THE DIAMOND (ADAMANT, ELFSTONE)
Names. The Diamond is also referred to as Diamant, Diamante, Adamant, Adamantine, Starstone, Elfstone, Mí'leryór (Styrásh, lit. "clear sparking gem") and Korimaril (ThergerimTaal).

Description. Hardest of the Mainstones, this clear, sparkling jewel is highly prized. Though the best stones are more pure than the best glass or Mithral spring water, they still contain refractions of colour and fire that make them one of the most spectacular stones on Caelereth. Diamond is associated with the Windlord Grothar, and is said to bestow clarity of perception upon the wearer.

Though not as indestructible as uruyant, Diamond has the more useful property of ‘cleft line’, meaning that it can be cloven along natural divisions in the rock, and thus cut as a jewel and used in a variety of applications and settings. It is often cut in a unique spherical beveled style that allows light to reflect fully from a multitude of facets. Found in quantity around the volcanic mountains of Ximax and the southern deserts, it is usually worn by judges, royalty, and high-level wizards, and is particularly favoured by the elves.
 

THE AMETHYST (WINESTONE, DRUNKARD'S BANE)
Names. The Amethyst gem is also referred to as Amythyst, Aemythyst, Winestone, Drunkard’s Bane, Vála'miés (Styrásh, lit. "wine gem") and Dasthomm (ThergerimTaal).

Description. The usual rich purple of this lovely gem can range from pale allia to dark wine, and it can be cut in a number of styles to show off its depth of colour, or left in its natural six-sided crystal if particularly well-shaped. It is considered sacred to Armeros as it offers protection against clumsiness and prevents drunkenness. Preferred by warleaders, nobles, armsmasters, and as such has also come to be associated with authority and dexterity. As well, slim amethyst rings have found favour with composers and musicians who find their fingers more supple. King Whenston the Slightly Crazed (1332 a.S.-1335 a.S.) was responsible for a huge rise (and subsequent sinking) in the Amethyst’s popularity when he decreed purple to be the colour of nobility, reserved for those of high blood, and redid his entire throneroom in cut-amethyst mosaics…
 

THE AQUAMARINE (SEASTONE, BAVSEYE)
Names. The Aquamarine is also known as Aquarine, Aquene, Seastone, Bavseye, Gálno'már (Styrásh term, lit. "water stone") or Ysaril (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Clear and refreshing to the eyes, Aquamarine’s light blue-green hue is eponymous; that is, the stone has given its name to the colour. The stone is beloved of Baveras, who is sometimes portrayed as decking her bosom and flowing hair with these ‘seastones’, braided in with pearls and nacre. Usually set in silver to enhance its cool sparkle, Aquamarine is believed to give safety on the water and renewal of flagging spirits. Sailors, those who are melancholic, riverfolk, and students often wear this inexpensive gem as an ‘amulet’ to benefit from its attunuances of protection and refreshment.
 

THE SAPPHIRE (JUDGESTONE)
Names. The Sapphire is also commonly known as Saffire, Judgestone, Mí'yphór (Styrásh term, lit. "blue sparking gem") or Anurilos (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Sapphire may vary in colour but is generally seen as a rich blue. Its aura is considered to enhance honesty in judgement, cleansing from spiritual burdens, renewal of vows. Sacred to Seyella, it is worn by clerics and priests of her Order, leaders, troubled folk, and spouses who wish to signify devotion to each other. The current Voice of Seyella often wears a delicate blue-iron torc set with tiny faceted Sapphires which sparkle like the eyes she no longer requires to ‘see’.

It is also a common 'brought-to-bed' or 'babegift', bestowed by a man on his wife after the delivery of their first child. In New-Santhala the women of the well-to-do often request a small Sapphire pendant for each child they have had and add the stone onto a 'bragging bracelet' - a gold setting for a boy, a silver setting for a girl.
 

THE PERIDOT (LEAFSTONE, STAGSGEM)
Names. The Peridot is also referred to as Peridon, Peregrine, Leafstone, Stagsgem Mí’querín (Styrásh term, lit. "leaf gem"), or Gnasthom (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Like new spring foliage, Peridot boasts a pale leaf-green shade with hints of yellow and gold toning through it. Dedicated to Arvins the Forestlord, quite naturally it is held to bestow stealth, speed, and sharp sight. Equally naturally it has become a favourite of rangers, thieves, and archers. Also a favourite of the elvenfolk, though it is considered less valuable by humans, Peridot is often seen set in roughly-textured, sinuous bronze. The stone is often used in a round facet-cut to represent hawks’ and cats’eyes in brooches, or is cut in curving incised ovals to simulate leaves and buds.

“The cár’áll’thu’lí (untranslatable: possibly ‘colour aura’, may equate to ‘attunuance’) of the Leafstone sings greenly in our bones…”
-- Logárul Yíláelán, Aellenrhim elf of the Thaelon Forest
 

THE EMERALD (TEMPLESTONE, TREEHEART)
Names. The Emerald's other often used names are Emerauld, Emeraude, Catston, Templestone, Treeheart, Mi’rhén (Styrásh term, lit. "green spark") and Sognasthos (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. The rich green of the goddess Jeyriall’s laughing eyes, Emerald assists growth, fruitfulness, and increase. Popular with wealthy farmers, new businessfolk, and pregnant women, it is often cut in a square shape known as a ‘templecut’, with four even sides and a stepped plateau which displays the depth of the Emerald’s colour. “Jeyriall Girdles” formed of spun lambs’wool and dainty brass chains set with emeraude chips, are made, consecrated, and offered for sale by Jeyriallene clerics; the girdle is worn over the distended belly of the mother to confer blessings and benefits on the unborn child, and to assist in a safe confinement and delivery.

These same expectant mothers must beware, however, of unscrupulous apothecaries who concoct “Emeraudite Ointment” or “Templewine Potion” - said to consist of tarep bile, dried jeshanna bulb, and powdered Emeralds, among other ingredients. We should note here that we do not recommend crystals ever to be taken internally, as reputable sages and mages believe that the greatest benefit derives from the way in which the carefully-faceted stone absorbs light and gives off cár’áll or an equivalent energy, rather in the same way as the Twelve radiate their blessings towards us.

Again, the stone is favoured by elves, who name it ‘Treeheart’ and set leaf-shaped segments in tendrils of bronze to create marvelous torques, neckpieces, coronets, and bracelets.
 

THE RUBY (HEARTSTONE, GEM OF LOVE)
Names. The Ruby is also referred to as Rhubi, Heartstone or Artstone, Gem of Love, Daí’miés (Styrásh term, lit. "red spark") or Oontrom (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. The ‘Stone of Passion’, as it is commonly known, is more correctly associated with beauty, either the appreciation or the enhancement thereof. The Ruby focuses and stimulates all the senses, as its dedication to Etherus should remind us. Though it is believed to be an aphrodisiac, buyers should beware of purchasing anything but the cut stone itself; again, ointments, potions, and other apothecarian wares should be avoided. This richly red stone, with crimson fire at its heart, is often worn by or gifted to bards, lovely women, nobles, and artists.

Note that it is not to be confused with rubite, which is an artificially-produced gem resembling a red pearl! Rubies are usually contrasted with gold or aurium to bring out their warmth, but silver and mithril settings can be very effective, and recent experiments with the pink tones of fyrite have sold well in Marcogg and New-Santhala. There are a number of famous jewels which contain Rubies as their main gem, from the well-known ‘Rhubi Tiara’ of Queen Maratheri to the cursed ‘Emperor’s Heartstone of Krath’. Closer to home, the Sage’s Medallion of Office which was bestowed upon our own beloved Artimidor Federkiel is set with two Rubies: a small one forming a Narfost oracau’s eye, and a larger grasped by two rampant oracau below.
 

THE CARNELION (LIONSTONE, FIREGEM)
Names. The Carnelion's other names are Carnelian, Cornelian, Lionstone, Firegem, Cár'reoll'nós (Styrásh term, lit. "heart stone") or Elgaril (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Characterized by its reddish-orange hue shot with darker striations, the Carnelion resembles a solidified candle flame, a burning nugget - truly a firegem, as it glows like a coal in any available light. This stone is dedicated to Urtengor and bestows physical stamina, lends protection from fire, and repels demons. It is best worn by adolescents, smiths, mages, and builders.

Despite their disregard for human conventions, this stone is a favourite of the dwarves – in fact, the Masterbard Judith, Dwarvenfriend and author of a good many Compendium entries on the Thergerim, argues convincingly that we took our association of the Carnelion with Urtengor from them, and not the other way around. However, the Tharian name is clearly derived from the elvish “Cár'reoll'nós”, meaning ‘Heartstone’ - truly an ecumenical gem which has found favour Caelereth-wide.

The Thergerim love this stone for its fiery heart and rich flame colour, and use it with gold, bronze, red iron, and sunset fyrite. Dwarven babes are often given Carnelion soothers, lozenge-shaped and pierced at one end for a leather cord, to suckle and gum upon - and seeing the placid and goodnatured results, the custom might be worth adopting for our own human infants!
 

