Tienshanite is a stone named for the Tian Shan Range in Mongolia. The stone is rare with an extremely complex formula and is often green in color. The stone is a relatively new discovery, but its beauty will no doubt see its popularity rise. A necklace with a Tienshanite pendant will give any wearer a gorgeous centerpiece for their outfit. A rather brittle stone, the jewelry should be handled with care and cleaned gently.

Agate is found in many places around the world. The stones have been enjoyed and used to create beads, rings, ornaments and more for millenia. The Greek writer Theophrastus used the name “agate” first as he believed all agates came from a Sicilian river then called the Achates River. Some attribute agate with healing or calming properties, but their origin is anything but one of calm and peace. Agate are formed when post-volcanic activity creates hollows in igneous rock. When water containing silica fills those hollows, the result is an agate. This durable stone will last for many years and should only be cleaned with soapy water and a clean cotton cloth.

Rock Quartz may be shot through with other colors, bubbles or more, but it can also be a crystal clear gemstone with dazzling clarity. Perhaps it is no surprise then that the stone was once considered eternal ice sent by gods or, later, fossilized ice. The Japanese believed that the breath of a white dragon formed the crystals. While the modern world has a better understanding of how rock quartz is formed, some maintain the same belief as ancient civilization did in the power of quartz. Healing and clarity are a few of the benefits attributed to the stone. Although a harder stone, rock quartz should still be cared for gently with warm soapy water.

Druzy is a sparkly stone available in many different colors. Druzy Quartz is created when tiny crystals form on the surface of a stone. Just as the druzy forms on the surface of other stones to create unique effects, druzy is extremely versatile in usage. It works equally well in expensive and simple settings. Some believe that druzy can strengthen a person’s spirit. While relatively common, this sparkling stone has grown in popularity in recent years. Druzy should be cleaned with care.

Tiger’s Eye shares some of the unique properties of its namesake. When exposed to the sun, the gemstone gleams like a cat’s eyes. For millennia, the stone has been used by many different cultures both for decorative and belief reasons. Ancient Romans believed that the stone would give them protection in battle. Ancient Egyptians prized the stone as holding the power of the midday sun. Some still attribute powers of protection, courage, hope, or clarity to the stone. The play of light with this golden brown stone is mesmerizing. The stone can be cleaned by rubbing with a soft cloth.

White Shell Pearl has been used for thousands of years to create jewelry, religious objects, and as inlays in a variety of objects. While most gemstones require cutting and/or polishing to reveal their beauty, pearls are perfect in their original state. Found on the inner side of mollusk shells, mother-of-pearl is iridescent and mesmerizing in its beauty. Although the technical term is nacre, mother-of-pearl is the colloquial term due to the shells being the bellies within which pearls are formed when a foreign object is surrounded by an oyster’s secretions. Often attributed with the meanings of calm, stress relief, and peace, pearl can perhaps teach the greatest lesson in the turning of the oyster’s pain into beauty. White Shell Pearl should be cared for gently with soft cloth and stored carefully away from other stones.

Rose Quartz is a stone of delicate pink. Often used for decoration or jewelry, rose quartz has also made its way into the beauty sector. Ancient Roman and Egyptian women are said to have used rose quartz in face masks. Today, women use rose quartz rollers or beauty products that contain rose quartz. With both rose and pink often associated with love, it is no surprise that rose quartz is attributed with bringing about qualities of love. Also available in darker pink or lavender hues, the mineral composed primarily of silicon dioxide molecules typically forms at very hot temperatures. The stone can be cleaned with warm soapy water.

Pyrite is a stone with a yellow color and metallic shine. The brilliance of the shine is pronounced enough that it was once used as mirrors, but its fire-starting properties gave it its name–“pyr” the Greek word for “fire.” Most people know pyrite by its far more common name. Fool’s Gold. In spite of not being actual gold, pyrite has been used in jewelry for millennia. Pyrite if found in many places around the world. Some believe pyrite can cleanse oxygen or stabilize one’s mood. Ironically, for a stone called Fool’s Gold, pyrite is also attributed with the ability to aid prosperity. The stone is semi-brittle and should be cared for with a soft cloth or lukewarm soapy water.