Gemstones In Mythology And History

Iolite History & Mythology: The Viking Compass

Iolite History & Mythology: The Viking Compass

Iolite is a gemstone used throughout the ages by shamans and seafarers alike for visions and voyages. Iolite’s properties, both physical and metap...

Ruby History & Mythology: Lord of the Stones

Ruby derives its name from the Latin “ruber” meaning 'red', and all through the ages, this red gemstone has been as highly sought after as diamond...

History of Diamonds: From Cartels to Ethically Sourced Stones

Everyone loves a tale of a daring diamond heist, such as the 2005 Schipol Airport incident where thieves, disguised as airline workers, made off w...

Tourmaline Mythology: The Electromagnetically Charged Gemstone

Tourmaline’s name is derived from the Sinhalese word ‘tōramalli’, a reference to the multi-colored gemstones found around Sri Lanka.It is found in...

Garnet History & Mythology: Protection And Good Fortune

The name ‘garnet’ is believed to have come from the Latin Granatus, which itself is derived from Granum meaning ‘grain or seed’. Most likely due t...

The History of Emerald: From Cleopatra to El Dorado

Emeralds are without a doubt, the most famous of all the gemstones. Blood has been spilled, ladies have been wooed and status has been elevated b...

Moldavite Mythology: The Gemstone That Fell From The Sky

Moldavite came crashing down to earth about 15 million years ago when a meteorite struck an area north of the River Danube, in western Bavaria. Si...

Opal Mythology: Greek Origin Story and Meaning

The story of the battle between Zeus and his father Cronos, and how it is believed to have led to the creation of opals!

The History & Mythology Of Amethyst - From Ancient Greece To Feng Shui

Deriving its name from the ancient Hellenistic Greek: Amethystos meaning “a-“ not & “-methysko” meaning ‘intoxicate’, both the ancient Greek ...

Sapphire Mythology: A Guide For King Croesus And The Oracles

Sapphire has been used by royalty, clergy, adventurers and healers throughout the ages, often as a way to guide them and access better judgement. T...

Lapis Lazuli In Ancient Mythology: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful rock that has been prized since ancient history, and most likely even before that! Artefacts made from Lapis have been ...