A to Z of Crystals and Stones

A comprehensive guide to the crystals and stones, their fascinating history and their healing properties.

Feed your curiosity with Anahana’s library on crystals and stones, their physical and metaphysical healing properties, effects on chakras and much more.

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Amazonite Featured Image

Amazonite

Amazonite, a word that rings with beauty and mystery, is a captivating green stone that’s been a magnet for human curiosity for centuries. As an...

Apatite Featured Image

Apatite

Apatite is a versatile phosphate rock crystal known for inspiring motivation, clarity, and self expression. Crystal Stone highlights its ability to...

August Birthstones Featured Image

August Birthstones

Discover the allure of August birthstones, including the vibrant peridot and alluring sardonyx, as we explore their meanings and connections to those...

Pearl Featured Image

Pearl

While many consider pearls among precious gems, they are actually organic formations created by oysters and other mollusks. Their origins can be...

Tanzanite Featured Image

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a type of blue zoisite that draws attention with its brilliant interplay of violet hues and shimmering cool tones. Known as one of the...

Chrysoprase Featured Image

Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase (also spelled “chrysophrase” in older texts) is often referred to as a green stone within the broader family of chalcedony. Because of...

Birthstones by Month Featured Image

Birthstones by Month

Explore the significance and unique attributes of birthstones for every month. Discover the historical and cultural connections of these gems, and...

Black Tourmaline Featured Image

Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline (commonly known as schorl) is part of the diverse tourmaline family, which includes green tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline, and...

Flower Agate Featured Image

Flower Agate

Flower Agate (often called Cherry Blossom Agate or Blossom Agate) is a microcrystalline quartz variant in the Agate family. The stone’s appearance is...

Hematite Featured Image

Hematite

Hematite is an iron oxide mineral recognized for its silver gray or even dark red glints when viewed in the right light. This stone can take multiple...

Chrysocolla Featured Image

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is sometimes referred to by its Greek-derived name chrysocolla meaning “gold glue,” reflecting ancient uses involving copper and gold. It...

Citrine Featured Image

Citrine

Citrine comes from a family of yellow gemstones known for its warm, pale yellow color and vibrant energy. It is a quartz crystal in various shades,...

Rhodochrosite Featured Image

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is a rose-red stone prized for its ability to cultivate love, self-confidence, and deeper emotional healing. Crystal Stone highlights...

December Birthstones Featured Image

December Birthstones

Uncover the enchanting world of December's birthstones, featuring turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, and their captivating significance for...

Rainbow Obsidian Featured Image

Rainbow Obsidian

Rainbow obsidian, also called iris obsidian, is a naturally formed black obsidian known for its multicolored iridescence that appears when polished...

Unakite Featured Image

Unakite

Unakite has inspired crystal enthusiasts who want to cultivate emotional stability, encourage self-love, and spark mindful transformation. With its...

Lodestone Featured Image

Lodestone

Lodestone—also referred to historically as “leading stone” or “magnetic iron ore”—is a naturally magnetized variety of iron ore. The word lodestone...

Blue Topaz Featured Image

Blue Topaz

Blue topaz, also known by the mineralogical name topaz (a silicate mineral), comes in a vibrant spectrum of hues, though the sky blue variety stands...

Celestite Featured Image

Celestite

Celestite, sometimes referred to as “celestine,” belongs to the sulfate family. Its name comes from a Latin word meaning “heavenly,” an apt...

Jet Stone Featured Image

Jet Stone

Jet is an organic gemstone formed primarily from fossilized wood. While many refer to it simply as jet stone, its mineralogical classification is gem...

Snowflake Obsidian Featured Image

Snowflake Obsidian

Snowflake Obsidian, also known by its mineralogical name Spherulitic Obsidian, is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooling...

Emerald Featured Image

Emerald

Emerald belongs to the mineral beryl family, a group that also includes aquamarine and morganite. Its vibrant green color arises from trace amounts...

Coral Featured Image

Coral

Coral derives from marine coral polyps—tiny marine animals that secrete calcium carbonate to form calcareous skeletons. Collectively, people often...

Shungite  Featured Image

Shungite

Shungite is the most commonly used name for this carbon-based stone. Certain pieces with particularly high carbon content may be called “elite...

Amethyst Featured Image

Amethyst

Amethyst stands as one of the most beloved quartz varieties in the world. While commonly known simply as amethyst, you may come across unique forms...

Fire Opal Featured Image

Fire Opal

Sometimes referred to as a powerful crystal for igniting passions, Fire Opal belongs to the opal family, which includes various forms of common fire...

Angelite Featured Image

Angelite

Angelite, also known as anhydrite, is sometimes referred to by practitioners as the “angel stone” due to its purported link to guardian angels and...

Amber Featured Image

Amber

Amber (fossilized resin from ancient trees) goes by various names, including Baltic amber when sourced from the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea....

Mother of Pearl Featured Image

Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl, sometimes called nacre, forms the inner shell layer of pearl oysters, abalones, and other mollusks. Though it is not typically...

Tourmaline Featured Image

Tourmaline

“Tourmaline” comes from a Sinhalese word meaning “mixed stones.” It belongs to a fascinating family of complex borosilicate minerals and appears in a...

Mookaite Featured Image

Mookaite

Mookaite, sometimes spelled “mookite” or “mook jasper,” is a type of microcrystalline quartz related to the broader jasper family. While not strictly...

April Birthstones Featured Image

April Birthstones

Discover the significance of diamond birthstones, their timeless allure, and the connections they forge between individuals and their birth months....

Lapis Lazuli Featured Image

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli, commonly just called lapis, is a distinct rock rather than a single mineral. In fact, it’s composed of three minerals (primarily...

Black Onyx Featured Image

Black Onyx

Onyx, which can come in black, white, or patterned varieties, is part of the chalcedony family. Black onyx specifically has a uniform, dark surface...

Beryl Featured Image

Beryl

Beryl belongs to a mineral group known scientifically as beryllium aluminum silicate, forming a broad beryl family that encompasses multiple colorful...

Clear Quartz Featured Image

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz stands out as a go-to crystal for people looking to refine their mental clarity, raise positive energy, and deepen spiritual...

Onyx Featured Image

Onyx

Onyx belongs to the chalcedony family of gemstones, known for fine intergrowths of silica minerals in parallel bands. Often recognized as a black...

Black Spinel Featured Image

Black Spinel

Black spinel is scientifically part of the spinel family, sometimes called magnesium aluminate or magnesium aluminum oxide in more technical circles....

Bloodstone Featured Image

Bloodstone

Often recognized by its dark green color (sometimes described as deep green) accented with bright spots of red jasper, bloodstone is part of the...

Tigers Eye Featured Image

Tigers Eye

Tigers eye has long been praised for its shimmering brilliance and energizing allure. This stone is often described as a bridge between fierce...

Basalt Featured Image

Basalt

Basalt is commonly known as a volcanic rock, formed when lava at or near the earth’s surface cools and solidifies. Although sometimes overshadowed by...

Calcite Featured Image

Calcite

Calcite (also known scientifically as a calcium carbonate mineral) is recognized by its many forms, each sometimes referred to by a color-based trade...

Fluorite Featured Image

Fluorite

Fluorite meaning has dazzled crystal enthusiasts and casual collectors alike for generations. Known for its captivating array of colors, fluorite is...

Moldavite Featured Image

Moldavite

Moldavite is a rare green tektite formed 15 million years ago, hailed for its very high vibrational frequency. Crystal Stone explains how this...

February Birthstones Featured Image

February Birthstones

Embrace the enchanting beauty of February’s birthstone - Amethyst, a fascinating gemstone. With its mesmerizing purple hues, Amethyst symbolizes...

Howlite Featured Image

Howlite

Howlite meaning has appealed to those seeking tranquility, patience, and deeper understanding. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this calming...

March Birthstones Featured Image

March Birthstones

Delve into the captivating world of March’s birthstones - Aquamarine. Aquamarine's serene blue tones reminiscent of the ocean represents tranquility,...

Quartz  Featured Image

Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) can appear in many forms and is often referred to by specific varieties such as clear quartz, smoky quartz, and rose quartz....

Prasiolite Featured Image

Prasiolite

Prasiolite is often classified under the quartz family. Some refer to it as green quartz because of its soft green color. Though you might see names...

Obsidian Featured Image

Obsidian

Obsidian meaning often centers on themes of strong protection and transformative growth. This volcanic glass, born from molten lava that cools...

Fire Quartz Featured Image

Fire Quartz

Fire Quartz is sometimes referred to as hematoid quartz or ferruginous quartz because of the hematite inclusions that give it its characteristic...

Bumblebee Jasper Featured Image

Bumblebee Jasper

Although frequently called Bumblebee Jasper, this striking material isn’t a true jasper in the strict mineralogical sense. Some refer to it as...

