Present within nature are archetypal groups of gemstone and crystalline energy. All gemstones that exist upon Earth are part of the 8 Gemstone Families. Mother Earth is very simple in the presentation of her creations to us. It is humankind that has made complex, what was once simple and direct.

By gaining an understanding of the 8 Gemstone Families, you will be able to easily classify and identify crystals and stones. Some gems are part of several categories, such as Ruby; which is a, HEARTSTONE, LIFESTONE and KEYSTONE. Ruby carries a mature Heart chakra energy, as well as being a vehicle for "lifeforce" or "life fire" energies. It is also one of the gemstone foundations of many civilizations and cultures (hence, a KEYSTONE).

Different colors of the same variety of gemstones may carry different energies. Malachite can fall into one of 3 categories. Dark green varieties of Malachite fall into the TOUCHSTONE category, while the paler shades of green are HEARTSTONES. It was utilized as a sacred KEYSTONE energy in ancient Egypt, Africa and to the Native Americans!

Many gemstones, because of their color, can be easily recognized as to what family they may be a part of. Most HEARTSTONES are either green or red (rose to pink). SUNGEMS or SUNSTONES tend to be yellow or gold in color, or crystal clear (such as Diamond, Herkimer and Crystal Quartz). As you explore the AORA Gemstone Oracle Cards and utilize them on a regular basis, the 8 Gemstone Family system will become second nature. This will help to simplify and de-mystify gemstone properties and qualities.

Dreamstones & Seerstones are those gemstones and crystals that deal primarily with psychic & spiritual development and growth! Dreamstones help link us with the deeper levels or realities of our dreams. They are excellent stones to help us consciously enter into the Dreamtime. Jade and Herkimer are two of the consummate Dreamstone energies we have on Earth. They are powerful doorways into the magical realm of dreams & visions.

KEYSTONES: Gemstones of ancient and sacred importance! Each is tied to one or more ancient cultures and civilizations! These are the Foundation gemstones of planet Earth such as Lapis & Turquoise!	8 Gemstone Families: All Gemstones & Crystals found on Earth today belong in one or more categories of the 8 Gemstone Families!	TOUCHSTONES: The main property of this category is their ability to stabilize and provide grounding energies for our everyday lives. They often help deflect or repel negative energies!
SUNSTONES (OR SUNGEMS): Golden and Crystal Clear stones that harness LIGHT energies from our SUN, and make it usable for use on Earth.	HEARTSTONES:Stones for awakening and healing our heart-centers! Powerful tools for encouraging self-worth & self-love!	DREAMSTONES: Embraces the vast realm of Dreams, inner visions and spiritual awakening! Used by many shamanic & indigenous cultures as tools of dream recall and lucid dreaming!
LIFESTONES: Gemstones of life-force vitality and activity. They promote the flow of Life-force energy throughout our bodies!	MOONSTONES (OR MOONGEMS): Crystals & gemstones highly attuned to goddess & feminine energies!	SEERSTONES: Crystal Family that assist with developing our psychic and spiritual powers. Activates the higher chakras.