The word "stone" comes from the Latin Petra and the ancient Greek λίθος, Líthos.
Stone is a solid, hard mineral material, originating from the Earth's crust.
Stones, of mineral origin, form in rock, under the Earth's crust, over millions of years.
Gems are of organic origin, animal or vegetable, such as pearls, corals, amber, and mother-of-pearl.
From rough mineral to faceted cut, precious and semi-precious stones carry messages, symbols, virtues and energy (depending on beliefs, this approach is subjective)
Each stone corresponds to a sensibility, an interpretation, an appropriation, a pleasure, a desire.
Precious stones
These are the hardest stones according to the Mohs scale.
Diamond
Emerald
Ruby
Sapphire
Semi-precious stones or fine stones
There are at least a hundred fine stones, by colors, virtues and energy:
Agate
Amethyst
Chalcedony
Citrine
Garnet
Lapis lazuli
Morganite
Topaz
Tourmaline
Smoky Quartz
...
Organic stones
They come from the living world, less hard than mineral stones:
Mother-of-pearl
Coral
Amber
Pearls
Stones by color
White: moonstone, iolite, diamond, agate
Blue: agate, turquoise, lapis lazuli …
Yellow: citrine, amber, calcite, sapphire
Black: tourmaline, onyx, labradorite
Pink: rose quartz, pink agate, morganite …
Red: red jasper, carnelian, garnet
Green: agate, praziolite, tourmaline, aventurine, jade
Violet: amethyst, fluorite, purple diamond
Stones by astrological sign
Aries: tiger's eye, citrine, red jasper
Taurus: emerald, rose quartz, green jade, lapis lazuli, tourmaline
Gemini: agate, amber, lapis lazuli, aquamarine
Cancer: moonstone, agate, pearl, tiger's eye, calcite, ruby
Leo: heliotite, carnelian, citrine, tiger's eye, rose quartz
Virgo: carnelian, amber, turquoise
Libra: jade, pearl, rose quartz
Scorpio: aquamarine, carnelian, malachite
Sagittarius: turquoise, amethyst, lapis lazuli, sodalite, topaz, rose quartz
Capricorn: ruby, kyanite, jet
Aquarius: agate, jasper, hawk's eye
Pisces: amethyst, aquamarine, sapphire
Stones by birth month
January: garnet
February: amethyst
March: aquamarine
April: diamond
May: emerald
June: moonstone
July: ruby
August: peridot
September: sapphire
October: tourmaline
November: citrine
December: topaz and tanzanite
Lithotherapy
Lithotherapy is a pseudo-scientific practice of non-conventional medicine, based on the supposed power of certain crystals that would emit a singular " resonance " or " vibration " on certain points of the body, which would have the power to improve a person's psychological well-being, or even their state of health.
Lithotherapy is assimilated to the c hakras of the Indian tradition or the meridians of acupuncture.
It is attracting more and more followers, out of curiosity or belief.
Its effects are not scientifically recognized.
Agate : protective, ensures harmony between the physical and the emotional.
Aquamarine : brings joy and creativity , it helps release buried emotions and channel anger. Connected to the throat and neck chakra, it is said to help treat respiratory diseases, larynx inflammation, and strengthen vocal cords.
Amethyst : stone of wisdom, beneficial for skin problems, helps restore serene breathing and more fluid blood circulation
Amethyst is associated with the seventh chakra or crown chakra located at the top of the skull, at the origin of spiritual opening and empathetic connection.
Chalcedony : soothing, beneficial for throat and larynx ailments, thyroid and hormonal glands, stimulates lactation.
Throat chakra.
Citrine: tones the body and mind, benefits the digestive system.
Crown chakra, which governs meditation and intuition.
Rock Crystal : pain-relieving stone. Conducive to meditation.
Opens and strengthens all Chakras.
Garnet : joy and zest for life. Courage, self-assurance, feeling of power
Emerald: beauty, love, rebirth and eternal youth, fights infections, treats rheumatism and arthritis, improves hearing, rests the eye.
Heart Chakra.
Lapis lazuli : combats depression. recommended for shyness and lack of self-confidence, an extra-sensory awakening tool.
Crown Chakra and Third Eye.
Opal : calms pain, has antiseptic properties, regulates kidneys and bladder, gastric and digestive disorders.
Stone of courage and wisdom, a perfect ally for facing life's challenges.
Crown, Root, Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras.
Rose Quartz : gentle and calming action, for both body and mind. Beneficial for the heart and arteries, blood circulation and elimination of toxins.
Heart chakra, positive feelings of love and empathy.
Ruby: blood stone, beneficial for the heart, circulatory system and all blood-related organs, prevents intoxications, fevers and contagions. dispels feelings of jealousy, discouragement, pessimism.
Heart, Sacral and Third Eye Chakras
Sapphire : reduces migraine, rheumatic or joint pain, remedies sleep problems and visual disturbances.
Calms energy flows.
Crown Chakra and Third Eye.
Topaz : defends against viral and microbial aggressions, indicated for treating digestive problems
Helps to better manage speeches and public interventions.
Solar plexus, heart and throat chakras.
Tourmaline : revitalizes nerves and muscles, smooths blood circulation, regulates blood pressure and strengthens the heart, relieves dizziness.
Root Chakra.
Zircon: calming stone, soothes pain, cramps and blisters. Can release radioactivity.
Stone of courage and strength.
Root, Solar Plexus, Heart and Throat Chakras.
Links for further reading
Precious and semi-precious stones
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_des_pierres_précieuses_et_semi-précieuses
Encyclopedia of Gems https://www.gemmo.eu/fr/resultat.php?firstletter=A
Encyclopedia of Precious Stones by Frediani
https://www.frediani.pro/details-l+aigue+marine-41.html
The properties of stones by Temple Yogi https://letempleyogi.com/blogs/dictionnaire-des-pierres