Types of Gemstone Beads – Detailed Descriptions of the Different Gemstone Beads

Gemstone beads have captivated enthusiasts and collectors for centuries with their unique beauty and metaphysical properties. This guide explores a wide range of gemstone beads, offering detailed descriptions of each type, including their characteristics, uses, and metaphysical properties.

A

Agate

Agate is a variety of chalcedony known for its layered appearance and wide range of colors. It is commonly used in jewelry and is believed to bring harmony and balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (striped or banded)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Harmony, balance, grounding

Amazonite

Amazonite is a blue-green variety of feldspar that is prized for its calming color and smooth texture. It is often used in jewelry and is thought to alleviate stress and promote emotional balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue-green
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, ornamental items
Metaphysical Properties: Stress relief, emotional balance, clarity

Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz known for its rich color and spiritual significance. It is commonly used in jewelry and is believed to aid in spiritual growth and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Purple
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Spiritual growth, clarity, calmness

Ametrine

Ametrine is a unique gemstone that combines the properties of amethyst and citrine. It features a blend of purple and yellow hues and is used in jewelry to promote balance and harmony.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Purple and yellow
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Balance, harmony, personal empowerment

Angelite

Angelite is a light blue stone known for its soothing properties and connection to the angelic realm. It is used in jewelry and meditation to promote peace and communication.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Light blue
Hardness: 3-3.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Peace, communication, spiritual connection

Aquamarine & Morganite

Aquamarine is a blue-green variety of beryl, while morganite is a pink variety. Both are used in fine jewelry and are believed to promote emotional healing and tranquility.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue-green (Aquamarine), Pink (Morganite)
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional healing, tranquility, love

Arfvedsonite

Arfvedsonite is a rare mineral with deep blue to green hues and shimmering inclusions. It is valued in high-end jewelry for its striking appearance and is believed to enhance intuition.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Deep blue to green
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, collector’s stones
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, spiritual growth, clarity

Arusha

Arusha beads are known for their unique appearance and are often used in exotic jewelry designs. They are prized for their distinctive patterns and colors.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Varies
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Unique energies, creativity

B

Biotite

Biotite is a dark-colored mica mineral with a distinctive appearance. It is used in jewelry and is believed to bring balance and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Dark brown to black
Hardness: 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Balance, clarity, grounding

Bronzite

Bronzite is a brown to bronze-colored mineral known for its metallic luster. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote courage and self-confidence.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Brown to bronze
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Courage, self-confidence, grounding

C

Calcite

Calcite is a versatile mineral found in various colors, including clear, white, and orange. It is used in jewelry and is believed to aid in emotional healing and energy cleansing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (clear, white, orange, etc.)
Hardness: 3 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional healing, energy cleansing, clarity

Calligraphy

Calligraphy beads refer to gemstones with unique patterns resembling script or writing. They are appreciated for their artistic appearance and are believed to enhance creativity and self-expression.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Varies
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Creativity, self-expression, inspiration

Carnelian

Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of chalcedony known for its vibrant color and energizing properties. It is often used in jewelry and is believed to boost creativity and motivation.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Reddish-orange
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Creativity, motivation, energy

Chakra

Chakra beads are gemstones associated with the seven chakras of the body. They are used in jewelry to balance and align the energy centers, promoting overall well-being.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Varies (each chakra has its color)
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Balance, energy alignment, healing

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a type of quartz that comes in various colors, including blue, white, and pink. It is used in jewelry for its smooth texture and is believed to promote calmness and tranquility.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (blue, white, pink, etc.)
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, ornamental items
Metaphysical Properties: Calmness, tranquility, emotional healing

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is a blue-green mineral known for its striking color and is used in jewelry for its calming properties. It is believed to promote communication and emotional healing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue-green
Hardness: 2.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Communication, emotional healing, peace

Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a green variety of chalcedony valued for its vibrant color and smooth texture. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote emotional healing and balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, ornamental items
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional healing, balance, calmness

D

Diopside

Diopside is a green gemstone known for its vibrant color and clarity. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote healing and emotional balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green
Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Healing, emotional balance, clarity

Dumortierite

Dumortierite is a blue mineral known for its rich color and is often used in jewelry for its unique appearance. It is believed to enhance mental clarity and focus.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, purple
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Mental clarity, focus, discipline

E

Emerald

Emerald is a precious green gemstone known for its vibrant color and clarity. It is used in high-end jewelry and is believed to bring love and abundance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Love, abundance, renewal

Epidote

Epidote is a green to black mineral known for its enhancing properties. It is used in jewelry and is believed to aid in personal growth and transformation.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green to black
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Personal growth, transformation, enhancement

