Gemstones and Their Meanings

Note: One of my readers, Rick, sent me this list of the gemstones mentioned throughout Elf, Interrupted, suggesting that it might be put in an Appendix so that readers would be able to refer to the gemstones, their properties and meanings, in a single place. And so, I wish to thank Rick for generously taking the time to put this list together for me. In some cases I have added additional information.

Quenya and/or Sindarin equivalents for some of these are given in brackets. Those marked by an asterisk are attested; all others are constructed.

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Amber: A healing stone and the symbol of courage. In ancient times, amber was carried by travelers for protection. Also a symbol of the presence of Eru Ilúvatar.

In the Far East, amber is the symbol of courage; Asian cultures regard amber as the 'soul of the tiger'; Egyptians placed a piece of amber in the casket of a loved one to ensure the body would forever remain whole.

Amethyst: Symbolic of spirituality and piety. It has been used to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony, and worn in rings and on rosaries by bishops and priests. Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. The gift of amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy.

Aquamarine: Derived from the Roman word aqua ‘water’ and mare ‘sea’, this pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater. The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

The association with water led to the belief that the aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning. [nenairë]

Beryl: Used to ward off demons and evil spirits. It is said to protect travelers from danger. The proper name for the Emerald: brings wisdom, growth, and patience and is considered symbolic of love and fidelity, as well as a symbol of faith and hope. A tranquilizer for a troubled mind. [*elessar]

Carnelian: A chalcedony, ranging from a clear orange red to dark orange brown, that has the power to ease fears about rebirth (for the Eldar) and death (for Mortals).

Chrysoprase: An apple-green gemstone, it helps to make conscious what was unconscious. It strengthens the workings of insight and the higher consciousness. It encourages hope and joy as well as help in clarifying problems. Chrysoprase is used to speed the healing of any wound. It is also used as a shield or protector from negative energy. [laurelaiquamírë]

Citrine: A yellow gemstone and a symbol of hope and strength. Ideal for helping anyone to get through the tough times in life! Dissipates negative energy. Warmth, joy, and optimism.

Diamond: A symbol of innocence and constancy.

Garnet: There are many myths and legends surrounding the garnet. One Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath. The garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. Thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming.

Hawk eye: Also known as Tiger eye or Cat’s eye. A honey-brown striped gemstone. It promotes clear thinking and insight. It also heals self-criticism and self-worth problems and is considered a grounding stone. [henfion]

Jade: Can protect a person from psychic attacks and nightmares. Jade encourages practicality, wisdom, mental peace and tolerance of others. They also believe it can rejuvenate during periods of stress, reduce fears, banish negative thoughts and increase a person’s capacity for giving and receiving love. [arnasar]

Lapis lazuli: Azure-blue stone, symbol of Truth. [meneluissar]

Moonstone: A type of feldspar named because of its uncanny resemblance to the iridescent sheen of the moon. Varying in color from clear to blue-white or peach, it was considered by ancient civilizations to be a sacred stone, bestowing the wearer with great spiritual understanding. Some believed that the Moonstone could even make a person invisible! Symbol of truth in self-reflection and showing what ‘is’. [isilsar (Q)/ithilharn (S)]

Rainbow Moonstone: A symbol of passionate love as well as of truth in self-reflection and showing what ‘is’.

Obsidian: Associated with Hades - Greek god of the underworld and keeper of hidden treasure. Obsidian is a grounding stone but also contains a fiery element. It is useful for developing the strength needed to stand on your own convictions against any enemy (hidden or otherwise).

Rainbow obsidian: Particularly powerful in meditation to dissolve shock, fear or barriers. It expands your consciousness, sharpens the senses and can help you delve deep into mysterious phenomena and experiences.

Mahogany obsidian: Has a gentle energy that will ground and protect its owner. It gives strength in times of need.

Opal: A symbol of faithfulness and confidence. Symbol of hope. The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and even the ‘stone of the Gods’. Ancient Romans associated opal with hope and good luck.

Pink Opal: Fosters compassion and a gentle resolution of painful memories. It is also a stone of hope and of love, but only to faithful lovers. [mentioned in Wars of the Valar]

Black Onyx: Enhances steadfastness and determination; extremely helpful to people who are in the process of ‘letting go’ or releasing the past; a grounding stone, valuable during the confusing or difficult times in a person’s life; used to deflect or absorb negativity of others and is a good protection against negative forces and influences. Symbol of self-control and resilience. [*nyelecca]

Pearl: A symbol of purity and innocence. [*marilla]

Peridot: A green gemstone and considered protective against evil and when set in gold, especially helpful against night terrors. It signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead. Healing and protective. Allows one to understand changes in one's life, regulates life cycles. A ring of peridot and amethyst is a symbol of purity and morality. Used in a necklace, it is a protector against negative emotions.

Ruby: Considered to be the most powerful gem in the universe. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past — provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner! Given as a gift, the ruby is a symbol of friendship and love. It is also the symbol of royalty. It gives the wearer the ability to see things in a true and correct manner. [carnimírë]

Sapphire: Considered symbolic of wisdom and purity. In ancient times, sapphires were thought to be protective against envy, and even against poisoning. A gift of sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness.

Sunstone: A sparkling orange-gold stone. A symbol of self-discipline, humility and a desire for service ot the greater good. Symbolically, sunstone is linked to moonstone. Carry the two stones together to bring the influences of the Sun (Healing, Protection) into harmony with those of the Moon (Love, Peace, Spirituality). [anarsar (Q)/anorharn (S)]

Blue Topaz: Thought to have magical properties in its ability to make its wearer invisible in a threatening situation. Symbolic of love and fidelity.

Yellow Topaz: Symbolic of friendship and it strengthens one's capacity to give and receive love.

White Topaz: Increases your awareness of thoughts and deeds and the karmic effects of these; Topaz is a soothing, empathetic stone that will direct energy to the place it is most needed. It heals and energizes. Symbol of truth and forgiveness.

Green Tourmaline: Also known as Verdelite; brings a joy for life. It promotes an appreciation for the many wonders that life has to offer. It encourages patience and openness, as well as sincere interest in fellow human beings. The magical uses of this stone include the stimulation of creativity.

Pink Tourmaline: Symbolic of hope. Pyroelectric when heated; the gem takes on a static electric charge, making it capable of attracting lightweight objects.

Turquoise: Considered by ancients to be a sacred stone, protective against all manners of evil and ill health. Turquoise represents friendship and luck.