Gemstones of the Sha'tar

The gemstones of Azeroth are many and splendid - even their identification is a vast field stretching beyond the scope of this guide.
Here I have set down only a little of what I have learned about gemstones having special uses in magic - for instance, in the crafting of items or in the augmentation of enchantments, not solely as raw material components.
Stones come in seven rough categories, each one in general more valuable than the next: hardstones, ornamental stones, semiprecious stones, fancy stones, precious stones, gems and jewels. The last six classes are reserved for gemstones and usually applied to stones of relatively small size. "Hardstone" is a collective term given in Azeroth to natural substances valued for their appearance that are found in large quantities and lend themselves readily to carving.
Many of the cheaper gemstones found in massive form are also cut for use as precious gemstones if of the highest value - of the most desirable hue and texture or of flawless composition. If not, they are sold by weight.
The following is almost pure headcanon!
==Alabaster==
Alabaster is the white, finely textured, but brittle, form of gypsum (plaster). This hardstone is used ornamentally in the interiors of buildings and is sometimes carved into containers and vessels of a delicate, decorative, but practical nature, such as vases and perfume and cosmetic jars (though such containers are notoriously fragile). While able to be formed into vessels that are impervious to moisture and evaporation in the short run, and so often used as a container for potions, unguents, and ointments, alabaster has no known magical properties of its own.
==Alexandrite==
A greenish form of chrysoberyl which appears reddish under unnatural light, including spells of illumination, alexandrite is a transparent fancy stone usually cut into facets and mounted as a pendant or in earrings. Alexandrites are favoured for focal use in any items of magic that confer good luck, favour, or protection, though many are used for cursed lodestones, which attract metal weapons to strike the wearer.
==Amber==
A golden or orange fossilized resin, this fancy stone is soft and brittle and is usually tumbled smooth and cut cabochon. Some amber contains other preserved fossils, such as primitive plants and insects. These with identifiable inclusions are valued much more highly than clear amber and command four or five times the prices of “empty” amber. Amber pellets strung on thongs were used as a medium of trade, but these same pellets are now graded and valued among civilized peoples as gemstones. Amber is often used as a good luck charm to ward off diseases and plague and as a component of spells and magical items with healing- or disease-related effects. In magical uses, amber serves as a spell component and spell ink ingredient in most enchantments that involve lightning and electrical discharges, from shocking grasp to chain lightning.
==Amethyst==
Amethysts are the most valuable of the quartz gemstones and are normally facet cut into brilliant shape. Related to agates and other less valuable quartzes, amethysts vary in purple hue from a lilac colour to a royal purple, but the rich deep purple stones are most remembered and valued. Such stones are called by some the “crown of kings” because many human rulers in olden times restricted the use of this gemstone to those of royal blood.
Amethysts are supposed to ward off drunkenness and convert poisons to harmless substances. These abilities are folk belief, not truth. Because of their attributed capabilities, these fancy stones are usually used as ornaments for mugs and chalices, particularly those used by nobles.
Amethyst is one of the “nine secrets,” types of gemstones that can be transformed into stones that float near or orbit around the user's head by the proper spells and also serves as ink ingredient or spell component in magic involving the communication of messages (such as magic mouth spells) and the augmentation of spiritual resistance. Amethyst represents safety when seen by seers and romance when seen in the dreams of women.
==Aquamarine==
This type of precious stone is a hard, transparent blue-green form of beryl and much employed by the Tauren for adornment because of its durability. Aquamarine is known to alchemists as the sole reliable gemstone that, when sacrificed in a very secret spell process, can make other sorts of gemstones multiply: That is, a ruby or diamond vanishes and is replaced by two identical stones, each of which is a perfect replica of the original stone – even down to carvings or scratches. This ritual was the property of one Ogunil of Tranquillien and was discovered only after his death, when the married couple who moved into his house found 7 866 identical rubies in the well. The ritual notes have, however, been lost.
==Aventurine==
Sometimes called love stone, this semiprecious quartz gemstone contains tiny mica crystals that give a spangled appearance to the stone when it is viewed from the proper angle. Aventurine can be golden, medium to light green, or dark to pale blue in colour. It is used for tumbled gemstones, cabochons, and ornamental inlays or carvings. It occurs in large deposits, and 20-pound blocks are not uncommon. Powdered aventurine is often used to penetrate magical disguises; its touch shatters most illusion and transformation magics.
