I'm torn between Aquamarine and Citrine.  They are so different, Aquamarine is so cool and soothing and Citrine is Fiery.  My Grandmother collected gemstones.  She did research about their energies.  I have one of her loose stones, but I'm not sure what it is.  I've attatched a picture of it.

I have alot of notes that my Grandmother left.  And I do research on the net.  The only book that I have right now that has gemstone references is "The Magick of Folk Wisdom.  It's a very interesting read.

I love opal too, but my Maw Maw always told me that they were bad luck to wear if they weren't your birthstone.  It stuck!  Amber is believed to be a healing stone.  I couldn't find anything about black tourmaline.

Love is in the Earth, and then add subtitles

I also have a book titled The Encyclopedia of Superstitions.  It has a very small section on birthstones and their properties.  My Maw Maw believed and I do too, really.  I even have some information about which stones should be worn on which days. 

Okay... let's see
Beryl is most known for harmony in relationships, but can also improve mental agility and give energy.

Bloodstone is lucky for Pisces.

Emeralds symbolize insight.  It is said that you can place an emerald under your tongue and ask a question about your future, then pull a tarot card or cast runes and you will have your answer.

Carnelian is for luck and protection from evil.  When it's engraved, it's for hope.

Garnet, the stone of loyalty, faithfulness, health and charity.  It was used to protect children against nightmares.

Moonstone (one of my favorites) inspires passion and is believed to help as a guidance tool about future decisions when held under the tongue during a full moon

Ruby is for mental and physical health and peacekeeping.  It is most effective when worn on the left side of the body. hmmm...

Sapphire for luck, victory, and faithfullness.

During the 18th century, they used stones to communicate, attatching each with a certain sentiment.
Faith: fire opal, tourmaline, topaz, amethyst
Hope: opal, pearl, emerald, hematite
Charity: cat's eye, amethyst, rose quartz, jade
Luck: beryl, diamond, obsidian, onyx
Forever: onyx, emerald, ruby, opal
Regard: garnet, diamond, rock crystal, amethyst
Long Life: zircon, sapphire
Friendship: pearl, pyrite
Love: opal, lapis, moonstone, emerald
Eternity: alexandrite, emerald

By the way... sorry it took me so long to get back to you, company dropped by.

I have to say that I prefer the precious gemstones.  I love emeralds (even have them in my wedding ring), and someday, when I can afford one, I want a beautiful ruby. 

If I had to choose a semi-precious stone, I'd choose an amyethst.  I LOVE the purple color.  Of course, that looks regal, too! 

~RedRaider

Hi artsycarly.

I just have to say it looks like an alexandrite, it's one of June's birthstones and shows some red and purple colors.

Good luck finding out what it is!

RedRaider,
Does the ring in your avatar picture belong to you? It is gorgeous!!

I'd be lying if I haven't thought of doing the same!! I know for me to truly have a GREAT gemstone would cost money.  Yet to be able to play with color would be fun.  I have been VERY tempted to buy some inexpensive stones, put them in a jar and play with them LOL

i would say i love sapphires...  just because they come in different colors...

I love colored gemstones but sold most of the ones I had to buy diamonds!  I guess diamonds are my true love!

I do want a top notch blue sapphire one day and I went through a phase of being smitten by pink tourmaline and rubellite - still have a couple of pieces.  I can appreciate the beauty in many colored gems - aqua's are like captured pools of carribbean sea water and I would love to own a nice one some day.  *sigh*

Did I like it back then, GL?  I really LOVE it now!  What a pretty pendant!