F

Feldspar

Feldspar is a group of minerals that come in various colors, including pink, green, and blue. It is used in jewelry and is believed to support creativity and emotional balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (pink, green, blue, etc.)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Creativity, emotional balance, insight

Fluorite

Fluorite is a colorful mineral known for its clarity and range of colors. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance mental clarity and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (purple, green, blue, etc.)
Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Mental clarity, protection, healing

Fuchsite

Fuchsite is a green variety of muscovite mica with sparkling inclusions. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote healing and personal growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green
Hardness: 2-3 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Healing, personal growth, rejuvenation

G

Garnet

Garnet is a group of minerals that come in a variety of colors, including red, green, and orange. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide energy and vitality.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (red, green, orange, etc.)
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Energy, vitality, protection

Glacier

Glacier beads are known for their unique icy appearance and are often used in jewelry designs that evoke a cold, pristine aesthetic.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, white
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Purity, calmness, tranquility

Grape

Grape beads feature a deep purple color resembling grapes. They are used in jewelry and are believed to aid in emotional healing and personal empowerment.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Deep purple
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional healing, empowerment, creativity

H

Hawk's Eye

Haw's Eye is a variation of tiger's eye with a distinctive blue-gray color. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide insight and enhance intuition.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue-gray
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Insight, intuition, protection

Hematite

Hematite is a metallic gray to black mineral known for its reflective surface. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide grounding and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Metallic gray to black
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Grounding, protection, stability

Howlite

Howlite is a white mineral with gray veining that resembles marble. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote calmness and reduce stress.

Key Characteristics:

Color: White with gray veining
Hardness: 3.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Calmness, stress relief, patience

Hyperstene

Hyperstene is a dark, metallic mineral known for its iridescent sheen. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual insight.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Dark brown to black with iridescence
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, collector’s stones
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, spiritual insight, grounding

I

Iron

Iron beads are valued for their metallic luster and durability. They are used in jewelry and are believed to provide strength and stability.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Metallic gray
Hardness: 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Strength, stability, grounding

Iolite

Iolite is a blue to violet gemstone known for its pleochroic properties, showing different colors from different angles. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance intuition and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue to violet
Hardness: 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, clarity, insight

Jet

Jet is a black, lignite material used in jewelry for its sleek appearance and smooth texture. It is believed to provide protection and aid in emotional healing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Black
Hardness: 2.5-4 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Protection, emotional healing, grounding

J

Jade

Jade is a precious stone available in various colors, including green, white, and lavender. It is highly valued in jewelry and is believed to bring harmony and luck.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green, white, lavender, etc.
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, ornamental items
Metaphysical Properties: Harmony, luck, protection

Jasper

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony that comes in various colors and patterns. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide stability and grounding.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (red, brown, green, etc.)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Stability, grounding, protection

K

K2

K2 is a rare gemstone found in the K2 Mountains, featuring a blue azurite inclusion in white granite. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote spiritual insight and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: White with blue azurite
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Spiritual insight, clarity, grounding

Kashgar

Kashgar beads are known for their distinctive patterns and are often used in unique jewelry designs. They are prized for their exotic appearance and energy.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Varies
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Unique energies, creativity, inspiration

Kyanite

Kyanite is a blue to green mineral known for its unique crystal structure and color. It is used in jewelry and is believed to align energy and promote tranquility.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, green
Hardness: 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Energy alignment, tranquility, mental clarity

L

Labradorite

Labradorite is known for its striking iridescence and play of colors. It is used in high-quality jewelry and is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Gray, blue, green with iridescence
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, spiritual growth, transformation

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue gemstone often flecked with gold pyrite. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance wisdom and intuition.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Deep blue with gold flecks
Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, ornamental items
Metaphysical Properties: Wisdom, intuition, truth

Larimar

Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite found in the Dominican Republic. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote relaxation and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue
Hardness: 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Relaxation, clarity, emotional healing

Larvikite

Larvikite is a dark, speckled mineral known for its unique appearance and iridescence. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide grounding and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Dark gray with iridescence
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Grounding, protection, stability

Lodalite

Lodalite, also known as garden quartz, is a type of quartz with inclusions that resemble gardens or landscapes. It is used in jewelry and is believed to aid in meditation and spiritual growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Clear with inclusions
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Meditation, spiritual growth, insight

Lava

Lava beads are formed from volcanic lava and are known for their porous texture. They are used in jewelry and are believed to provide strength and grounding.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Black, brown
Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Strength, grounding, transformation

M

Mookaite

Mookaite is an Australian jasper known for its vibrant colors and patterns. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide versatility and strength.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (red, yellow, brown)
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Versatility, strength, vitality

