Gemstones
Jewelry designer: Iva, Art Shop Unique, Primošten
Gemstones are minerals or rocks cherished for their natural beauty, unique properties, and variety of colors. We use them to handcraft this timeless jewelry right here in this very room. If you have a specific request, feel free to ask, and we will do our best to create it for you. Here are their captivating stories.
Agate

Varieties: White, Orange, Brown, Hot Pink, Purple, Green, Lake Blue, Moss, Aquatic, Crazy Lace, Indian, Tree, Dragon Egg, Marine, Bamboo Leaf (all different varieties of Chalcedony)
Description: Agate is a versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Known for its beautiful and distinctive bands and stripes, Agate has been cherished throughout history for its aesthetic appeal, so it has been used in jewelry, carvings, and decorative items since ancient times.
Properties: Agate is thought to balance and harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. It is associated with grounding, stabilizing energy, and is believed to enhance mental function, improve concentration, and alleviate tension. Agate is connected to multiple chakras, depending on its color, but is most commonly linked to the root, sacral, and heart chakras, promoting emotional healing and stability.
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various locations worldwide, including Brazil, US, Mexico, Uruguay, Madagascar, and India
Amazonite

Description: Ranges from green to blue-green with a mottled or grid-like pattern. Named after the Amazon River, although it is not found there. Historically valued for its beauty and used in jewelry and carvings. Believed by ancient Egyptians to have healing properties.
Properties: Believed to soothe the spirit and calm the soul. Associated with truth, communication, and harmony. Linked to the heart and throat chakras.
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in Brazil, Russia, Madagascar, and the United States (Colorado and Virginia)
Amethyst

Varieties: Classic Amethyst, Lavander Amethyst, Dog Tooth Amethyst
Description: Purple hues from light lavender to deep violet. Named from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunken.” Historically believed to prevent intoxication and worn by royalty for its protective properties.
Properties: Associated with calm, balance, and peace. Linked to the crown chakra, aiding in meditation and spiritual growth.
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Primarily found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia
Aquamarine

Description: Pale blue to blue-green in color, often transparent. Aquamarine has been prized since ancient times for its calming blue hues, often associated with the sea and believed to protect sailors. It has been used in jewelry and amulets for centuries.
Properties: Associated with courage, communication, and clarity. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote harmony in relationships. Linked to the throat chakra.
Hardness:7.5-8 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various locations including Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan
Aventurine

Varieties: Purple, Red, Pink, Blue
Description: It’s a sparkling gemstone that ranges in color from green to blue, with occasional hues of brown, purple, and peach. Known for its shimmering or glistening effect, called aventurescence, it is highly valued for its beauty and used extensively in jewelry and ornamental carvings.
Properties: Aventurine is thought to promote emotional healing and balance, soothing the spirit and calming the soul. It is associated with optimism, confidence, and creativity. Linked primarily to the heart chakra, Aventurine is believed to encourage harmony and compassion, fostering a sense of well-being and emotional tranquility.
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Primarily found in Brazil, India, China, and Russia
Chrysocolla

Description: Known for its vibrant blue to green-blue color, often with swirls or specks of black or brown.
Properties: Associated with tranquility, communication, and feminine energy. It is believed to promote emotional balance and inner strength. Linked to the throat and heart chakras.
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various locations worldwide, including the USA, Peru, and Australia
Garnet

Description: Garnet typically exhibits a deep red color, often with hints of brown or orange.
Properties: Associated with energy, strength, and grounding. It is believed to inspire love, devotion, and commitment. Linked to the root and heart chakras.
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various locations including Africa, India, and the United States
Golden Obsidian

Description: Golden Obsidian features a dark black or deep brown base color with golden sheen or shimmer caused by tiny gas bubbles or mineral inclusions. It’s formed when lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth.
Properties: Golden Obsidian is believed to enhance self-confidence, promote personal growth, and provide protection from negativity. It is associated with positivity, strength, and manifestation.
Hardness: 5 – 5.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in regions with volcanic activity, including Mexico and the western United States
Heliotrope (Bloodstone)

Description: Heliotrope, commonly known as Bloodstone, typically features a dark green to dark bluish-green base with red or brown spots or streaks resembling blood.
Properties: Associated with purification, vitality, and strength. It is believed to support healing and promote resilience in challenging situations. Linked to the root chakra.
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in India, Brazil, Australia, and the United States
Hematite

