Gemstones C-D : facts & lore

As a qualified gemmologist, I love sharing the science, history and stories behind the stones I use.
This page covers gemstones beginning with C–D, including:

• Physical properties (hardness, composition, crystal system)
• Origins and historical uses
• Metaphysical folklore and lore*

CARNELIAN

What is carnelian?
Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of chalcedony, used since 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, Persia and Sumeria for amulets, seals and jewellery. Also known as “sard,” it may be named after Sardis (modern-day Turkey), where it was historically mined.

During Roman times, carnelian was popular for cameos, intaglios and signet rings. Today, it’s often heat-treated to enhance its rich colour.

Where is carnelian found?
Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa, USA, Uruguay and India.

Similar stones: Can be confused with jasper and agate.

Metaphysical lore: In folklore, carnelian was believed to boost courage, creativity and motivation. It was associated with vitality, protection and grounding energy.

CHALCEDONY

What is chalcedony?
Chalcedony refers to all cryptocrystalline quartzes — including the bluish variety often simply called “chalcedony.” Named after the ancient town of Chalcedon near the Bosporus, it’s a porous stone that accepts dye easily.

The bluish variety is found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Uruguay and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with tanzanite.

Metaphysical lore: Chalcedony is considered a nurturing and creative stone, believed to help open the mind to new ideas and adapt to change. Traditionally used in weather magic and for clearing weather-related illnesses.

CHAROITE

What is charoite?
Charoite is a rare, fibrous mineral named after the Chara River in Siberia, Russia — the only place it’s found. Recognised as a mineral in 1978, it often displays swirling patterns and sometimes chatoyancy (cat’s-eye effect).

It frequently contains inclusions of black augite, clear microcline feldspar, orange tinaksite, yellow batisite, green diopside, pink miserite and quartz — creating dramatic, multi-coloured patterns.

Metaphysical lore: Charoite is considered a stone of transformation — believed to overcome fear, aid insight and change, reduce stress, compulsions and obsessions. Crystal healers associate it with re-energising the eyes, heart, liver and pancreas, and promoting restorative sleep.

CHRYSOCOLLA

What is chrysocolla?
Chrysocolla forms in copper-rich deposits, often alongside quartz. “Gem chrysocolla” is a durable mixture of fine-grained quartz and light blue chrysocolla — ideal for jewellery.

A special variety intergrown with malachite and turquoise is called “Eilat Stone,” believed to originate from King Solomon’s mines.

Where is chrysocolla found?
Chile, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Zimbabwe and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with azurite, malachite, turquoise and variscite.

Metaphysical lore: Chrysocolla is associated with calm, communication and emotional balance. Believed to soothe anxiety, encourage truthfulness and support throat and heart chakra energy.

CHRYSOPRASE

What is chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase — from the Greek “chrysos” (gold) and “prason” (leek) — is the most valuable variety of chalcedony. Used since ancient times, it was mined in Poland before the 1300s for decorative interiors in royal buildings.

Where is chrysoprase found?
Australia, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with jade, prehnite, variscite and artificially dyed chalcedony.

Metaphysical lore: Ancient cultures believed chrysoprase promoted truth, hope and personal insight. It was thought to stimulate creativity, encourage fidelity, prevent nightmares and bring a sense of security. In healing traditions, it’s associated with peaceful sleep, gout, eye health and skin conditions.

CITRINE

What is citrine?
Citrine takes its name from the French word “citron” (lemon), reflecting its sunny yellow hue. Used since 4th-century BC Greece, natural citrine is rare — most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Naturally coloured stones are found in Brazil, Madagascar, USA, Argentina, Burma, Namibia, Russia, Scotland and Spain.

Similar stones: Can be confused with beryl, topaz and tourmaline. Synthetic citrine is also available.

Metaphysical lore: Citrine is considered a “sun stone” — energising, warming and creative. Believed to attract abundance, wealth and success, while helping retain prosperity. Also associated with self-esteem, self-expression and clearing negative energy. In healing traditions, it’s linked to digestion, circulation and nerve health.

