Gemstones A-B : facts & lore

As a qualified gemmologist, I love sharing the stories behind the stones I use. This page covers the physical properties, origins and folklore of gemstones beginning with A–B. Each entry includes:

• Gemmological properties (hardness, crystal system, composition)
• Where the stone is found in the world
• Historical and cultural significance
• Metaphysical folklore and lore*

AGATE

What is agate?
Agate is banded chalcedony – a variety of quartz – with bands that are either multicoloured or the same colour in varying tones. One of humanity’s oldest gemstones, agate has been used for at least 3,000
years in jewellery and ornamental objects. Historically, children’s marbles were made from agate and nicknamed “aggies” after their material.

Sardonyx – a banded brown-red and white stone – is also a type of agate. Agate is generally found as ball or egg-shaped nodules and geodes, sometimes with quartz crystal interiors.

Agate accepts dye readily, which is why it is available in a wide range of colours. Note that not all dyed agates are colourfast under prolonged exposure to bright light.

Well-known varieties include: blue lace agate, Botswana agate and crazy lace agate.

Metaphysical lore: In folklore, agate was considered a stabilising stone that brought balance and harmony. It was believed to be soothing and calming yet strong – thought to build self-confidence, aid
self-analysis and bring hidden information to light. Blue lace agate was associated with calm, peace of mind and throat healing. Botswana agate was believed to encourage solution-focused thinking.

AMAZONITE

What is amazonite?
Amazonite is a form of alkali feldspar, possibly named after the Amazon warrior women of mythology – or the belief that it was found along the Amazon River. Ancient Egyptians called it “uat” and used it for carvings, associating its colour with the afterlife, fertility and protection. It is thought to have been among the stones set into the priest’s breastplate described in the Book of Exodus.

Where is amazonite found?
USA, Brazil, Peru, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Canada, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia and Russia. Colour varies by origin – Peruvian stones tend toward bright teal, while Russian amazonite is typically greener with white inclusions.

Similar stones: Can be confused with chrysoprase, jade, serpentine and turquoise.

Metaphysical lore: Amazonite was traditionally believed to protect against electromagnetic pollution. It is considered a soothing stone, thought to alleviate worry and fear and dispel aggravation.

AMBER

What is amber?
Amber is the fossilised resin of the ancient pine tree Pinus succinifera, ranging from 1 million to 360 million years old. It has been used since prehistoric times for jewellery and amulets and has been found in pieces as large as 10kg.

Inclusions are common and highly prized – air bubbles, liquids and occasionally preserved organic matter such as insects and plant material are all found within amber, offering a remarkable window into prehistoric life.

Where is amber found?
Baltic amber – the finest quality – is often found on beaches after storms disturb the seabed. Other sources include Russia (lower quality, mined from clay), Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic,
Romania, Burma, China, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Amber varieties and imitations:

• Ambroid – pressed amber made from smaller natural pieces fused
  under high heat; appears natural
• Copal – very young amber that has not fully fossilised
• Amber can be confused with citrine, fluorite and ambroid
• It is widely imitated using synthetic resins and glass

Origin myth: In the Garden of the Hesperides, golden apples grew and bestowed immortality. The dew from these apples was said to be amber, gathered and sprinkled upon the earth.

AMETHYST

What is amethyst?
Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the quartz group. Its name derives from the Greek “amethystos” meaning “not drunken” – it was worn as an amulet against intoxication. Colour ranges from the softest lavender through to deep, regal purple and is best appreciated in natural light.

Where is amethyst found?
Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Uruguay, Burma, India, Canada, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka and the USA.

Amethyst varieties:

• Ametrine – a naturally colour-zoned stone combining amethyst and citrine
• Pink amethyst (also called “rose de France”) – very light pink to pinkish-mauve
• Amethyst can be heat treated to produce citrine, green “amethyst”
  or clear quartz
• Some amethyst contains milky quartz and may be translucent to opaque

Origin legend: Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, vowed revenge on all mortals who refused to honour him. When he encountered the young maiden Amethyst, he summoned two fierce tigers to devour her. She cried out to the goddess Diana, who transformed her into a glimmering white quartz stone for protection. Overcome with remorse, Dionysus wept – and as his wine-stained tears fell upon the white stone, it absorbed the colour, creating the purple gem we know today as amethyst.

Metaphysical lore: Amethyst is considered a powerful and protective stone in metaphysical traditions, associated with spiritual awareness, clarity of thought, enhanced memory and motivation. In healing folklore it was believed to ease headaches, release tension and support the metabolism.

ANDALUSITE

What is andalusite?
Named after the Andalusia region of Spain, andalusite is a rare gem-quality stone with strong pleochroism – meaning it displays different colours (yellow, green and red) when viewed from different angles. This makes it a fascinating and unusual choice for jewellery.

Where is andalusite found?
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with chrysoberyl, smoky quartz, sinhalite, sphene, tourmaline and idocrase.

Chiastolite is an opaque variety of andalusite (hardness 5–5.5) found in long prisms that display a natural dark cross when sliced. Found in Algeria, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, France, Russia, Spain and the USA. In ancient times it was used to ward off curses.