==Black Diamond==
Black diamonds are a rare variety of diamond that is a deep, rich black with yellow or white highlights. These jewels come mostly from the south, in particular the Blackrock Mountain. Dwarves prize them highly, as do a growing number of wizards who have learned that once a black diamond has been cut and polished, it prevents temporal stasis, time stop, and all chronomancy from functioning when nearby. Such magics cease to function if a black diamond is brought within about 30 feet of their areas of effect. Some resume operation after the gem is no longer present, and others are ended, according to their natures.
==Black Opal==
Black opal is a greenish type of opal with black mottling and gold flecks. Usually found in ancient hot springs or their dry remnants, this gem is most often tumbled smooth and cabochon cut. The dwarven phrase “Black as a black opal” means, effectively, not very black (or evil) at all. It is used to describe good-hearted rogues and similar individuals who would be embarrassed by praise.
Those who work with magic know black opal as a potent explosive: When powdered and mixed with powdered ore and then introduced to any open flame in a particular way, the result is a violent explosion!
==Bloodstone==
Bloodstone is a dark greenish gray variety of semiprecious quartz gemstone flecked with red crystal impurities that resemble drops of blood.
When worn as gemstones (typically by farmers and foresters who have little wealth to spare on such things), these semiprecious stones are usually cabochon cut with beveled edges into smooth ovals.
The magical uses of bloodstone are many. It has long been known that a single bloodstone can serve as alternative component for the invisibility spell, but fewer by far know that the gemstone can serve as a component in most divination and storm-related magics. A bloodstone laid on an open wound “drinks” the blood already spilled and creates a clot, banishing any disease or blood poisoning, and stopping bleeding instantly. It cannot heal damage that has already occurred and dissolves in conferring this boon. Bloodstone healing only works on a particular being once per lunar cycle.
Azeroth's prime source of bloodstones used to be a mine in Drywhisker Gorge, Arathi Highlands. Currently no more - the mine has been closed because of the depopulation of the area and warnings given out by the Earthen Ring which has come to believe bloodstones in that area have been somehow tainted by the Old Gods.
==Carnelian==
Also known as sard, this is the clear reddish or reddish-brown form of chalcedony. Tumbled smooth or cut cabochon and polished to a high gloss, this semiprecious stone is used as an adornment. Though seers consider that dream visions of carnelians mean misfortune will come, the gemstone is used by mages to make luckstones and items that protect against evil or harm and as a material component in spells concerned with the same ends.
==Chalcedony==
Chalcedony stones are often very large and are used in the carving of statuettes or coffers. Chalcedony is usually cabochon cut and polished, looking rather like ivory when finished. Varieties of this semiprecious stone are mostly white, but rare variations slip to grey or black. The more colourful variants of this translucent stone include carnelians, chrysoprase and agates.
Chalcedony is used in the making of magical items that ward against undead. Powdered chalcedony can be enchanted with a simple spell to make it a tasteless, safe antidote to alcohol, so that when a pinch is added to a drink, no drunkenness results. Spies and covert agents often use this powder to remain sober during long feasts.
==Chrysoprase==
A translucent chalcedony with an apple-green color, this semiprecious stone is found throughout Azeroth, but its greatest concentration is in the Storm Peaks of Northrend, where it is called stormrock by the Taunka. A popular pectoral and earring adornment for ladies, chrysoprase is also used in the making of magical items and spell inks concerned with invisibility and as a material component in spells concerned with both invisibility and seeing invisible beings and objects. It is also one of the nine materials from which one can make Verdant Spheres and other rypes of floating stones.
==Citrine==
Also called false topaz, this semiprecious stone is a transparent yellowish quartz. It cleaves well and is usually cut into facets in brilliant or marquise styles. It has the magical property of preventing possession and soul-stealing attacks from affecting any being wearing or carrying a citrine. Conversely, whole citrines are a favoured gemstone for use as the jar itself in the casting of magic jar spells.
==Coral==
Coral is formed by small animals that live in the warm seas of the south. The pink and crimson varieties of this fancy “stone” are considered valuable enough to class as ornaments and be treated as gemstones. Sun-baked to dry them and drive off any smell of rot, coral pieces are smoothed and polished for carving purposes and used as the stems or leaves of mock flowers that are then set with gemstones. It has long been known that powdered coral is an extremely effective ingredient in the making of potions of healing.
