The Most Common Stones Used In Native American Jewelry

Native American jewelry is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and the profound cultural significance of its materials. Artisans meticulously choose and shape the stones at the heart of these beautiful pieces, each imbued with rich history and meaning. This article explores the most common stones used in Native American jewelry, exploring their origins, unique properties, and the symbolism they carry within various Native American cultures.

Turquoise: The Sacred Stone

Turquoise is perhaps the most iconic stone associated with Native American jewelry. Revered for its vibrant blue-green hue, this stone is sacred in many Native American cultures. The stone is often associated with the sky, water, and life. It is believed to bring the wearer good fortune, health, and protection.

• Cultural Significance

In Navajo culture, turquoise is often considered a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth. It is used in ceremonies and rituals to bring rain and ensure bountiful harvests. The Zuni people, known for their intricate stone inlay work, frequently incorporate turquoise into their designs, believing it possesses healing properties.

• Varieties and Sources

Turquoise can vary significantly in color, ranging from bright blue to greenish hues, often with distinctive veining. Notable sources of turquoise include the Kingman Mine in Arizona and the Sleeping Beauty Mine, which is renowned for its pure, sky-blue turquoise without any veining.

Coral: The Ocean’s Gift

Coral, particularly the red and pink varieties, is another staple in Native American jewelry. This organic stone is formed from the skeletons of sea creatures and has been used for centuries in various cultures worldwide.

• Historical Context

The use of coral in Native American jewelry dates back to trade routes established with Mediterranean traders. It was highly prized for its beauty and rarity. In Southwestern tribes such as the Navajo and Zuni, coral is often paired with turquoise in multi-stone designs, creating a striking contrast.

• Symbolism and Beliefs

Coral is believed to bring harmony and balance to one's life. It symbolizes blood and life force, making it a powerful element in spiritual and physical healing practices. For many tribes, coral represents the connection between the land and the sea, uniting two vital elements of the natural world.

Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of Truth

Lapis Lazuli is treasured for its deep, celestial blue color and specks of gold pyrite that mimic the night sky. This stone has been used in Native American jewelry for its beauty and spiritual significance.

• Cultural and Spiritual Importance

While not native to the Americas, lapis lazuli has found its way into Native American jewelry through trade. It is highly valued for its purported ability to enhance intellectual ability and stimulate wisdom and good judgment. Many Native American artisans believe that lapis lazuli brings clarity and truth to its wearer, making it a popular choice for necklaces and earrings.

• Sources and Characteristics

Most lapis lazuli used in Native American jewelry comes from Afghanistan, one of the world's primary sources. The best quality lapis lazuli is deep blue with a uniform color and minimal calcite or pyrite inclusions.

Onyx: The Stone of Strength

Onyx is a powerful stone often used in Native American jewelry for its protective qualities. This stone, usually found in black, can also come in a variety of other colors including white, red, and green.

• Historical Use

Onyx has been used by various Native American tribes for centuries. It is particularly popular in the crafting of pendants and rings. The stone is thought to absorb negative energy and promote emotional stability, making it a favored stone for personal adornment and talismans.

• Symbolic Meanings

Onyx is associated with strength and protection. Many believe it to provide support in times of stress, confusion, or grief. It is often used in healing rituals and is believed to fortify confidence and responsibility.

Jet: The Stone of Mourning

Jet is a unique stone formed from fossilized wood and is known for its deep black color and lightweight nature. It is commonly used in Native American jewelry, particularly by the Zuni and Navajo tribes.

• Cultural Significance

Jet has a long history of use in mourning jewelry and spiritual practices. It is believed to carry a connection to the Earth and the ancestors, providing protection and grounding. Native American artisans often use jets to create beads, pendants, and intricate carvings.

• Properties and Sources

Jet is primarily found in lignite coal deposits and is lightweight compared to other stones. It can be polished to a high sheen, making it a striking component in jewelry. Jet is mainly sourced from areas such as New Mexico, where it is abundant.

Mother of Pearl: The Ocean’s Radiance

Mother of Pearl, known for its iridescent luster, is a material sourced from the inner shell of certain mollusks. This organic gemstone has been cherished for its beauty and connection to the ocean.

• Use in Jewelry

Mother of Pearl is commonly used in Zuni inlay jewelry, where small pieces are intricately placed to create detailed designs. It is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolic association with the moon and water, representing purity and tranquility.

• Symbolism and Beliefs

Many Native American cultures believe that Mother of Pearl has calming and soothing properties. It is thought to promote emotional balance and foster harmonious relationships. This stone is often used in jewelry meant to attract prosperity and protection.

Malachite: The Stone of Transformation

Malachite is easily recognized by its striking green bands and patterns. This copper carbonate mineral is used in Native American jewelry for its vibrant color and unique patterns.

• Historical Context and Use

Malachite has been used for thousands of years, with artifacts dating back to ancient Egypt. In Native American culture, it is prized for its transformative properties. The Hopi and Zuni tribes often use malachite in their jewelry to symbolize growth and transformation.

• Healing and Spiritual Properties

Malachite is believed to absorb negative energies and pollutants, picking them up from the atmosphere and the body. It is thought to guard against radiation and clear electromagnetic pollution. This stone is also associated with the heart chakra, promoting emotional healing and balance.

Spiny Oyster Shell: The Ocean’s Armor

Spiny Oyster Shell, known for its vibrant orange, red, and purple hues, is sourced from the shell of the spiny oyster. This material is used extensively in Native American jewelry, especially in pieces that celebrate the connection to the sea.