Description: Hematite is typically metallic gray to black in color, often with a metallic shine. It may also exhibit a reddish-brown streak.
Properties: Associated with grounding, protection, and strength. Hematite is believed to enhance focus, willpower, and stability. Linked to the root chakra.
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found worldwide, with significant deposits in Brazil, Australia, and the United States
Howlite

Description: Howlite comes in two different colors: white and turquoise. Howlite is known for its gray or black spider-web-like veining and is often used as a substitute for more expensive stones. White Howlite is milky and the turquoise one is often used as a substitute for Turquoise gemstone due to its similar appearance.
Properties: Both are associated with calmness, creativity, awareness, and emotional expression. Howlite is believed to aid in reducing stress and promoting a positive outlook.
Hardness: 3.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Canada and the United States
Jade

Varieties: Green, White, Yellow, Cream, Canadian
Description: Jade is a revered gemstone that comes in a range of colors, most commonly green but also found in shades of white, yellow, and lavender. Valued for its beauty and durability, it has been used throughout history in a variety of cultural artifacts, jewelry, and carvings. Particularly significant in Chinese culture, Jade symbolizes purity, serenity, and is often referred to as the “Stone of Heaven.”
Properties: Jade is believed to have protective and healing qualities, promoting harmony and balance. It is associated with luck, prosperity, and longevity, and is thought to attract good fortune and friendship. Linked to the heart chakra, Jade encourages love and nurturing, supporting emotional release and inner peace.
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Myanmar (Jadeite) and China (Nephrite), though deposits exist in other parts of the world like Canada
Jasper

Varieties: Kambaba Jasper, Mookaite Jasper, Picasso Jasper, Sodalite Jasper, Landscape Jasper, Silver Mist Jasper, African Turquoise Jasper, Yellow Turquoise Jasper
Description: Jasper is a diverse and vibrant gemstone that comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, often featuring intricate and unique designs. Known for its opaque and earthy appearance, Jasper has been used throughout history in jewelry, carvings, and as a talisman for protection.
Properties: Jasper is believed to offer grounding and stability, providing a sense of peace and wholeness. It is associated with nurturing and protective qualities, often used to alleviate stress and promote tranquility. Jasper is linked to multiple chakras, depending on its color, but is commonly associated with the root chakra, enhancing physical strength and stamina while fostering a deep connection to the earth.
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various places in the world like Brazil, USA, Canada, Russia, Madagascar, South Africa, and Australia
Labradorite

Description: Labradorite is known for its iridescent play of colors, called labradorescence, which includes shades of blue, green, gold, and sometimes purple or orange. It often has a gray to black base color with metallic luster. It was first discovered in Labrador, Canada, hence its name.
Properties: Labradorite is believed to enhance intuition, protect against negativity, and promote spiritual growth. It is associated with clarity, insight, and transformation.
Hardness: 6 -6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Canada, Finland, Madagascar, Norway, and Russia
Lapis Lazuli

Description: Lapis Lazuli is known for its deep blue color with golden pyrite inclusions and white calcite veins. It has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where it was used in jewelry, cosmetics, and as a pigment for art. It has been highly valued and association with royalty and spirituality.
Properties: Lapis Lazuli is believed to enhance wisdom, truth, and inner vision. It is associated with enhancing communication skills, intuition, and mental clarity.
Hardness: 5 -5.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Afghanistan, as well as Chile and Russia
Lava Stone

Description: Black or dark grey porous volcanic rock (Basalt) formed from solidified lava.
Properties: Known for its grounding and stabilizing energy, Lava Stone is believed to enhance creativity and bring a sense of calm and relaxation. It is associated with the root chakra and is thought to aid in emotional healing and protection.
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Primarily found in volcanic regions around the world, including the United States (Hawaii), Iceland, and Italy
Malachite

Description: Malachite is known for its vibrant green color with characteristic banding or concentric rings. It has been used since ancient times for ornamental purposes, jewelry, and as a pigment.
Properties: Malachite is believed to amplify positive energies, promote transformation, and encourage growth. It is associated with emotional healing, protection, and abundance.
Hardness: 3.5 – 4 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Namibia, as well as in Russia, Australia, and the United States
Moonstone

Description: Moonstone is known for its milky white color with a rainbow-like sheen called adularescence. It has been revered for centuries, especially in ancient cultures like those in India and Rome, where it was associated with lunar deities.
Properties: Moonstone is believed to enhance intuition, promote inspiration, and bring success and good fortune in love and business matters. It is associated with the crown chakra and is thought to balance emotional states, calm the mind, and encourage inner growth and strength. Moonstone is often connected to lunar energy and feminine qualities, symbolizing new beginnings and cycles.
Hardness: 6 – 6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and Myanmar, though deposits exist worldwide
Opal