==Diamond==
Translucent jewels that catch fire when properly faceted, diamonds can be clear (appearing blue-white), rich blue, yellow, or pink, among other hues. The hardest of gemstones and among the most valuable, diamonds are found in scattered locations throughout the mountain ranges and in current or former volcanic regions across the face of the planet. Many of these locations are far underground, making them only accessible to dwarves and underground races that trade with the surface world for other goods. Diamond can be used to cut or etch glass, horn, bone or leather and so serves as a point or cutting edge on the finest artisan tools. It is also worn as adornment.
Diamond dust is almost a universal ingredient in spell ink formulae, serving whenever one lacks a substance specific to the magic at hand. It is particularly suited to spells concerning vision, divination, or locating objects. The best gems of seeing are diamonds.
Conversely, diamonds worn at the throat or on the head ward off dream vision, enchantments and charm magics. In some magics, diamond dust is poisonous, but when combined with certain substances in a secret process, it empowers spell inks, potions and item baths concerned with the neutralization of poison.
==Emerald==
 A brilliant green beryl, the emerald cleaves along straight, boxlike lines. This jewel is so often displayed with a particular rectangular faceted cut that the cut's name has become an “emerald” cut and it is known – more properly – as a modified step cut only among gemcutters. Emeralds also lend themselves to the baguette or table faceted cuts. It is used for adornment and in every conceivable form in all sorts of items concerned with fertility, health, and growth. It is especially valuable if mounted as whole gemstones at discharge points, allowing these healing items to recharge over time. Emerald tarnishes to reveal falsehood and concealed hatred and brightens when faced with truth and affection. Many kings have worn rings carved entirely of emerald to parleys to detect treachery and deceit without the use of spells.
==Epidote==
This abundant ornamental stone can be cabochon cut or faceted. Its smallest crystals are clear, but larger crystals are progressively darker shades of green. A variety of epidote known as piemontite can be cut into large cabochons of a deep rose colour. Epidote is prized as an ingredient in undead-controlling magic and in the inks used to write protection from undead scrolls.
==Fire Opal==
A brilliant orange-red type of gem, fire opals are usually uniform in hue or contain golden or greenish flecks. They are most often found near active hot springs and geyser activity. Fire opals are often enchanted and are an essential part of producing certain magical helms. More broadly, they are used in ink formulae, enchantment baths, or as a discharge point of spells or items that cause, release, or control fire.
==Garnet==
Garnets are general class of crystals ranging from deep red to violet in colour. These precious stones are normally isometric in shape, with 12 or 24 faces to a typical crystal, though 36- or 48-faced crystals have been found. Garnets are found in granites and in metamorphic rocks, such as marbles, in a number of locations throughout Azeroth. Thought by some fading faiths to be the hardened blood of divine avatars, garnets are generally considered useless in magical work.
==Iol==
Also known as iolite, cordierite, or violet stone (despite its usual overall hue of blue), this semiprecious stone is usually cut into faceted gemstones to best display its colour change when viewed from different directions. Iols so viewed appear straw-yellow, blue, and dark blue. Small, cut iols can be clear, but larger specimens usually contain silky inclusions of another substance that gives 
them an internal star effect or even trapped hematite crystals, which give the same rich golden flash of colour as is found in sunstones. Iols have strong associations with magic in Azerothian legend, but few folk know their true magical use: They are the best sort of gemstone to transform (with the proper, secret spells) into floating stones.
==Jade==
Jade is a class of fancy stone including both jadeite and nephrite. It is often found in massive, carvable slabs and is then classified as a hardstone. It appears as an opaque, waxy mineral of light to dark green or white. Jade is said to enhance musical ability and so is worn as a lucky stone by bards and other musicians. In magical work, powdered jade is the preferred base for spell inks and used as a substitute for all nonorganic spell components for all illusions. It is an essential ingredient in enchantment baths for magical items that cast illusions as any of their functions
==Jasper==
Jasper is an opaque quartz semiprecious stone found in reds, browns, and blacks. Vary rare specimens are blue or have bands of blue against the other colours. Crushed jasper is a universal substitute ingredient in the making of potions, antidotes, and magical items that protect against or neutralize poison. Drinks stored in vessels of carved jasper for at least a day (as is now done at Sunfury Spire and many other courts) are leached of any poisons, taints, or corrosive powers they may carry. Jasper is the preferred stone for use in poison-warding periapts and rumours say it finds use in cursed items.
