Aquamarine, labradorite, garnet, selenite: meanings of the stones
Briefly: Aquamarine is a gemstone the color of seawater, associated with tranquility. Labradorite is gray but flashes blue (this phenomenon is called labradorescence). Garnet is deep red, a symbol of energy. Selenite is a soft "moon" mineral, named after the moon goddess Selena. All four live in Sierra jewelry.
Aquamarine
This is a variety of beryl, the same mineral as emerald, only blue. Its color evokes all marine associations, so aquamarine is traditionally considered a stone of calm and a clear mind. It is quite hard (7.5–8 on the Mohs scale), suitable for daily wear without fear. We feature it in our Ocean Muse collection, particularly in the AQUA MUSE necklace.
Labradorite
It appears as a gray stone until you turn it to the light. Then, a blue or greenish-blue shimmer flashes within. This is labradorescence, an optical effect due to its layered structure. Labradorite is known as a stone of protection and intuition. Its hardness is medium (6–6.5), so it should be protected from impacts. See the Tide Whisper with Indian labradorite.
Garnet
A deep wine-red stone, actually a whole group of minerals with a similar composition. It has always been associated with energy, warmth, and feminine power. Hardness is 6.5–7.5. Our Stellar Minor RED features garnet.
Selenite
The most delicate of the quartet. It is a variety of gypsum with a soft, pearly luster, named after Selena, the Greek goddess of the moon. It is attributed with cleansing and calmness. However, there's an important care nuance: selenite is very soft (hardness around 2) and fears water, so it should not be wet. It is found in Moonlight Touch.
| Stone | What it is | Color | Traditional meaning | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | beryl | blue, sea-like | calm, clarity | 7.5–8 |
| Labradorite | feldspar | gray with blue shimmer | protection, intuition | 6–6.5 |
| Garnet | group of minerals | deep red | energy, passion | 6.5–7.5 |
| Selenite | variety of gypsum | white, pearlescent | light, cleansing | around 2 (very soft) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stone is the most delicate to care for?
Selenite. It should not be wet and needs protection from impacts. The other three can withstand daily wear.
Are these natural stones?
Yes, the stones in the mentioned jewelry are natural.
Is the meaning of a stone a fact or symbolism?
Symbolism. Color, hardness, and structure are facts, while "meaning" comes from tradition, and everyone interprets it in their own way.
Sea stones – in Ocean Muse, moonstones – in Moon Muse.
Also read: Aquamarine: what kind of stone it is and why it is chosen for silver jewelry · Labradorite: what kind of stone it is and why it shimmers · Conscious choice of jewelry: why we choose natural
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