THE GEMSTONES their stories, origins, and mystical powers

Gemstones - some mineral and some organic, some precious and some semi-precious - all are treasured for their beauty, rarity and durability. Most of what we think of as gemstones are of mineral origin, but a few are of organic origin, such as pearls and amber. Following are the most widely known and treasured gemstones ... and their stories.

The year or period indicated at the beginning of each entry refers to the earliest written or printed use of the word relative to its description of a gemstone. The word, of course, may have been spoken and/or written in relation to gemstones or other meanings many years earlier.

The mystical powers and healing properties referred to are taken from many and varied sources ... both ancient and modern. To facilitate the healing properties, various suggestions are made: the stone may be held, worn, carried or simply placed in one's environment.