Canada's Bancroft Mine (known as the Princess Mine) is known for its sodalite mining. Sodalite, is a mineral with high sodium content, hence its name. The most popular are the veined specimens: blue, purple and grayish. Blue specimens are the most valued. It can be found in Italy, especially on Vesuvius. It is used in jewelry and to make decorative sculptures. ¹⁾

Uvarovite is a mineral included in the garnet group. It is a chromium garnet and comes in emerald green or dark green. It is one of the rarest varieties of garnet. It was discovered in 1832 by Germain Henri Hess and named after Count Sergei Uvarov, the Russian president of the St. Petersburg Academy and minister of education. The mineral is prized by collectors and scientists. ²⁾

The name carat comes from Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as the Carob tree. Carob seeds weigh about 0.2 g and were therefore used in the Middle East to weigh precious stones. ³⁾

Moissanite (Mohs hardness 9.25) is a very rare mineral and is one of the best imitations of diamonds that exist. Of greatest jewelry interest are the colorless crystals that crystallize in a hexagonal pattern. It was discovered by the French chemist and mineralogist H. Moissan in the Canyon Diablo meteorite in the United States. ⁴⁾

Isua is a geological group located in southwest Greenland, containing the oldest occurrences of graphite formed from coal. At the same time, these are some of the oldest rocks on Earth. In the rocks of volcanic origin are the oldest preserved structures of pillow lava type. The age of the whole complex is 3.7-3.8 billion years. ⁵⁾

Rose quartz is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating minerals that Mother Nature has offered us. Its history dates back to prehistoric times, when it was used by the Assyrians. Then it gained great popularity among the Romans and Greeks. No wonder. Its powerful vibrations and beautiful appearance have made this stone attract and fascinate us for centuries. Rose quartz is a mineral of the quartz group and belongs to the silicate cluster. Chemically, it is an oxide of silicon with the formula SiO2. Its name comes from the Slavic word “kwardy,” meaning “hard.” The origins of the name can also be traced to the Old High German language, where the word “quartar” meant “rasp.” The name was used by miners and referred to the distinctive sound this hard stone made when it was mined. ⁶⁾

Amethyst has been known to mankind for many years. It was already used by the ancient Greeks, who attributed magical properties to it. Amethyst was worn around the neck in the form of a talisman and was also used to create beautiful jewelry. ⁷⁾

Citrine is a natural stone that gets its name from its yellow color. It is called the stone of success because when properly programmed, it helps to achieve small and larger victories in professional life. It is especially recommended for those involved in the business. The properties of citrine are sure to be appreciated by entrepreneurs, as well as people who want to get a promotion at work. ⁸⁾

Rock crystal is a variety of quartz, colorless and transparent with an irregular shape. With its appearance, it resembles an ice crystal. Interestingly, to the touch, rock crystal is warm and pleasant. In nature, we can find mountain crystals of various sizes. Often they are lumps weighing even several tons. Mountain crystal is sometimes identified with a diamond, and for this reason, this crystal has many incorrect names. The stone is sometimes called an Alaskan diamond or Bohemian diamond. Where to look for rock crystal? It occurs naturally in the USA, Brazil, France, and Burma, but also in Poland. ⁹⁾

Carnelian is a stone of courage. It is an ideal talisman for people mired in apathy who need an injection of positive energy in their lives. The effect of carnelian affects all areas of human functioning. The properties of the natural stone not only add motivation to perform all tasks “better” and “more”, but also allow you to abandon old, established patterns to enjoy life anew. ¹⁰⁾

Malachite is a natural stone very widespread in the world. Many people have already learned about the properties hidden in this inconspicuous yet beautiful mineral. Naturally occurring malachite is pale green in color. However, the color of this stone can vary, from light yellow to dark orange. How to identify malachite? It is quite easy because this stone changes its color in terms of heat. It usually takes on a dark green color with visible stripes and whorls across its surface. ¹¹⁾

The name garnet is derived from Latin. The word “granatus” literally means “fruit of the pomegranate,” so it is believed that the stone owes its name to its deep wine color. However, the mineral can also occur in nature in other colors, depending on the content of other elements in its composition. Thus, you can also find green garnet, garnet in orange, brown, pink, and even black! ¹²⁾

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, known to mankind for more than 8,000 years. Both in the past and today, agate has been readily used for jewelry, ornaments, and accessories. Agate is an unusual stone because it occurs naturally in a great many colors, and each color determines different properties of the crystal. However, the name of this stone comes from the Achates River in Sicily, where the most beautiful agate specimens were found. ¹³⁾

Black tourmaline is the most popular variety of tourmaline. The stone belongs to the silicate group. The appearance of tourmaline makes it very popular for jewelry making. However, black tourmaline jewelry is not only a great decoration but also a magical talisman. Tourmaline itself comes in so many color varieties that the whole list can make your head spin. The name “tourmaline,” on the other hand, comes from the Sinhalese “turmali,” which means “the stone's ability to attract ash from the fire.” And indeed, black tourmaline may resemble a slightly more elegant, precious coal in its appearance. Don't let its inconspicuous appearance fool you! This stone has a strong power in it, which is worth getting acquainted with. ¹⁴⁾

Like most natural stones, aventurine was also known to mankind in ancient times. Society of that time believed that it had the power to change people's lives. Even today, many people believe in the astrological properties of aventurine. The name of the stone can be traced back to Italian. Some claim that it came from the word “ “a ventura”, meaning “by chance”. It is worth citing here an interesting fact, even before the discovery of natural aventurine. When at the Murano glassworks in Venice, rust filings inadvertently got into the melting glass mass, an artificially green-colored stone was created. This creation was deceptively similar to a later discovered mineral, which was just named aventurine. Others, however, claim that the name aventurine comes from the Italian word “aventure,” meaning “adventure,” which is supposed to indicate the powerful potential hidden in this stone. ¹⁵⁾

Sodalite belongs to the silicate cluster. It takes on equal shades of blue but is also sometimes gray, yellowish or brown. It is opaque and brittle, and on its surface one can observe distinct flecks and veins. How to recognize sodalite? It is easy to confuse this stone with azurite, lapis-lazuli, or azurite. So it is worth remembering that sodalite fades when exposed to light. ¹⁶⁾

Jasper is a rather inconspicuous stone, which occurs in nature in many varieties and colors. This crystal has an anti-stress effect, strengthens the immune system, promotes settling down, and helps to start a family. It brings harmony and peace to relationships and is also used in lithotherapy. Learn about the health-promoting and astrological properties of jasper, which makes it a powerful talisman. ¹⁷⁾