A form of chalcedony that exists in many different varieties and colours. An alternative birth stone for Aquarius. Thought to strengthen the body and mind; also to generate courage. Aids the ability to recognise the truth and accept circumstances. Promotes energy; very grounding.

Translucent shades of rich warm red. Helps when looking at situations in detail, magnifying those aspects of importance. Encourages self reflection. Can be used when fasting, to reduce hunger.

Pale shades of translucent pale blue (usually irradiated to enhance the colour). The birth stone for November and also for Scorpio. Encourages creativity, especially in writing. Helps focus on life's path and increases alignment with the higher self. Encourages peacefulness, creativity and self-expression. It soothes the emotions and is a good detoxifying stone, regulating the digestive system.  Often used as a charm against fires and accidents.

Opaque shades of soft baby pink. Thought to bring love, gentleness, compassion and patience. A mental and emotional balancer. Soothes the intensity of all feelings.

Shades of both translucent and opaque apple green. An alternative birth stone for May. Calming and balancing. Thought to enhance flexibility and dexterity. Encourages generosity, wisdom and self-confidence. Thought to lift the spirits, ease depression and aid fertility. Ensures balance and perspective in business dealings and personal affairs.

Opaque white with delicate pale grey marbling. Aids and deepens sleep. Gently relieves stress, rage, tension and anxiety. Encourages patience, gentleness and tact. Good for bones, teeth, nursing mothers and for reducing muscle tension.

A form of chalcedony that exists in many different varieties and colours. An alternative birth stone for March. Depending on the colour, this stone may stimulate the sense of smell and the immune system, strengthen the liver and gall bladder, and promote general healing and tissue regeneration. Match the colour to the chakra for best effect. The darker colours are thought to be more grounding, but less helpful for healing.

Opaque shades of green, cream, beige and purple. Acts as an anti-depressant and eases worry.

Rich vibrant shades of opaque orange and russet, often with darker markings. Also called brecciated jasper. Helps to encourage a positive outlook.  Brings contentment and happiness when worn.

Opaque bands of dense black and white.

Translucent shades of iridescent green, which flashes of electric blue when moved. Helps when working with others and with changing situations. Relieves insecurity, reduces stress and assists restful sleep. Encourages patience.

Opaque shades of yellow, brown, cream and kidney bean red. The Aboriginal healing stone from the Mooka Creek area of Australia. Thought to be associated with all things sensual and with physical pleasure. Encourages the relationship between the physical and the spiritual aspects of life. Encourages acceptance and affection for one’s physical body. Elevates the spirits during physical activity.

A vast variety of background colours, all with a signature play of rainbow colours. Found mainly in Australia and, more recently, the Welo area in Ethiopia. The birth stone for October and for Libra. Opal’s iridescent flashes stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands. It aids balance and eyesight. May be helpful during childbirth. Awakens and helps understanding of psychic intuition and mysticism. Encourages living authentically in feeling and action, with faithfulness and loyalty.

Many opaque shades with a glossy pearlescent sheen. The birth stone for June. Thought to reduce irritability, focus the attention and encourage personal integrity. Symbolises purity, charity, faith and innocence. May encourage self-love and inner strength. Is though to aid digestive disorders and conditions that affect the soft organs of the body.

Slightly dull ‘antique’ gold, often with gunmetal and orange markings. Also called ‘Fool’s Gold’. One of the most grounding stones, good for focus, practicality, logic and memory. Encourages improved circulation and is linked with the digestive system. Associated with good communication and friendly exchange of words.

Available in a vast range of colours from ice-white to black, but traditionally blue. The birth stone for September and also for Virgo. It is thought to release mental tension, depression, unwanted thoughts and confusion. Sapphire encourages balance within the body, aligning the physical, mental and spiritual planes, bringing serenity and peace of mind. Sapphire is also known as a ‘stone of prosperity’, attracting gifts of all kinds and fulfilling dreams and desires. Sapphire is thought to treat blood disorders and strengthen the vein walls. It is used for cellular disorders and to calm overactive systems.

Opaque shades of iridescent orange and peach, which flash gold in the sunlight. Also known as heliolite. Warms the heart and lifts the spirit. A grounding stone that protects and boosts the life force. Good for remembering dreams and meditation.

Opaque banded shades of blue, gold and yellow. Also called Hawks Eye or Falcons Eye. Thought to deepen meditation and enable the truth in ourselves, others and situations to be more easily seen. Improves perspective. Acts to slow down all the body's systems.

Translucent shades of mainly pinks, greens and blues, but found in a vast range of colours from clear ice white to black. Some of the rarest gemstones on earth are in the tourmaline family. An alternative birth stone for October. In its many colours it offers a strong protective influence, enhancing sensitivity and comprehension by dispelling fear and negativity. A powerful healer of mental disorders it assists the troubled to find rest and strengthens the ability to meet with changes and new challenges.