CORAL

What is coral?
Coral is the skeletal structure built by tiny marine polyps. Historically traded through Torre del Greco, Italy, it’s found in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, off Japan, Hawaii, Australia and the West Indies.

Some traditional red corals are endangered — but sustainable varieties like sponge coral and bamboo coral are abundant. Colour may fade or be enhanced over time.

Metaphysical lore: Coral is associated with emotional balance Metaphysical lore: Coral is associated with emotional balance, protection and connection to the natural world. In ancient traditions it was believed to ward off evil, protect children and calm turbulent emotions. It was also thought to stimulate intuition, imagination and adaptability.

DIAMOND

What is diamond?
Diamond takes its name from the Greek “adamas” meaning “unconquerable.” Considered the pinnacle of gemstones, it has been used in adornments since ancient times and remains the hardest natural substance known to science.

Diamonds form under extreme heat and pressure up to 450km below the earth’s surface, brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. Prior to 1871, diamonds were found only in alluvial deposits. After
this date, diamond-bearing volcanic rock (kimberlite) was discovered in South Africa, opening up mining in multiple locations worldwide.

Where is diamond found?
Borneo, India, Brazil, South Africa, Namibia, Australia, Botswana, Russia, Zaire, Ghana, Angola and the Central African Republic.

Similar stones: Diamond can resemble rock crystal quartz, beryl, cerussite, sapphire, scheelite, sphalerite, topaz and zircon. Imitations and synthetic (lab-grown) stones — such as cubic zirconia — are widely available.

Famous Diamonds of the World

The Hope Diamond
A vivid blue diamond of 45.52 carats, the Hope Diamond surfaced in 1830 and is believed to have been cut from a larger stolen stone. It is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

The Cullinan I (Star of Africa)
Weighing an extraordinary 530.20 carats, this pear-shaped colourless diamond is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre of the British monarch and is kept in the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels.

The Cullinan IV
Cut from the same rough stone as the Cullinan I, this 63.60-carat marquise-shaped diamond is set in Queen Mary’s Crown but is removable and can also be worn as a brooch.

The Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light)
An oval diamond of 108.92 carats, originally a round stone of 186 carats, first recorded in 1304 in the possession of the Raja of Malwa. It later became the centrepiece of the Mughal treasury.

In 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded India and searched for the legendary diamond. Told that the emperor had hidden it in his turban, Nadir Shah arranged a feast and proposed a ceremonial exchange of
turbans as a gesture of peace. The emperor complied — and when Nadir Shah unrolled the turban and found the brilliant gem, he reportedly exclaimed “Koh-i-Noor!” — Mountain of Light.

Nadir Shah was later assassinated. His son endured torture rather than surrender the stone. It eventually passed through Afghan and Sikh rulers before the British found it in the treasury at Lahore. Queen Victoria had it recut, and it now resides in the Tower of London.

The Florentine Diamond
A yellow diamond of 137.27 carats, belonging to the Medici family in the mid-1600s. It appeared in the Habsburg crown in the 18th century. Its whereabouts have been unknown since World War I.

Metaphysical lore: Diamond is considered a symbol of purity, clarity and commitment. Metaphysical practitioners believe it bonds relationships, attracts abundance and enhances the power of other
stones. It is associated with fearlessness, fortitude, new beginnings and stimulating the imagination. Crystal healers link it to clear sight, brain health and metabolic balance. In ancient traditions,
it was used to counteract poisons.

DUMORTIERITE

What is dumortierite?
Dumortierite is named after French palaeontologist M.E. Dumortier. It is often found intergrown with rock crystal quartz, creating striking blue-flecked specimens.

Where is dumortierite found?
Brazil, France, India, Canada, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Norway, Poland, Italy, Sri Lanka and the USA.

Similar stones: Can be confused with azurite, lapis lazuli and sodalite.

Metaphysical lore: Dumortierite is associated with patience, mental clarity and self-discipline. It is believed to enhance organisational abilities, promote a positive attitude and support communication. In healing traditions it is linked to the throat and third eye, and thought to assist with headaches and stress-related conditions.

* 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.