temperature changes. Remember that in any type of repair involving heat, Amethyst must be removed from the setting . Amethyst often becomes paler if kept out in the sun.
For a stunning statement combine amethyst with aquamarine, rose quartz, pearls or garnet. The deep pinks and purples of paua shell also look amazing with amethyst.
Carnelian: 
Carnelian ranges in color within a vibrant continuum of fire-orange reds to brown-reds and has a dull, waxy luster. Among Crystal healers, Carnelian is frequently known as a stone of great spirituality. It has been said to be a healing gem with a wondrous capacity for mental and physical healing properties. Named after the red-orange Kornel cherry, Carnelian was believed by the Romans to be a stone of courage--able to shore up confidence and strength. Carnelian crystal has been named as a primary birthstone of Virgo (Aug. 22 to Sept. 22).
Citrine: 
Citrine is transparent to translucent and yellow to gold-brown in color with a vitreous luster. Citrine is one of the most valuable forms of quartz. The warm yellow of citrine is perfectly complemented by gold. From the earliest of times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight. Natural citrine is rare and the most natural occurs when Amethyst formations are near natural heat sources in the Earth’s crust. Most commercial citrine is in fact artificially heated amethyst or smoky quartz. Citrine is a secondary stone for the month of November as a replacement for the more expensive Topaz.
Garnet: 
Garnets are most often seen in red, but are available in a wide variety of colors spanning the entire spectrum i.e. orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The name comes from the Latin granum for "seed-like," as it was thought that red garnets resembled pomegranate seeds.
Garnets have been known to man for thousands of years. Noah, it is said, used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark through the dark night. Garnets are also found in jewelry from early Egyptian, Greek and Roman times. The garnet is considered to be the birthstone for Capricorn (Goat): Dec. 22 - Jan. 19.
Garnet and gold is a regal combination. Garnet's rich, deep red with a subtle brown tint is harmonious with the warm golden yellow of gold.
Jade: 
This gem, with its discreet yet rather greasy lustre, comes in many fine hues of green, but also in shades of white, grey, black, yellow, and orange and in delicate violet tones. The toughness of jade is remarkable. It has strength greater than steel and was put to work by many early civilizations for axes, knives and weapons. Most people associate the symbolism and meaning of jade with Chinese culture. According to the ancient Chinese, jade represented many of their most valued attributes: courage, wisdom, mercy, justice, emotional balance, love, and fidelity. It can also signify beauty, generosity, and purity. Jade also symbolizes love, health, wealth, and long life.
Labradorite: 
The name labradorite comes from the province of Labrador in Canada, which is a famous locality for labradorite with an iridescent play of colors. According legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, whereupon a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone. Therefore we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite. Some gray to black labradorite shows an iridescent play of blue, green, orange, yellow or red colors.
New Jade: 
New Jade, which is also called Serpentine, is a beneficial and versatile stone. It is said by mystics to help with emotional cleansing, psychic powers, and attract love and money. Serpentine is an excellent stone for meditation. "New jade" serpentine is said to have the same spiritual values as green jade. Because it produces a tranquil mood, it helps us when we're depressed, especially when we feel stuck in a situation. Like green jade, "new jade" serpentine can help you get grounded, so you can live with the situation and feel more tranquil while you're doing it.
Onyx: 
Onyx is a gemstone with alternating light and dark bands, which are colored in brown, red, black, white and grey. Its deep, dark, lustrous surface can play a striking contrast to the warm-colored gemstones like garnet, carnelian and coral. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. Onyx is also thought to eliminate negative thinking; it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo.
Paua: 
Paua, a shellfish and a species of abalone found only in seas around New Zealand. Paua shell is the most colorful of all the abalone shells. Others pale in comparison. The dominant blue/green colors vary, also with pink to crimson and purple toning. This kaleidoscope of colors can change when lighting varies or when viewed from different angles. The luster is similar to that of Mother of Pearl shell, but much more vibrantly colored.
Peridot: 
Peridot is the birthstone for August. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that come in only one color; green. Peridot is a gemstone that is as popular for jewelry today as it was in the past. It has been found in ruins of ancient Egypt and Greece and was often called the evening emerald by ancient Romans, who noticed that its green color shone even more vividly in lamplight, making it resemble deep green emeralds. It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success; Peridot increases strength & physical vitality and is said to protect against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings.
Rhodochrosite: 
Rhodochrosite, also known as Inca Rose Stone, comes in a variety of shades from bright red to soft shades of pink and opaque forms with swirling patterns. Rhodochrosite is an excellent conductor of energy. It is said to stimulate circulation and blood pressure, kidneys and reproductive organs. Rhodochrosite is the gemstone of love and balance. It cleanses the heart and body, releasing suffering and anxiety. Promotes love towards life and others. It can bring emotional balance to love relationships.
Turquoise:
The turquoise is ancient. In many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, this gemstone has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. The color is, of course, turquoise, but its range of color varies from green and greenish blue to sky blue shades. Turquoise is a birthstone of Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21. Turquoise is said to be a guard against all diseases. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening. Turquoise is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. It's said that turquoise attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone.
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