A comprehensive guide to the origin, history, properties, and lore of over 100 gemstones. Contains information about crystal healing (including a healing guide), chakras, and metaphysical properties. This book has plenty of useful information, as well as interesting trivia and little-known facts about gems. A good quick guide for the casual reader who desires to learn more about an assortment of rocks, minerals, and gems. Written by a former geology student who now runs a gem store.

A guide to the identification, structure, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates, and crystals.

To access the power of crystals, you must know their stories. Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths presents these fascinating histories and legends of the world's crystals. Crystals, gems, and semi-precious stones have long been sought for their beauty, power, and utility. Historically used as adornments, currency, talismans, and amulets, crystals have been reputed through the ages to bestow magic and power on the user. However, in order to fully harness each stone’s unique power, one must know the unique legends and lore attached to it. Every stone has a narrative or key that unlocks its power. Oftentimes, these legends have been lost—or even deliberately altered—to confuse and obscure. In Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths, leading crystal expert and metaphysical teacher Athena Perrakis presents the fascinating history of the world’s most powerful stones. This comprehensive collection of stones presents to you the legends and relics from different cultures and ancient civilizations, including Lemuria, Sumeria, Egypt and Atlantis, among others. Learn the fascinating stories of how gems and minerals were used to raise power, store wisdom and secret teachings, and give incredible healing—and tap into the powers of the crystals yourself!

"The magic held me in its grip from the very first page. What a mysterious, sexy, and startling world Steiber has created. This book passed my ultimate test-- "I didn't want it to end!""--R.L. Stine "Gods, shapeshifting tricksters and mortal lovers form the intersecting facets of Ellen Steiber's "A Rumor of Gems "in a contemporary setting at once strange and familiar. Fans of urban fantasy -- and gem lovers everywhere--will enjoy it!"--Jacqueline Carey "Steiber's prose is as multi-faceted, dazzling, and flawless as any gem."--Holly Black "City and mountains, shapeshifters and fashion designers, the god of Love and the god of Thieves, intrigue and supernatural danger," A Rumor of Gems" has them all--plus characters you really want to spend time with. A sophisticated and sensual treat."--Delia Sherman "A compelling and original novel full of subtle and sometimes erotic magic. Alasdair and Lucinda are the real gems here, and the city of Arcato itself places Ellen Steiber in the company of authors such as M. John Harrison, whose richly imagined cities prove endlessly intriguing."--Gregory Frost "Steiber's knowledge of gemstone lore makes for a rich and unusual fantasy background. I hope to see more of the city of Arcato!"-- Emma Bull "The city of Arcato holds masks and shape-shifters, tricksters and true love, gods and dragons, and a glittering hoard of amethysts and topaz, rubies and moonstones. Steiber weaves her spell with all this and more, to create a beautiful, dazzling, magical novel."--Lisa Goldstein

Discusses the properties, history, lore, and sources of gems and crystals in the collection of the American Museum of Natural History.

Published in association with North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California.