Description: Opal is renowned for its unique play-of-color, displaying a spectrum of vibrant hues that shift and change with the light. Found in a variety of colors including white, black, blue, and pink, Opal is cherished for its stunning iridescence and has been used in jewelry and decorative items for centuries. It is particularly treasured in Australia, which is the world’s leading source of high-quality Opal.
Properties: Opal is believed to inspire creativity and imagination, enhancing one’s artistic abilities and bringing out hidden talents. It is also thought to promote emotional balance and healing, helping to alleviate fears and encouraging self-expression. Associated with the crown chakra, Opal is said to strengthen the aura, providing protection and enhancing spiritual awareness.
Hardness: 5.5 – 6 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Australia, but also extracted in Peru, and other parts of South America
Prehnite

Description: Prehnite typically ranges from pale yellow-green to apple green, occasionally with a translucent to transparent appearance. It’s named after its discoverer, Colonel Hendrik von Prehn, and has been used in jewelry and ornamental carvings.
Properties: Prehnite is associated with inner peace, harmony, and personal growth. It is believed to enhance intuition, alleviate stress, and promote spiritual development.
Hardness: 6 – 6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in South Africa, Australia, China, and the United States
Quartz Crystal

Description: Clear Quartz Crystal is transparent with a glassy luster. It has been revered since ancient times for its clarity and energy-amplifying properties. It has been used in various cultures for healing, meditation, and spiritual practices.
Properties: Clear Quartz Crystal is considered a master healer and energy amplifier. It is believed to enhance clarity, focus, and spiritual growth while balancing and aligning the chakras.
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found worldwide, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States
Rhodonite

Description: Rhodonite typically ranges from pink to rose-red with black manganese oxide veins or inclusions. Rhodonite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia and has been used in jewelry and ornamental objects.
Properties: Rhodonite is believed to stimulate love and compassion, enhance emotional healing, and promote forgiveness. It is associated with emotional resilience, self-confidence, and balance.
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Russia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States
Rose Quartz

Description: Rose Quartz ranges from pale pink to rose-red hues. It often has a translucent to transparent appearance with a smooth texture. It has been used since ancient times in jewelry making and decorative carvings.
Properties: Rose Quartz is believed to open the heart chakra, promote love, self-love, and emotional healing. It is associated with harmony, peace, and forgiveness.
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found worldwide, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and South Africa
Ruby Zoisite

Description: Ruby Zoisite is characterized by its vibrant green zoisite matrix with embedded opaque to translucent ruby crystals. It often displays black streaks. It has been only recently discovered in Tanzania.
Properties: Ruby Zoisite is believed to stimulate creativity, enhance vitality, and promote spiritual growth. It combines the passion and courage of ruby with the healing and grounding energies of zoisite.
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Tanzania, although deposits exist in India and Brazil
Sandstone

Varieties: Gold, Blue, Green
Description: Sandstone is a man-made glass with a shimmering effect due to metallic inclusions. It has a glittery, sparkly appearance reminiscent of sand or gold dust. It was first created by alchemists in Venice during the Renaissance period. It’s crafted by adding copper, cobalt or other metal oxides to molten glass, creating its distinctive sparkle.
Properties: Sandstone is believed to be a stone of ambition, courage, and confidence. It is associated with positive energy, vitality, and personal growth.
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Produced mainly in Italy and other parts of the world where glass making traditions are strong
Sunstone

Description: Sunstone ranges from orange to reddish-brown and can also include sparkling metallic reflections (schiller effect) due to hematite or goethite inclusions.
Properties: Sunstone is believed to bring joy, vitality, and abundance. It is associated with personal power, leadership, and creativity, helping to dispel fears and promote optimism.
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in Norway, India, the United States (Oregon), and Tanzania
Tiger's Eye

Varieties: Golden, Red
Description: Tiger’s Eye exhibits a golden or reddish-brown color with a characteristic shimmering effect. It has a smooth texture and may display bands or fibrous patterns.
Properties: Tiger’s Eye is believed to enhance motivation, focus, confidence, and courage. It is associated with stability, passion, and physical vitality, helping to promote balance and resilience.
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found primarily in South Africa, parts of Western Australia, and India
Topaz

Description: Topaz occurs in a range of colors including yellow, golden brown, blue, pink, and colorless. It often forms as prismatic crystals and can be transparent to translucent.
Properties: Topaz is believed to promote clarity of mind, creativity, and confidence. It is associated with enhancing communication skills and promoting harmony in relationships.
Hardness: 8 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the United States
Tourmaline

