Crystal Lotus Jewelry

Gemstone Meanings :: Hematite

Hematite comes from the Greek word haima meaning blood. Hematite will cause red streaks on porcelain and color water red due to the iron in this gemstone.

Hematite signifies an increase of courage, concentrated energy, and strengthening of the heart.

The meaning of hematite symbolizes grounding energy. In my experience, it circulates energy (think of blood again) throughout the body and then grounds it.

However...I've said this elsewhere on my site and I will say it again. Almost all hematite jewelry is made of imitation hematite beads. It is sometimes called hematine, but there is no requirement to say that hematite jewelry is actually imitation. In fact, many jewelry makers do not even know it is artificial.

I searched for almost 3 years to find a supplier who would guarantee genuine hematite beads. The stone is not expensive (it's just easier to make a cheap imitation.) So, if you'd like to experience the real stone yourself, contact me at mahala (at) CrystalLotusJewelry (dot) com and let me make something for you.

Hematite can be used for the fourth, sixth, or eleventh year anniversary.

The Meaning of Jade :: Jade Jewelry

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.

Another meaning of jade signifies harmony and the concentrated essence of love.

The word jade comes from the Spanish piedra de hijada which means "the stone of the loin." When Spanish conquerors came to South America, they saw jade charms being worn around the waist on loincloths.

There are two types of jade gemstones, jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite comes from Asia while nephrite comes from South America. Jadeite is harder and therefore more expensive than nephrite. I have also seen jade jewelry identified as Canadian jade, Wyoming jade and African jade, but I do not know if these stones have the same geological structure as jadeite or nephrite. In addition, you will often see beaded jade jewelry described as New Jade. This stone is, in fact, serpentine. Energetically, it's a favorite stone of mine, but it's not nearly as valuable (price wise) as true jade.

Jade is one of the gemstones for the twelfth anniversary.

The Meaning of Jasper

Just as there are various kinds of jasper, there are various uses and symbolic meanings of jasper.

People used to wear jasper to drive away evil spirits, and protect themselves from spiders and snakes.

Jasper also had a reputation as a "rain bringer."

The meaning of jasper includes the courage to speak out and stand up for personal freedom. This relates to other meanings of jasper such as confidence, boldness, and assertiveness.

Jasper is a stone of physical grounding. Associated meanings include grounding and balancing emotions. It is also considered a stone for fertility.

Dreams of this gemstone signify longevity and healing.

There are different types of jasper and the symbolism and energy are different for each one. Leopard skin jasper is a stone of attraction. Poppy jasper brings joy. The meaning of opalite jasper is to help one sleep.

Lapis Lazuli Jewelry :: The Meaning of Stones

One of the most popular stones for metaphysical jewelry, Lapis Lazuli is a combination of two languages and words: Latin lapis for stone and Arabic azul for blue. It is also from the Persian word lazhward meaning blue.

Lapis has been used to for adornment for as long as humans have been decorating their bodies. It has a long history with the Egyptians as a cosmetic. The powdered stone was also used as a paint. It continued to be used for ultramarine blue paint until the eighteenth century.

Ancient Egyptians believed that by meditating on the color of the lapis lazuli they could touch the robes of God.

The meaning of lapis lazuli signifies deep power, wisdom, and inner strength. Another meaning of lapis signifies the development and use of psychic abilities, higher insight, and decision making. An alternate source describes this meaning of lapis as opening your mind for creative use, expanding your viewpoint, and getting in contact with your inner power.

Lapis lazuli is one of the gemstones for the seventh and ninth anniversary jewelry.

Lapis is wonderful jewelry to give as a gift as some traditions consider it one of the gemstones of friendship and truth.

The Meaning of Stones :: Gemstone Meanings

(This page will slowly be filled with the meaning of stones A through L. Stones M through Z are already written up, and you can click to read their gemstone meanings here.)

Knowing the meaning of stones enrichs our connection to these gems and the jewelry made with them. They are a way of linking ourselves to the past -- discovering their history and remembering that beautiful gems and jewelry have been prized for thousands of years. They amplify our appreciation in the present, as we give and wear jewelry.

Gemstone meanings and their symbolism have been passed down throughout the years. Different cultures attached different meanings to the stones. Much of their significance has been lost to time.

However, many stories and special meanings still remain. The infomation on this site provides a compilation of gemstone meanings from various sources.

Once you learn what each gemstone signifies, the jewelry you wear will become even more special to you.