THE TOPAZ (SUNSTONE, SINGERSTONE)
Names. The Topaz is also referred to as Topaz, Topazum, Sunstone, Singerstone, Báian’efér (Styrásh term, lit. "golden fire") or Urmarilion (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. A lovely yellow hue that ranges from the brightness of a sunspark through rich golds to a deep umber, the Topaz lends its ability to cheer and warm upon sight alone. It is the stone of Foiros, and along with good spirits and encouragement, it is held to bestow wealth and foster harmony - in both the spiritual and musical sense! Oddly enough for such a bountiful stone, it is considered a ‘common’ gem and often overlooked by the nobility in their jewel choices, possibly because its benefits are mostly enjoyed by merchants, monks, publicans, and entertainers. It is the nobility’s loss, as indeed the Topaz is most effectual in lifting spirits and fostering smiles!

The popular courtly dancer “Topazulena” - who trained at Gerissa’s school ‘Grace of the Glitra’, and is still mourned by some of our older generation - made it not only her performance name but also her signature stone. The effect of a multitude of Topaz chips sparkling around her slimly muscular body, over layers of translucent amber shendarsilk, combined with a mass of malise-honey hair, was quite striking, and certainly did its part to foster the popularity of the Topaz in the dancer’s day...
 

THE GARNET (BLOODGEM, GUARDSTONE)
Names. The Garnet is also referred to as Garnot, Bloodgem, Guardstone, Phár'mar'nós (Styrásh term, lit. "bloodstone") or Hotron (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. The unique hue of the Garnet makes the alternate name of ‘Bloodgem’ a more accurate description than of the Ruby to which it is more often compared. It ranges from a mellow brown-red to a deep purple-red, a shade named by artists as 'Tirpanblood' . In fact, in at least eight of the tongues of Caelereth the Garnet’s name contains the element for ‘blood’, so the resemblance is of long-standing note. This gem is considered sacred to Queprur, and believed to ward against illness and prevent infection. Despite its somewhat dark associations, it is an affordable gem held to have great power to fend off affliction and thus is often worn by infants, the sick, travellers, and rank-and-file soldiers.

Thomas Hielunder, (a Helcrani warrior writing during the First Sarvonian War) in his now-fragmentary War Journal, records this conversation between two mercenaries:

“Why d’ye wear the garnet as your badge?”
“ Well, ye know t’is the sign of Queprur. Our lord calls it the Guardstone, said it’d keep the privyplague and the thewshake away from camp.”
“D’ye not fear to call the notice of the Deathgoddess?”
“Nay, for she sees the stone as a drop o’ blood that each of us have already shed for her.”
 

THE TURQUOISE (PEACESTONE, SILFFINSPIT)
Names. The Turquoise's other common names are Terkoise, Turquaze, Peacestone, Galavásh (Styrásh term, lit. "stone of the air") or Kasthomin (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Turquoise is called the jewel of Eyasha. Unusually, the intense blue-green of this stone is opaque, lacking the translucent depth and crystalline purity which makes so many other gems appealing. However, the intensity of colour and the intricate black mottlings that twist and contort the stone’s surface make it decorative nonetheless - and its ability to bring tranquility and contentment even more desirable. Favoured by decisionmakers, housewives, hermits, alchemists and sages, the Turquoise should be worn directly on the skin for the best effect. It should not be confused with the much cheaper Turquartz, which only promotes relaxation.

Its unusual alternate name of ‘Silffinspit’ comes from the ancient sailor’s tale that Turquoise was actually produced by Silffin, the great white swordwhale which draws Baveras’ chariot through the seas. Rather like Ambergris, Turquoise was supposed to have been created as a ferment of seaweed, pearlfather, and other marine elements in the belly of the great whale, and then ejected as solidified gemstones upon the coasts and beaches of Caelereth. There seems to be little evidence for this theory, especially as the stone has been mined in places so desiccated and far inland that even a divine whale would have difficulty reaching - however, it is worth mentioning if only for its entertaining naiveté.
 

THE OPAL (GEM OF HEALING, PURESTONE)
Names. The Opal is also known as Opall, Gem of Healing, Purestone, Pearlsister, Mí’cár'áll (Styrásh term, lit. "gem of auras") or Ikharril (in ThergerimTaal).

Description. Mystically shimmering white, radiant with every colour and none, the Opal is last but not least of the Mainstones. It too is opaque, like Turquoise, but its iridescence - more marvelous than nacre - gives it a radiance that any jewel might envy. The elvish name ‘gem of auras’ conveys some of that beauty, and its powers are a match for the name. Sacred to Nehtor, the Opal heals wounds, purifies intentions, and strengthens bonds - clerics, healers, weavers, those who have pledged their troth, and newly-weds should wear opals wherever their fiduciary situation allows.

Opals have graced the silken bodices of the most royal brides and have been clutched in the blood-grimed hands of desperate battlefield chirogeons, have been set in the staves of wandering ancient herbalists and gifted as pledges of love to sweet-faced maids. It is holy to the Kuglimz barbarians, who call it “Lier'tyan's stone”, and treasured by the elves for its unique purity and fire. The attunuance of the Opal is as rich as its gleaming hues.