Semi precious and stone beads

Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the crystal quartz group. The name means "not drunken" (Greek), as amethyst was worn as an amulet against drunkenness.

The beads shown in the photo are 6 mm in diameter.

Amethyst has been associated with the planets Neptune and Pluto at different times in history.

It is also one of the primary stones associated with the Zodiac sign of Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar). It is an additional Zodiac stone for Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec), Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan) and Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb).

Amethyst is also one of the stones for the month of February.

Amethyst is said to influence:

Black onyx is also from the Chalcedony class of rocks.

The round beads in the photo are 6 mm in diameter.

Onyx in its many colours has been associated with the planets Saturn and Mars over time.

Onyx is also one of the stones for the months of February and August.

Onyx is one of the primary stones associated with the Zodiac sign of Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan). It is an additional stone for the signs Gemini (21 May - 21 Jun) and Leo (23 Jul - 23 Aug).

In healing terms onyx is said to boost:

Carnelian is a form of Chalcedony which is a form of quartz.

Carnelian beads come in a variety of colours from brownish red to orange and can be from translucent to opaque. In the main photo shown the darker round beads are 8 mm and lighter round beads are 4 mm in size, and the roundelles are 0.8 cm (0.3") in diameter. The tear drop shaped beads in all the photos are all approximately 3 cm (1.3") from tip to base and 2.2 cm (0.8") at their widest point. Of the two slabs pictured, the smaller darker coloured slab is 4 cm (1.6") long and 2.8 cm (1.1") at its widest point, while the larger lighter coloured slab is 4.4 cm (1.8") long and 3 cm (1.2") at its widest point. The veined beads are 1.5 cm (0.7") long and 1 cm (0.4") in diameter.

Carnelian has been associated with the planet Mars.

Carnelian is one of the primary stones for the Zodiac signs of Aries (21 Mar - 20 Apr), Taurus (21 Apr - 20 May) and is the primary stone for Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov) in its deep red form. It is also an alternative stone for the signs of Leo (23 Jul - 23 Aug) and Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sep.

Carnelian is also one of the stones for the month of July.

Carnelian is used by some people to help to restore the natural energy flows of your body. Carnelian is also said to enhance:

A type of glass was discovered by chance around 1700 and then its name given to this form of quartz stone.

The beads in the photo are 6 mm in diameter.

Aventurine in its different colours is one of the primary stones associated with the Zodiac sign of Cancer (22 Jun - 22 Jul). And is an additional stone associated with the sign of Libra (24 Sep - 23 Oct).

Aventurine is said to positively influence:

When cut malachite shows bands of green and white layers. It is a softer stone and can become scratched and it will lose its shine when exposed to water.

The round beads in the photo are 6 mm in diameter and the chips are varying sizes.

Malachite has been associated with the planets Saturn and Venus.

Malachite is an alternative stone of the Zodiac signs Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan) and Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb).

Malachite is said to influence:

Agate is another stone of the Chalcedony family. It can come in many different colours and can include bands of colour.

The round beads in the photo are 6 mm in diameter and the roundelles are 1 cm (0.4") in diameter.

Agate is an alternative stone of the Zodiac signs Gemini (21 May - 21 Jun) and Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov).

Agate is said to provide general protection and healing and is also believed to be good for gardening Agate influences:

Not actually a "semi precious" stone, but is well known for its beautiful colours in brown and black patterns.

The beads in the photo are 8 mm in diameter.

Tiger's eye is one of the primary stones for the Zodiac sign Gemini (21 May - 21 Jun). Cat's eye is one of the primary stones for the sign Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec).

Tiger's eye is also one of the stones for the month of November.

Tiger's eye is also known as Cat's eye when black with a lighter stripe and is thought to promote: