The Symbolism and Meaning Behind Different Gemstones

by Rebecca Zink August 21, 2024

two gemstone necklaces that sit on a woman's neckline - amethyst and peach druzy necklaces

Gemstone jewelry is often steeped in significance. From ancient times to today in cultures around the world, precious and semi-precious gemstones of every hue are believed to carry special symbolism, energies, and even healing properties.

Gemstones are a fascinating study, and I love creating one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry that is truly alluring and imbued with symbolism. Keep reading as I discuss gemstone meanings and the legends tied to some of the world’s most treasured jewels.

What is a Gem?

A gem is a naturally occurring material desirable for its beauty, rarity, and durability.

Gemstones are a product of the earth. Stones like diamonds and zircon were formed deep in the earth. They were brought to the surface by explosions of molten rock.

Other stones, like topaz, tourmaline, and aquamarine, crystallized slowly far below the surface of the earth from hot fluids and gasses as they cooled and solidified.

Stones like garnet and jade formed when rocks were heated and pressured by earth movements, and recombined to form new, different minerals.

Types of Gemstones

Raw or Rough: When found, gems are rather ordinary-looking (unlike cut gemstones). Gemstones can be bought as raw, untouched chunks of stone that are not polished or cut. There is a belief that when a gemstone is in its natural state, you can connect to its energy on a deeper level.
Points or Towers: Have you ever seen a collection of healing crystals? These sleek towers of semi-precious gemstones are believed to have incredible healing properties, and the pointed end is essential for transmitting energy.
Clusters and Geodes: Some gemstone types — especially types of quartz, like citrine or amethyst — are originally in sparkling clusters. It is believed that gemstone clusters radiate powerful calming and purifying effects on the room they’re placed in.
Slices: Stones with marvelous marbled cross sections and patterns, like agate, are often found in polished slices so the inner beauty of the stone can be fully displayed.
Polished or Cut: To fully showcase a gemstone’s clarity and brilliance, it will be cut into facets that allow it to refract light and show off depths of color. When creating gemstone jewelry, this is the most common form for gemstones being used for fine jewelry.

Gemstone Jewelry By Color

Did you know diamonds come in every color of the rainbow? And did you know sapphires come in every color except red?

Since color has a major impact on the beauty and popularity of a gemstone, it’s important to know that most gemstones can actually be found in a variety of hues. If you desire a specific colored gemstone jewelry, take a look at what color category some of the most popular gemstones fall under:

Red gemstones: Ruby, red diamond, garnet, rubellite or red tourmaline, and carnelian.
Orange gemstones: Amber, orange sapphire, orange diamond, agate, and sunstone.
Yellow gemstones: Citrine, yellow diamond, yellow garnet, yellow sapphire, yellow topaz, yellow tourmaline, and amber.
Green gemstones: Emerald, jade, peridot, malachite, green tsavorite garnets, green agate, and green bloodstone.
Blue gemstones: Sapphire, blue topaz, blue diamond, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, and blue tourmaline.
Purple gemstones: Amethyst, purple diamonds, purple garnet, purple jade, purple sapphire, purple tourmaline, spinel, and tanzanite.
Pink gemstones: Morganite, rose quartz, pink diamond, pink sapphire, pink tourmaline, pink garnet, kunzite, and pink topaz.
Peach gemstones: Morganite, peach sapphire, peach diamond.
White gemstones: Diamond, white jade, moonstone, opal, pearl, moissanite, white quartz, white sapphire, white tourmaline, and zircon.
Gray gemstones: Tahitian pearl, gray tourmaline, gray sapphire, and gray diamond.
Brown gemstones: Brown jade, amber, tiger’s eye, brown tourmaline, citrine, smoky quartz, and brown diamond.
Black gemstones: Obsidian, onyx, black opal, black pearl, black sapphire, black tourmaline, and black diamond.

What are the Gemstones for Each Month?

Each month has a designated gemstone called “birthstones”. Many women (and even men) are partial to wearing jewelry with their birth month’s gemstone. And jewelry made with the birthstones of kids — such as gemstone rings, earrings, and necklaces — make great gifts for moms and grandmoms. Let’s take a look at each month’s birthstone.

January = Garnet
February = Amethyst
March = Aquamarine
April = Diamond
May = Emerald
June = Pearl or Alexandrite
July = Ruby
August = Peridot
September = Sapphire
October = Opal or Tourmaline
November = Yellow Topaz or Citrine
December = Blue Topaz or Blue Zircon

Gemstone Symbolism

Woman wearing pierced circle earrings featuring garnet red gemstones

Throughout history, ancient cultures attributed special symbolism and strength to specific gems and crystals. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all believed specific gems could provide unique powers for a wide range of needs.

Many gems and crystals were considered to be amulets of protection, good luck, or even direct treatments for specific ailments. It was believed that the colors and unique properties of gemstones and crystals were connected to healing properties.

Greek mythology frequently refers to gemstones, and many gemstones have been discovered in the tombs of Chinese rulers.
Gemstones were frequently worn and carried by ancient Egyptians as amulets and charms.
Many societies in the Middle Ages would prescribe specific gems — such as rubies, emeralds or citrine — to treat conditions like bleeding, eye problems, or jaundice.
Gemstones were used extensively in ceremonies and initiations by the Native Americans, the Mayans, and Aztecs.
Today, while gemstones are most commonly revered for their beauty and symbolism, many still believe that when set in jewelry (where the stones are worn close to the body), the healing and protection properties of gemstones increase.
Many gemstones are also associated with zodiac signs or birth months and hold great meaning in this aspect alone.

Gemstone Symbolism for Love, Luck & Healing

Pink rose quartz is considered the classic stone of love. It’s believed to open the heart to love and draw romance into your life by putting you in the right state of mind to receive love.

Golden hued (yellow and amber) citrine is the gemstone for luck. The colors of citrine have been associated with health, energy, good energy, and reversing bad luck/bringing in good luck. Citrine is sometimes called the “lucky merchant’s stone” because it is believed to bring prosperity, wealth, and protection.

There are a multitude of gemstones that are associated with healing and protection in some way. Some examples include:

Amethyst — one of the most popular gemstones used for healing — is believed to help those who suffer from insomnia, pain, arthritis, circulatory issues, and more.
Aquamarines are thought to aid the nerves, liver, stomach, teeth, eyes, throat, and ears.
Jade has been used for centuries in healing meditative and massage practices.
Turquoise is likewise considered a powerful healing and balancing stone.

Gemstone Meanings

Just as each person is unique, each gemstone has its own specific meaning and particular history.

Below is a list of some of the most popular gemstone meanings and what makes them extraordinary:

Agate. Agate is believed to give those who wear it a bold heart and has the power to increase fidelity in marriage and love. It is also said that Roman farmers once carried talismanic agates in the hope that the heavens would grant them bountiful harvests.
Amazonite. Amazonite is often referred to as the stone of courage or the stone of truth, and it is believed that this gemstone empowers one to discover their own truths and integrity, and to move beyond fear of judgment or confrontation. Looking for a beautiful blue gemstone necklace? Take a look at this light blue amazonite necklace.
Amethyst. Amethyst provides inner peace and a clear head, enhancing perception while protecting against evil thoughts. This gemstone is also a symbol of courage, and is known to strengthen bonds in relationships. Amethyst should be worn to attract love and open the heart. If you love amethyst, take a look at this rose-cut amethyst gemstone necklace.
Aquamarine. Aquamarine means “water of the sea.” This cool and refreshing gemstone promotes good health and vitality, providing mental rejuvenation and is thought to wash away negative energy.
Citrine. Citrine is said to hold the power of awakening the soul with its bright energy by stimulating creativity and determination — transforming dreams into tangible realities.
Diamond. The diamond is the “king of all gemstones.” In lore, diamonds are said to be indestructible. This can provide the wearer with inner strength to face life’s challenges. Diamonds are also a symbol of eternal love, and are believed to bring wearers abundance, clarity, and balance. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind diamond jewelry, take a look at these black diamond shapes earrings, silver long line earrings, steel long line earrings, and this black diamond silver shapes necklace.
Emerald. Emerald represents patience and growth in new life, and this gemstone is believed to grant the wearer good fortune and happiness. The emeralds are also known as the stone of growth, which embodies rebirth and fertility.
Garnet. Garnet is a beloved red gemstone and has long been associated with clergy, nobility, increasing will-power, and aiding in soothing nervousness. It is believed that the garnet stone pushes you to challenge adversity by providing directional guidance and is one of the oldest stones to be used for spiritual protection throughout time. Do you love red gemstones? Browse our collection of garnet gemstone jewelry
Pearl. Pearls are seen as the oldest precious gems, and they’re known for their shimmering color and delicate beauty. Pearls are largely associated with innocence and purity. Take a look at these beautiful and unique pearl necklaces: vertical biwa pearl necklace, horizontal biwa pearl necklace, and the biwa pearl circle cluster necklace.
Peridot. Peridot is the stone of abundance. As the birthstone of August, it is said that the peridot stone borrows the light and heat of its summer month to bring inner warmth to its wearer. This stone symbolizes prosperity and fullness in all areas of one’s life. Take a look at this beautiful rose-cut peridot gemstone necklace.
Rose Quartz. Rose quartz is a very popular healing crystal that is believed to give off powerful vibrations of love. Rose quartz stones are often used to support emotional and relationship health because it is believed to make the user more open and available to receive love in their life.
Ruby. The ruby is the stone of nobility and is associated with prosperity and passion. It is believed that rubies awaken leadership, strengthen decision-making, and inspire integrity.
Sapphire. Sapphire is said to evoke kindness and prudence. As the stone of spirituality and devotion, the sapphire is known for bringing spiritual insight, peace, and fulfillment to one’s life.
Tanzanite. The calm and soothing hues of tanzanite is said to unlock kinder sensibilities and higher consciousness. This stone is supposed to encourage perception and intuition. There are some who believe that tanzanite can also help detoxify the body and improve physical energy.
Topaz. Early gemstone cutters said that topaz was a stone capable of protecting against disease and untimely deaths. It is also believed that topaz can strengthen the intellect. Incredibly, topaz is also said to be able to cool boiling water, become invisible in the presence of poison, and create its own light.
Tourmaline. This gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors and is considered a grounding and protective gemstone. Tourmaline is also believed to be a stone of reconciliation and is said to help heal broken hearts and mend friendships and other relationships. Take a look at these one-of-a-kind sterling silver tourmaline earrings.
Turquoise. Turquoise is one of the oldest stones. As far back as ancient times, people have believed turquoise to hold special powers — like protection and warding off the “evil eye” (other people’s ill will). It is believed that turquoise can help one receive higher guidance and live with more joy and happiness.
Zircon. Folklore says that zircon is a gemstone that can relieve pain, protect travelers, and prevent nightmares. In fact, in the Middle Ages, this gemstone was said to bring on sound sleep, drive away evil spirits, and promote riches, honor, and wisdom.

The Perfect Gemstone Jewelry for You

It’s said that we’re naturally attracted to gemstones with the qualities we subconsciously want more of in our lives. Whether you truly believe that or not, there’s no denying that we’re attracted to specific colors and the beauty that some gemstones exude.

I hope one of the pieces showcased here is a good match for you. Be sure to check out the entire Zink Metals product gallery and see if there is a hidden gem or piece of jewelry that speaks to you.