Varieties: Multicolored, Watermelon
Description: Tourmaline occurs in a variety of colors including black, brown, green, pink, and watermelon (green and pink). It has been used in jewelry and as a talisman for protection and healing in various cultures.
Properties: Tourmaline is believed to have various properties: depending on its color. It is associated with protection, grounding, creativity, and emotional balance. Tourmaline is believed to align the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and harmony.
Hardness: 7-7.5 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Found worldwide, with significant deposits in Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, and the United States
Turquoise

Description: Turquoise is known for its blue to greenish-blue color, often with veining or matrix patterns of brown, black, or gray. It has a long history of use in jewelry and decorative objects, dating back thousands of years in various cultures.
Properties: Turquoise is believed to promote healing, purification, and balance. It is associated with communication, creativity, and spiritual grounding, helping to dispel negative energy and foster positive vibrations.
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Sources: Major deposits exist in the US (especially Arizona and New Mexico), Mexico, Iran, and China
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Hematite
Bloodstone
Crazy lace Agate
Red Jasper
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Rose Quartz
Green Jade
Rhodonite
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Aquamarine
Blue Lace Agate
Clear Quartz
Turquoise Howlite
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Moonstone
Chrysocolla
Fluorite
Pink Opal
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Sunstone
Crazy lace Agate
Golden Tiger’s Eye
Ruby Zoisite
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Amazonite
Moss Agate
Green Jade
Labradorite
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Lapis Lazuli
Pink Tourmaline
Green Aventurine
Chrysocolla
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Malachite
Garnet
Obsidian
Amethyst (Lavender)
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Turquoise
Blue Topaz
Sodalite
Labradorite
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Onyx
Garnet
Hematite
Malachite
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Blue Aventurine
Clear Quartz
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Amethyst (Dog Tooth)
Aquamarine
Moonstone
Fluorite
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The Root Chakra is the foundation of physical and emotional stability, grounding us and providing a sense of security and survival.
Hematite, Lava stone, Bloodstone ,Red Tiger’s Eye, Red Aventurine, Black Line Rhodonite, Garnet (Dark Red), Kambaba Jasper, Landscape Jasper
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The Sacral Chakra is the center of creativity, pleasure, and emotional expression, governing our relationships and passions.
Orange Agate, Sunstone, Crazy lace Agate
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem, influencing our sense of control and identity.
Yellow Jade, Yellow Turquoise, Gold Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Golden Obsidian
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The Heart Chakra is the bridge between the physical and spiritual, fostering love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Green Apatite, Green Jade, Prehnite, Rhodonite, Rhodochrosite, Amazonite, Tree Agate, Rose Quartz, Malachite, Chrysocolla
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The Throat Chakra governs communication and self-expression, enabling us to speak our truth and express our thoughts clearly.
Turquoise, Turquoise Howlite, Blue Aventurine Sodalite Jasper, Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sandstone, Blue Lace Agate
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The Third Eye Chakra is the center of intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness, guiding our inner vision and wisdom.
Amethyst (Lavender and Dog Tooth), Fluorite, Labradorite, Apatite, Iolite
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The Crown Chakra connects us to the divine and universal consciousness, facilitating spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.
Clear Crystal Quartz, Moonstone, Purple Aventurine, Amethyst
Other / Multi-Chakra Associations
Moss Agate: Heart and Root Chakras
Watermelon Tourmaline: Heart and Throat Chakras
Picasso Jasper: Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus Chakras
Mookaite Jasper: Solar Plexus and Root Chakras
Sunstone: Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras
Ruby Zoisite: Heart and Root Chakras
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, as they may damage the surface or alter the color. Store the jewelry separately to prevent scratching. Some of these gemstones may have specific maintenance considerations:
Opals are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and can crack if exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Turquoise is porous and can absorb oils and liquids, affecting its color and durability. It should be protected from chemicals, perfumes, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Malachite is sensitive to acids, including those found in household cleaners and cosmetics. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals.
Amethyst can fade in prolonged exposure to sunlight, so it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Lapis Lazuli is sensitive to acids and should be cleaned gently with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals.
Howlite can absorb oils and should be handled with care to avoid staining.
Sunstone can fade in prolonged exposure to sunlight, so it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Labradorite is sensitive to heat and should be protected from sudden temperature changes to prevent cracks or fractures.
These are general guidelines, and specific care instructions may vary depending on the quality and treatment of the gemstone. It’s always advisable to consult with a jeweler or gemologist for specific care recommendations for each gemstone in your collection.