Pyrite Featured Image

Pyrite

Pyrite meaning has captivated crystal enthusiasts and spiritual seekers for generations. Known as fool’s gold for its brassy yellow color, this...

Agate Featured Image

Agate

Agate is a form of microcrystalline quartz. Its distinctive banded appearance and range of varieties—like blue lace agate, moss agate, or crazy lace...

Sunstone Featured Image

Sunstone

Sunstone meaning has long been celebrated in ancient cultures for its warm, invigorating energy. Known for shimmering inclusions that catch the...

Garnet Featured Image

Garnet

Though commonly associated with a deep red hue, garnet actually encompasses a family of silicate minerals in varied colors. Each variety reflects...

Carnelian Featured Image

Carnelian

Carnelian (Chalcedony) typically showcases a range of warm shades, from pale orange to deep reddish or even brownish-red tones. While it belongs to...

Fire Agate Featured Image

Fire Agate

Fire Agate (Chalcedony) is the most common term for this material, though it can occasionally be labeled differently depending on origin or marketing...

Peridot Featured Image

Peridot

Peridot belongs to the olivine group, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense heat, giving it a characteristic olive green shade. Many...

Rose Quartz Featured Image

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz embodies unconditional love, compassion, and emotional healing. Known as the "love stone," it opens the heart chakra, nurturing self-love...

Pink Opal Featured Image

Pink Opal

Pink opal is sometimes referred to as a “common opal” in mineralogical circles, though there’s nothing common about its lovely color or energetic...

January Birthstones Featured Image

January Birthstones

Discover the captivating world of January's birthstone - Garnet. Imbued with love, friendship, and protection, this deep red stone holds ancient...

Opal Featured Image

Opal

Opal is formed from hydrated silica, making it distinct from more rigid crystalline minerals. Its signature beauty arises from the way light...

July Birthstones Featured Image

July Birthstones

Unveil the magic of July birthstones, featuring the radiant ruby and mystical carnelian, as we delve into their rich symbolism and cultural...

June Birthstones Featured Image

June Birthstones

Discover the enchanting world of June birthstones, from mesmerizing pearls to captivating moonstones, exploring their meanings, history, and charm....

Larimar Featured Image

Larimar

Larimar—also referred to by some as blue pectolite—is a rare stone discovered exclusively in the Dominican Republic. Because of its light blue to...

May Birthstones Featured Image

May Birthstones

Discover the allure and symbolism of May birthstones, from emerald to agate, revealing their fascinating historical significance and personal...

Moonstone Featured Image

Moonstone

Moonstone is part of the feldspar mineral group. In trade, it can appear under names like “rainbow moonstone,” “peach moonstone,” or “green...

November Birthstones Featured Image

November Birthstones

Unveil the enchanting world of November birthstones, Topas and Citrin, celebrating their unique meanings and stunning allure. Explore the gems that...

Jasper Featured Image

Jasper

Jasper belongs to the chalcedony family, a broad group of silicate minerals. Known for its mesmerizing patterns and earth tones, jasper can appear in...

Abalone Shell Featured Image

Abalone Shell

The abalone shell, sometimes referred to as a sea ear, mother of pearl, or simply “abalone,” originates from marine gastropods (sea snails)....

Kambaba Jasper Featured Image

Kambaba Jasper

Kambaba Jasper (sometimes referred to as Crocodile Jasper or Green Stromatolite Jasper) is actually a form of fossilized algae within...

Rhodonite Featured Image

Rhodonite

Rhodonite stone is a member of the manganese silicate mineral group. Its characteristic pink color arises from manganese oxide, often showcased...

Lepidolite Featured Image

Lepidolite

Lepidolite stands out among lithium bearing minerals for its soothing presence and shimmering mica flakes. Although relatively uncommon compared to...

Malachite Featured Image

Malachite

Malachite is often admired for its striking, vibrant green color and mesmerizing bands that ripple across its surface like tree rings. Known...

Orange Calcite Featured Image

Orange Calcite

Orange calcite is a calcium carbonate that boasts a vibrant orange color. It’s part of the broader calcite family, a group of crystals found across...

Chalcedony Featured Image

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is part of the quartz family, specifically a variety of microcrystalline quartz. This means that, unlike clear quartz with large, visible...

Jade Featured Image

Jade

Jade meaning has long resonated with those seeking harmony and renewal. This green stone has been called a gemstone of purity, connecting people to...

October Birthstones Featured Image

October Birthstones

When it comes to birthstones, October babies have a unique treat. They enjoy not just one but two October birthstones - opal and tourmaline. These...