Metaphysical lore: Chiastolite was considered a gateway into mystery, used to transform conflict into harmony, assist in problem solving and ease adjustment to change. It was also believed to calm fears, clear guilt and stabilise the emotions.

ANYOLITE (RUBY ZOISITE)

What is anyolite?
Anyolite belongs to the zoisite species and is commonly known as Ruby Zoisite. The green background is zoisite, the black inclusions are hornblende, and the red inclusions are corundum (ruby). The name “anyolite” comes from the Maasai word for “green.”

Metaphysical lore: Anyolite is believed by metaphysical practitioners to facilitate spiritual memory and learning.

APATITE

What is apatite?
The name apatite comes from the Greek word meaning “to cheat” – a fitting name, as it is easily mistaken for many other gemstones. Despite this, apatite in its own right is a beautiful and vibrant gem.

Where is apatite found?
Burma, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Sri Lanka, Russia, Canada, East and South Africa, Sweden, Spain and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with andalusite, beryl, sphene, topaz and tourmaline.

Metaphysical lore: Apatite is considered an inspirational stone in metaphysical traditions, believed to connect the past and future, aid communication and – notably – suppress hunger and raise metabolic rate.

AQUAMARINE

What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin “aqua marina” meaning “water of the sea.” A member of the beryl family, it is sensitive to pressure and relatively brittle, with inclusions being common. Heat treatment is frequently used to enhance its blue colour.

The largest gem-quality aquamarine ever found was discovered in Brazil in the early 20th century, weighing 110.5kg and yielding over 100,000 carats of cut stones.

Where is aquamarine found?
Brazil, Russia, Australia, Burma, China, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with euclase, kyanite, topaz, tourmaline and zircon. Glass imitations are common.

Metaphysical lore: Aquamarine is considered a stone of courage, believed to calm the mind, reduce stress, sharpen intellect and promote self-expression. Ancient sailors carried it as a talisman against drowning. In healing folklore it was associated with the throat, eyes, teeth and the body’s cleansing organs.

AVENTURINE

What is aventurine?
Aventurine is a variety of quartz named after a type of glass accidentally created in 18th-century Venice, when copper filings fell into molten glass producing a sparkling effect. This glass was called “a ventura” – meaning “by chance.”

Aventurine’s characteristic shimmer is known as “aventurescence,” caused by uniformly oriented, platy mineral inclusions of either mica or hematite within the stone.

Where is aventurine found?
Russia, India, Brazil, Tanzania, Chile, Spain, Austria and the USA.

Similar stones: Green aventurine can be confused with emerald and jade. Orange aventurine can be confused with sunstone.

Metaphysical lore: Aventurine is considered a stone of prosperity and leadership in metaphysical traditions, believed to promote compassion, perseverance and creativity. In healing folklore it was associated with the nervous system, metabolism and skin.

AZURITE

What is azurite?
Named for its vivid azure-blue colour, azurite is a copper carbonate mineral frequently found alongside malachite and near copper deposits. Ancient Egyptian priests used azurite paint to draw a third eye on their foreheads, believing it would increase their psychic powers.

Where is azurite found?
Australia, Chile, Africa, China, Mexico, Russia, France and the USA. Some exceptionally dark indigo-blue crystals have been found in Namibia and Morocco.

Metaphysical lore: Azurite is traditionally used to guide psychic and intuitive development. It is believed to help users enter the unknown without fear, reach deep insights and see new realities. In healing folklore, it was associated with clearing stress, worry, grief and sadness, and encouraging self-expression. Crystal healers also linked it to throat problems, arthritis, kidney, gallbladder, liver, spleen, thyroid, bones, teeth and skin – and to supporting the body during a “healing crisis,” when symptoms may temporarily
worsen before improving.

BERYL (Non-Emerald, Non-Aquamarine Varieties)

What is beryl?
Beryl refers to all colour varieties of beryl that are not emerald (green) or aquamarine (blue). The most common types include:

• Golden Beryl & Heliodor – golden yellow to pale yellow-green. Heliodor (Greek for “gift of the sun”) is often paler and slightly greener than golden beryl. Found in Namibia, Brazil, Madagascar,
  Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
• Goshenite – colourless beryl, named after Goshen, Massachusetts, USA. Found in Brazil, China, Canada, Mexico, Russia and the USA.
• Morganite – soft pink to violet. Named after American banker J.P. Morgan. Can be heat-treated. Found in Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the USA.

Metaphysical lore: Beryl is considered a stone for managing stress, focusing the mind and encouraging a positive outlook. It was traditionally used for scrying (seeing into the future).

• Golden/Heliodor – believed to teach initiative and independence, and to stimulate potential into reality.
• Morganite – associated with attracting and maintaining love, bringing calm and benefiting the nervous system. Considered a powerful stone for removing resistance to healing and transformation.

*Disclaimer – Metaphysical & Healing Claims

In keeping with Australian Fair Trading guidelines, no therapeutic claims are made and no medical advice is offered.

The information on metaphysical properties and folklore provided on annettepiper.com is for educational and cultural purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

We assume no responsibility for the treatment or cure of any illness or disease. If you have a health concern, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

This content is intended as general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or as a replacement for medical care.