==Lapis Lazuli==
Lapis lazuli is an opaque, dark to sky-blue ornamental stone with gold flecks. The deeper blue the stone, the more highly it is prized. Sometimes incorrectly called lazurite, lapis lazuli is usually cabochon cut and polished to show off its golden inclusions. Often the cabochons are carved into fanciful shapes such as scarabs, unicorns, or gryphons. Lapis lazuli is the best gemstone to use for a periapt of health if one cannot get or afford a ruby and when powdered, it becomes the principle base ingredient in the making of heroic potions and similar shaman spells.
==Malachite==
Malachite is a green ornamental stone with stripes of darker green. It is related to azurite (which is bluer in hue) and is usually cabochon cut to provide poorer folk with jewellery. It is (falsely) rumoured to prevent falls, and to help sales is often set on rings of feather falling and the like as an ornament. Its true magical use is as a material component in elemental magic. Powdered, it is a valued ingredient in enchantment baths for items concerned with warmth, fire resistance, and cold resistance.
==Moonstone==
Moonstone is an opaque, white, semiprecious feldspar gemstone usually polished to a blue sheen. Moonstone glows faintly with captured light for an hour or so in darkness after surrounding or nearby light sources (for example, a torch) are gone. Folk legends say (falsely) that merely seeing this stone forces a shapeshifter into his or her animal form, but magical items that control shapeshifting, affect shapeshifters, or protect against polymorphism often use moonstones as ornamentation. To dream of moonstones, seers say, is a warning of danger. These semiprecious stones are also considered sacred to Elune in her faith.
The only true magical uses of this gemstone are (in powdered form) as a material component in many spells involving barriers or abjurations and in many evocation spells as a source of magical storage and sudden, thrusting redirection of that energy. With careful experimentation as to amounts, a wizard can substitute moonstones for many nonorganic material components called for in such spells.
==Moss Agate==
This pink to yellow-white agate quartz has fernlike, gray-green manganese inclusions that make it look like a white stone covered with moss. It polishes well, and is sometimes used in coffer inlays or even (when the growths form eyes, circles, or other striking or meaningful shapes) as a ring or pendant jewel.
Moss agate promotes serenity and stability. Ground into a fine powder, it serves as an ingredient in medicines that bring on enforced deep sleep, and in the making of all potions it causes substances that normally clash to mix together in stable tranquillity and so is always a safe additive, removing any possibility of an explosion or of a failed potion being poisonous.
==Pearl==
The product of oysters and other mollusks, these precious stones are layers of aragonite formed around a bit of grit or other irritant. The resulting pearl has a rich, deep lustre. Most pearls are white, though rare and more valuable versions come in different colours, rainbow and black pearls being the most valuable. Pearls of exceptional size (3 inches or more) are usually marred or otherwise less valuable, though in one extreme case a head-size, perfect pearl was enchanted and turned into a crystal ball.
Pearls are the material components of several spells that transform acid into harmless water and neutralize poison, as well as being a component in many more generalized spells. Pearls are the basis for three well-known magical items (the pearl of power, the pearl of water spirits, and the pearl of wisdom) and, when powdered, pearl is also valued for use in the enchantment of all magical mirrors.
==Peridot==
This translucent version of olivine is usually olive green in appearance. It is normally found in basalts and with other quartz deposits. It is a precious stone often used in abjuration spells and items which provide protection against spells and enchantments, and it forms a versatile, "good-as-the-original" spell component in such spells and items.
==Rock Crystal==
Rock crystal is clear, transparent quartz that is generally softer and less wear-resistant than higher-priced gemstones; it sees more use as adornment on furniture and crowns than as everyday jewellery. Rock crystals of particularly fine grade – that is, lacking any impurities – are used for optics and prisms (such as eyeglasses, magnifying eyepieces, and spectacles).