Moonstone

Moonstone is a gemstone known for its milky appearance and adularescence. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance intuition and emotional balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Milky white, blue, peach
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, emotional balance, new beginnings

Moss Agate

Moss Agate is a variety of chalcedony with green inclusions resembling moss. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide growth and healing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green with inclusions
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Growth, healing, abundance

Morganite

Morganite is a pink to peach variety of beryl often used in fine jewelry. It is believed to promote love and compassion.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Pink, peach
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Love, compassion, emotional healing

N

Natural Citrine

Natural Citrine is a golden variety of quartz known for its bright color. It is used in jewelry and is believed to bring abundance and positivity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Golden yellow
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Abundance, positivity, manifestation

Obsidian

Obsidian is a volcanic glass known for its smooth, reflective surface. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide protection and grounding.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Black, brown
Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Protection, grounding, transformation

O

Onyx

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony known for its striking black color and smooth texture. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide strength and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Black, white, various colors
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Strength, protection, grounding

Opal

Opal is a gemstone known for its play of colors and iridescence. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance creativity and emotional healing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (white, black, fire, etc.)
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Creativity, emotional healing, inspiration

Opalite

Opalite is a man-made glass that resembles opal and is used in jewelry for its iridescent sheen. It is believed to provide calmness and balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Iridescent, milky
Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Calmness, balance, healing

P

Petrified Wood

Petrified Wood is fossilized wood that has turned into stone. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide grounding and stability.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (brown, gray, red)
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Grounding, stability, transformation

Peridot

Peridot is a green gemstone known for its vibrant color and clarity. It is used in jewelry and is believed to bring abundance and renewal.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Abundance, renewal, protection

Phoenix

Phoenix beads are known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns, symbolizing rebirth and transformation.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Rebirth, transformation, renewal

Pietersite

Pietersite is a gemstone known for its swirling patterns and intense colors. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide clarity and spiritual insight.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (blue, brown, gold)
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Clarity, spiritual insight, transformation

Prehnite

Prehnite is a green to yellow mineral known for its translucent appearance. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance intuition and inner peace.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green, yellow
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Intuition, inner peace, healing

R

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a pink to red mineral often marked with black manganese. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote emotional healing and balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Pink to red with black
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional healing, balance, compassion

Ruby

Ruby is a red variety of corundum known for its vibrant color and hardness. It is used in fine jewelry and is believed to provide passion and energy.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Red
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Passion, energy, protection

Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated Quartz is a type of quartz with needle-like inclusions of rutile. It is used in jewelry and is believed to enhance clarity and spiritual growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Clear with golden, silver, or reddish needles
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Clarity, spiritual growth, energy

River Rock

River Rock beads are smooth, rounded stones found in riverbeds. They are used in jewelry and are believed to provide grounding and connection to nature.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (gray, brown, white)
Hardness: Varies
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Grounding, nature connection, stability

S

Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its rich blue color, though it can come in other colors as well. It is used in fine jewelry and is believed to provide wisdom and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, pink, yellow, various
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Wisdom, protection, clarity

Sandstone

Sandstone beads are natural stones with a sandy texture. They are used in jewelry and are believed to provide grounding and stability.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (red, brown, beige)
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Grounding, stability, creativity

Seraphinite

Seraphinite is a green mineral known for its feather-like patterns. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote healing and spiritual growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green with feather-like patterns
Hardness: 2-3 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Healing, spiritual growth, transformation

Serpentine

Serpentine is a green mineral often used in jewelry and carvings. It is believed to aid in meditation and promote healing.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Green, yellow
Hardness: 3-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Meditation, healing, transformation

Snowflake Obsidian

Snowflake Obsidian is a type of obsidian with white or gray snowflake-like inclusions. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide protection and clarity.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Black with white snowflake patterns
Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, healing crystals
Metaphysical Properties: Protection, clarity, grounding

T

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is a golden-brown gemstone known for its chatoyancy, or cat's eye effect. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide courage and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Golden brown with chatoyant bands
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Courage, protection, balance

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone that comes in various colors, with blue and yellow being the most popular. It is used in fine jewelry and is believed to provide clarity and strength.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, yellow, pink, various
Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Clarity, strength, joy

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide protection and balance.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Various (pink, green, blue, etc.)
Hardness: 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Protection, balance, energy

Turquoise

Turquoise is a blue to green mineral known for its opaque color and smooth texture. It is used in jewelry and is believed to provide healing and protection.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Blue, green
Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Healing, protection, communication

U

Unakite

Unakite is a type of granite with pink and green mineral inclusions. It is used in jewelry and is believed to promote emotional balance and growth.

Key Characteristics:

Color: Pink and green
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Uses: Jewelry, decorative items
Metaphysical Properties: Emotional balance, growth, healing