• Cultural and Artistic Use

Spiny Oyster Shell is commonly used in multi-stone inlay pieces, where its bright colors can complement other stones like turquoise and coral. Artisans appreciate its versatility and striking appearance, making it a staple in Navajo and Zuni jewelry.

• Symbolism and Meaning

This shell is associated with strength and protection, much like the tough exterior of the spiny oyster itself. It is believed to foster courage and resilience, providing spiritual and physical protection to the wearer.

Gaspeite: The Rare Green Stone

Gaspeite, a relatively rare nickel carbonate mineral, is known for its bright green color and is a prized stone in Native American jewelry.

• Discovery and Use

Gaspeite was first discovered in the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, Canada, hence its name. It has since been found in other locations, including Australia. This stone is used sparingly due to its rarity, often in high-end inlay pieces and unique custom jewelry.

• Symbolic Significance

Gaspeite is believed to bring healing and spiritual growth. It is thought to enhance meditation and provide a strong connection to the Earth. Many artisans use gaspeite in designs meant to promote health and well-being.

Pipestone: The Sacred Red Stone

Pipestone, also known as catlinite, is a sacred material used by various Native American tribes, especially in the creation of ceremonial pipes.

• Historical and Cultural Importance

Pipestone is mined in a few locations, with the most famous being the Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota. This stone is soft and easy to carve, making it ideal for creating intricate designs. It is used not only in jewelry but also in the crafting of pipes used in important rituals and ceremonies.

• Spiritual Properties

Pipestone is considered sacred and is often used in pieces that carry deep spiritual meaning. It symbolizes peace, prayer, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. This stone is highly revered and treated with great respect by Native American artisans and their communities.

Hematite: The Stone of Grounding

Hematite, known for its metallic luster and deep, rich black or steel-gray color, is a popular stone in Native American jewelry. It is primarily composed of iron oxide and is often used for its grounding and protective properties.

• Cultural and Historical Context

Hematite has been used by various Native American tribes for centuries. It is often found in beadwork, bracelets, and necklaces. This stone is believed to provide strength and courage, making it a common choice for warriors in the past. The reflective surface of hematite is also thought to deflect negative energy and protect the wearer from harm.

• Symbolism and Beliefs

Hematite is associated with the root chakra, which is responsible for grounding and stability. It is believed to help with concentration and focus, making it a useful stone for those who need to remain centered and balanced. Many Native American cultures use hematite in rituals and ceremonies to enhance meditation and spiritual practices.

Chrysocolla: The Stone of Communication

Chrysocolla is a stunning blue-green stone often used in Native American jewelry. Its vibrant colors and unique patterns make it a favorite among artisans and jewelry enthusiasts alike.

• Use and Significance

Chrysocolla is often used in the creation of pendants, earrings, and inlay pieces. The stone is believed to promote calmness and communication, helping individuals to express their thoughts and emotions clearly. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking to improve their interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

• Healing Properties

In Native American culture, chrysocolla is considered a healing stone. It is thought to aid in emotional healing, reduce stress, and promote tranquility. The stone is also associated with the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression. Many believe that wearing a chrysocolla can help to open this chakra and improve one's ability to articulate their needs and desires.

Sugilite: The Stone of Love and Protection

Sugilite, with its striking purple hues, is a relatively rare stone that has gained popularity in Native American jewelry. This stone is often used for its powerful spiritual properties and its ability to enhance emotional well-being.

• Historical Use

Sugilite was first discovered in Japan but has since been found in various locations around the world, including South Africa. It was introduced into Native American jewelry through trade and has become a cherished stone for its unique color and metaphysical properties.

• Symbolism and Healing

Sugilite is associated with love, protection, and spiritual growth. It is believed to provide a shield against negative energies and to enhance one's ability to connect with higher realms. Many Native American artisans use sugilite in jewelry meant to promote healing and protection, making it a popular choice for those seeking spiritual guidance and support.

Obsidian: The Volcanic Glass

Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, is known for its smooth, glassy texture and deep black color. It has been used by Native American tribes for both practical and decorative purposes for thousands of years.

• Cultural and Practical Uses

Obsidian has been used to create tools, weapons, and jewelry due to its sharp edges and durability. In Native American culture, obsidian is often used in arrowheads, knives, and ceremonial objects. Its glossy finish also makes it a popular choice for beads and pendants.

• Spiritual Significance

Obsidian is believed to have strong protective properties. It is thought to shield the wearer from negativity and to help in releasing emotional blockages. Many Native American cultures use obsidian in healing rituals and ceremonies, as it is considered a powerful stone for grounding and cleansing.

Amethyst: The Stone of Sobriety and Clarity

Amethyst, with its beautiful purple hues, is a stone that is widely used in Native American jewelry. It is a type of quartz that is valued for its color and clarity.

• Historical Context

Amethyst has been used in various cultures around the world for centuries. In Native American jewelry, it is often found in necklaces, earrings, and rings. The stone is believed to have a calming and soothing effect, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace and tranquility.

• Symbolism and Healing

Amethyst is associated with the crown chakra, which governs spiritual awareness and enlightenment. It is thought to enhance intuition and spiritual wisdom, making it a valuable stone for meditation and spiritual practices. Many Native American artisans use amethyst in jewelry meant to promote clarity of mind and emotional balance.

At Spirit of Santa Fe, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of authentic Native American jewelry, from bracelets and rings, to earrings, that showcases these incredible stones. Each piece in our collection is handcrafted by skilled artisans who honor their cultural heritage through their work. Explore our gallery to discover the beauty and significance of these stones for yourself.