In magic use, rock crystal is commonly employed as a component in spells that call for gemstone material of a particular value or size without specifying the gemstone type. When properly treated (by several minor spells), it liquefies, so that it can be melted together with other rock crystal in the same way that glass can be fused and then becomes so hard as to be usable for mace heads, rock-climbing spikes, and spear or ram heads.
==Rogue Stone==
Rogue stones are small jewels of a shifting, rainbow-colored, iridescent hue. Their fluid shades of colour appear almost liquid under normal sunlight. Rogue stones are extremely rare and always found as singleton gemstones among others in gemstone hoards or in cold regions or underwater in swamps; no more than one is ever found in one place at one time. No one has as yet managed to determine in what sort of rock they are most likely to be found. Rogue stones cleave into natural facets, and it is these surfaces that are iridescent. Some primitive human tribes believe rogue stones to be the sentient essences of dragons or mighty heroes, but sages hold this view to be folk nonsense. Rogue stones are (correctly) thought to increase the chance of magic going wild in their vicinity and are used for the fabled gemjump spell
==Rose Quartz==
This lovely stone man be clear or smoky and asteriated; that is, when cut, it reflects or transmits light in a starlike pattern. Aside from its jewellery uses as a centrepiece in pectorals and earrings worn by mature matrons and courtiers of “old family” standing, this semiprecious stone serves as an alternative spell component in all wizard spells of the abjuration school and all priest shielding or warding spells that have or can use components (provided the components need not be specially constructed). Sages have discovered that when worn or carried as a stone, rose quartz has roughly a 15% chance of magically redirecting a spell directed at its bearer at some other target or area.
==Ruby==
This clear to deep crimson red corundum stone is highly valued because of its sparkling shine and vivid hues. From least value to greatest, it can be found as a clear stone, crimson, or deep crimson. Of about every hundred rubies, one has a white star at its heart and is known as a star ruby. Folklore generally holds rubies to be lucky objects.
Spellcasters know that all items concerned with improving personal fortune have greatly increased odds of the enchantment succeeding if a ruby is powdered and used in the enchantment process. Ruby dust has a myriad of magical uses, including a key role as an ingredient in spells connected with the elements and sun or, in other words, the abjuration, alteration, and evocation schools. Rubies are essential features of certain magical helms and are the preferred gemstones in any item concerned with healing. Correctly used, they can ward off lightning and earthquakes, both natural and magical.
==Sapphire==
Sapphire is a brilliant blue, translucent corundum. Sapphires vary from a clear, pale blue to a radiant azure. Sapphires augment enchantments, and so are widely used in the making of magical swords and other magical items, especially those related to magical prowess, the mind, and the element of air. An important exception to this boosting is magic that causes fear, anger, despair, or insanity: the wearer of a sapphire is partially protected against such effects.
==Sardonyx==
Sardonyx is a form of onyx with alternating bands of carnelian in a red and white pattern. This semiprecious stone is used in spells and in creating magical items which affect wisdom and spirituality. In particular, a very old and secret ritual known only to a small handful of spiritual leaders, liches and reclusive archmages allows for the sacrifice of a sardonyx of sufficient value to permanently increase one's spiritual might, resistance and insight. The younger and less fortunate use them in items that boost the same.
Sardonyx is useful in divination: when used in a ritual to research the past or present, it causes a name, password, word of activation or other, similarly crucial word to spring to the caster's mind.
Finally, it is one of the few gemstones that can be transformed into Verdant Spheres and other types of floating stones by the proper spells. Sardonyx gemstones sometimes guard against arcane damage, but this is not a reliable protection.
==Star Ruby==
A variation of the ruby, this jewel is less translucent than a normal ruby and has a white star highlighted at its centre. Such stars are caused by the optical properties of the mineral crystal. They most commonly have six points, though other even-numbered combinations are possible. Of every hundred rubies, one is a star.
This sort of stone shares the properties of the ruby, but it is the epitome of healing: if a spell of gaseous form is cast on a star ruby, the gemstone becomes a thick, heavy red vapour. If this is inhaled, it instantly restores the subject to full health, curing poisons, diseases, regenerating limbs and organs and mending the most grievous of wounds. It cannot bring the dead back to life, but can instantly restore a being brought back to life to full, energetic health and vitality.