Prehnite Featured Image

Prehnite

Prehnite is a calming, light green stone prized for its supportive healing properties. Crystal Stone explores its history, prehnite meaning, and how...

Kunzite Featured Image

Kunzite

Kunzite (often spelled with a capital K) belongs to the mineral spodumene family. Although many people associate it primarily with pale pink or lilac...

Charoite Featured Image

Charoite

Charoite is a stone of transformation often displaying swirling patterns of purple and translucent lavender. Crystal Stone illustrates how its unique...

Blue Sapphire Featured Image

Blue Sapphire

Blue sapphire is a sapphire gemstone belonging to the mineral corundum family. Most commonly, “sapphire” refers to the blue variety, though it can...

Sapphire Featured Image

Sapphire

Sapphire is a variety of corundum, a robust mineral famed for its high ranking on the Mohs hardness scale. While the term “sapphire” typically brings...

Red Jasper Featured Image

Red Jasper

Red Jasper has been a popular gemstone for its natural beauty and therapeutic properties for centuries. It belongs to the Chalcedony mineral class...

Alexandrite Featured Image

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a unique variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. While chrysoberyl mineral can appear in shades of yellowish green, alexandrite remains...

Labradorite Featured Image

Labradorite

Labradorite meaning continues to intrigue people from all walks of life, enchanting them with shimmering iridescent flashes reminiscent of the awe...

Topaz Featured Image

Topaz

Topaz crystal is a silicate mineral recognized for its often clear, prismatic structure. Although most people picture blue topaz, this versatile...

Ocean Jasper Featured Image

Ocean Jasper

Ocean jasper (sometimes called orbicular jasper) is a beautiful variety of jasper typically sourced from coastal regions, particularly in Madagascar....

Aquamarine Featured Image

Aquamarine

Aquamarine meaning has enchanted seekers for centuries. This blue gemstone, as clear and refreshing as a calm ocean, is known for its comforting...

Selenite Featured Image

Selenite

Selenite crystal is a variety of the mineral gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate dihydrate, and is renowned for its unique selenite properties. Its...

September Birthstones Featured Image

September Birthstones

Discover the allure of September birthstones, uncovering their significance and captivating beauty in this insightful article. Sapphires are found in...

Smoky Quartz Featured Image

Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz is part of the quartz family, closely related to clear quartz and amethyst. Its color varies from a faint, translucent grey to deeper...

Aventurine Featured Image

Aventurine

Aventurine meaning shines through stories of good luck, personal growth, and everyday joy. This beautiful stone—often revealing light-catching flecks...

Diamond Featured Image

Diamond

Diamond is a form of pure carbon, famed for its extraordinary hardness and brilliance. In mineralogical terms, it’s often referred to simply as...

Turquoise Featured Image

Turquoise

Turquoise, with its captivating sky blue to green hues, is one of the world’s most ancient and beloved gemstones. This semi-precious mineral has been...

Ruby Featured Image

Ruby

Ruby is a variety of corundum—technically the red form of this mineral family. Its color stems from trace amounts of chromium within the crystal...

Black Diamond Featured Image

Black Diamond

Black diamond is a form of diamond, sometimes referred to as “carbonado” in gemological circles. Unlike other gemstones of vivid color or crystal...

Sodalite Featured Image

Sodalite

Sodalite is considered a tectosilicate mineral that has gained a strong reputation as a potent ally in crystal healing circles. Its mesmerizing deep...

Serpentine Featured Image

Serpentine

Serpentine meaning has intrigued countless crystal lovers and spiritual seekers alike. This unique green mineral stands out for its reputed power to...

Iolite Featured Image

Iolite

Iolite is sometimes referred to by an older nickname, water sapphire, although it’s not a true sapphire. The name iolite traces back to the Greek...

Kyanite Featured Image

Kyanite

Kyanite (also spelled Disthene in some texts) belongs to a group of minerals known for their striking blade-like crystals. Some refer to it as the...

Black Obsidian Featured Image

Black Obsidian

Obsidian is not a crystal in the strictest sense but a form of volcanic glass created when molten lava cools rapidly. The black variety typically jet...

Rainbow Moonstone Featured Image

Rainbow Moonstone

Rainbow Moonstone is a potent stone admired for its milky white facade revealing a captivating blue sheen. Crystal Stone highlights how it empowers...

Aragonite Featured Image

Aragonite

Aragonite is the mineralogical name for this crystalline treasure. Occasionally, you’ll find it marketed as an aragonite gemstone, especially when...