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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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...

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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