==Star Sapphire==
An exceedingly valuable variation of the sapphire (blue or black corundum), this jewel is less translucent than a normal sapphire and has a white star of four or more points highlighted at its center. Such stars, caused by the optical properties of the mineral, always have an even number of points – most commonly six. For every thousand sapphires found, one is a star. 
Star sapphires are used in producing and ornamenting devices that offer protection against hostile magic, simply turning the energies aside as if the spell was never cast. Only the most potent enemy magic will nullify the protection augmented by a star sapphire. This gemstone has many other uses in the fashioning of protective items, far too many to even list here.
==Sunstone==
Sunstone is a feldspar ornamental stone closely related to moonstone. It is more properly known as oligoclase. Sunstone can be colorless or faintly greenish and of facet grade, but most common by far is its softer variety suitable only for being cut cabochon. The cutting of a cabochon rarely yields a gemstone larger than ¾-inch diameter. Such gemstones have bright red or orange spangles (minute crystals) suspended in parallel in a nearly colorless background, giving the whole a rich golden or reddish brown colour. Sunstones are prized for their ability to store light-related and energy-discharge magics of all sorts for later release by touching the stone and speaking the last word of the spell incantation, whereupon the magic erupts out of the stone. This touch and utterance need not be made by the spell's original caster or even by a spell-caster at all. Such an activation destroys the gemstone.
==Tiger's Eye==
Tiger's eye is a golden silica with dark brown striping; the colouration and striping give the ornamental stone its name. Legends state that unenchanted tiger eyes are useful in repelling spirits and undead creatures. This has never been proven to be true, but the buying public expects potions of protection against undead, the inks used to mark caskets and tombs to prevent their dead kin rising in undeath, and other items having to do with repelling or controlling the undead to employ powdered tiger eye agate, so many alchemists shrug and include it.
==Topaz==
Sometimes called the jewel of light because it prolongs light-related spells cast upon it so that they last exactly 64 days, the topaz is a very hard, durable, golden, translucent precious stone found in large crystals in granite. Usually yellow or brown, it can be made pink or a bright light blue if exposed to great temperatures, such as by thrusting it into forge fires. Topazes are often mounted on protective magical items because the stone ensures that the item itself will be immune to breakage or a change in state (disintegration, petrification, melting or corrosion due to acid or fire, and so on).
A topaz is the best jewel to use in the making of a gem of brightness because the enchantments used in the making of that item render it as hard as mithril. A topaz also has the natural property of storing any healing spell cast upon it; the spell is released by placing the gemstone into an open wound, where it melts away, or by powdering it and drinking it in milk or wine from a mithril goblet. The container cannot be of any other metal or the draft is useless and the magic lost; topaz that stores healing magic has a distinctive cold, sour taste.
==Tourmaline==
Tourmaline in its multicoloured varieties is considered a fancy stone and is abundant throughout Azeroth. The black variations are called schorl; they are valued more highly and considered gems. Tourmaline hues vary from green to blue, brown, or red, all in pale shades. Often a tourmaline crystal may display multiple hues, and in this case it is classified as rainbow tourmaline and is more valuable than purely monotonal stones. All shades of tourmaline share the same magical property: If any sort of spell, regardless of type or source, is cast into a tourmaline, the stone "drinks" the spell and transforms it into a burst of lightning bolts, consuming the tourmaline in the process.
==Turquoise==
This opaque, aqua-blue ornamental stone most often has darker blue mottling; elves especially prize specimens that lack such mottling for use in sky-related spells. Turquoise gleams slightly when gold is nearby, and for this reason is thought to bring prosperity. It is also said to bring good luck; horsemen often place a sliver of this stone in a horses harness to bring good luck and protect the horse from a misstep or trail hazards such as venomous pests. Mages use turquoises in the enchantment baths of items concerned with flight and when so used, it provides stability regardless of weather conditions.
==Zircon==
A brownish crystal found in igneous (volcanic) rocks, zircon attains the pale blue shade valued in the gemstone trade through skilled heating and cutting. It is usually cut into facets. These semiprecious stones are occasionally passed off as more valuable gemstones, though anyone with the slightest knowledge of gemstones: a jeweller, a gnome, a dwarf, an even an adventurer of long standing, can tell the difference. Zircons take enchantments readily and are one of the favorite gemstone types to serve as the base for amulets of protection.
Category:Magic item