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Since the awakening of the Elves in Middle-earth, precious stones have been sought after in the various realms of Endor. From simple quartz to the mighty Silmarils, gems are desired by the lowly and wealthy of Middle-earth.

The shaping of the lands of Endor brought about the creation of many of the precious stones. Through magic and fine craftsmanship, these precious stones were refined and sometimes converted to truly magnificent works or art. The gem trade in Middle-earth is very extensive and spans the whole continent from the Grey Havens to the Utter East. The gems and precious stones in this treatise are broken down by type. Each type of precious stone is found in differing locales, under different circumstances. For more information on the shaping of Middle-earth, please refer to tomes covering that topic and also the topics of geography and geology.

Gems have been used throughout the ages to aid in the potency of certain spells. Elemental use of gems is much higher than in channeling or mentalism. Consumption of a gem in the preparation of magical items or during the casting of high level spells is said to enhance the potency of a spell or item (See Spell Law and Character/Campaign Law). In channeling or mentalism, a gem may be used at times as a focus to help enhance spell potency.

*** GM Note It is very important to not let the use of gems in spell use overbalance the natural order of things. To maintain balance, it may be necessary to require the finest of gems in magical preparations. Another idea would be to have players acquire gems and then take part in a special "cleansing" ritual before the gems may be used in spell casting or the creation of magical items. This should help you avoid players trying to use just-any-old-gem.

The Major Gem Families

The Majestic Beryl (S. "Aglaren")

Beryls are considered by some to be the finest gems in Middle-earth. All emeralds have flaws and the finest of gems are named after the flaws shape. The emerald is found in many igneous rocks. Emeralds and common beryls may also be found in mica schists and are associated with tin ores. The emeralds of Gan are considered to be the choicest in Middle-earth. Other than their use as gem stones, beryls are also used in the smelting and forging of fine steels.

Emeralds are used in the preparation of magical wards.

Fine Chrysoberyl (S. "Mirgalen")

Very rare, chrysoberyl and alexandrite occur in some granitic rocks and mica schists. These gems are frequently found in river sands and gravels, with the finest examples occurring in alluvial deposits. The most rare and finest varieties of alexandrite may be found in the small stream beds of Uab in the far northeast, while the finest chrysoberyl may be gathered in Shay or Unvirnay.

This mineral is used to help counteract possession spells. It is also used for protection and to help with good omens.

Exquisite Corundum (S. "Carmiren")

Rubies and sapphires are greatly desired in many kingdoms. Corundum is a common mineral in some metamorphic rocks, such as crystalline limestone and gneiss. However, the finer grade gems are rare. The gems are frequently found in crystals or rolled pebbles in detrital soil and stream sands. Corundum is not only used for gems, but also as an abrasive. The finest rubies come from Bulchyades, Horl and Dushera and sapphires from Bulchyades, Dushera and Greater Harad.

Rubies are used in all forms of good luck charms. Sapphires are used to aid and protect from magic.

Precious Diamonds (S. "Silímir")

Diamonds may be found in almost all areas of Middle-earth, but only a few localities display notable amounts. Most commonly, diamond is found in alluvial deposits. In some areas the gems may be found in situ, in large "pipes" that dive deep into the earth. The most precious diamonds come from the Mumakan, Lotan, Desdursytan, Usakan and the Misty Mountains. These gems are also used to cut glass, for grinding and polishing.

Diamonds are used to protect from undead.

Dioptase (S. "Durgalen")

Related to chrysocolla, dioptase forms in the vicinity of copper deposits and is a minor ore of copper. The finest dioptase comes from the Yellow Mountains.

Epidote (S. "Vorngalen")

Found in metamorphosed limestone, epidote is an ore for zinc. Epidote typically comes from Rhudaur.

Feldspar (S. "Gilbor")

Igneous in nature, sunstone and moonstone may be found throughout Middle-earth. The finest examples come from the Yellow Mountains. Feldspar is not only used as a precious stone, but is also used in the manufacture of porcelain. When heated, it helps bind and fuse materials.

Two forms of feldspar are used in magical preparations, sunstone and moonstone. Sunstone is used to ward against lycanthropy, moonstone to help cause it.

Flourite (S. "Mirluin")

This mineral is very common and may be found throughout Middle-earth. The finest examples are typically found in conjunction with deposits of silver and lead. The finest crystals are found in Eriador, Gondor and Alduryaknar. Flourite is also used as a flux in the manufacture of high steels and for enamels.

Garnet (S. "Mirícarn")

This gem is principally found in mica schists and some igneous rocks. Garnets are called little rubies in Middle-earth. The finest examples come from Chey sart and Chy.

Jade (S. "Mirgalond")

This mineral is only found in metamorphic rocks and is used only in ornamental carvings. Some early human groups also used the mineral as blades for weapons.

Jade is used in all manner of talismans and amulets.

Laen

This mineral is a very rare magical glass that is typically used in the manufacture of weapons. Laen has been discovered in Dol Guldur and the Yellow Mountains.

This inherently magical glass is used to prepare very potent weapons.

Rare Lapis Lazuli (S. "Durluin")

This rare mineral is found in crystalline limestone and is the by product of the metamorphosis of that stone. Lapis is used in jewelry and as a paint pigment (ultramarine). Lapis Lazuli is principally found in Kykurian Kyn.

Lapis is used to create amulets and other items that help to raise morale and courage.

Malachite (S. "Galond")

Malachite is an abundant green to nearly black mineral carbonate of copper. It is used as a source for copper in some areas of Middle-earth and the more perfect ores are used in ornamental stoneware. This mineral is found throughout Middle-earth.

Nephrite (S. "Borgalen")

Most frequently found in metamorphosed dolomite limestone, the fibrous, non-precious varieties, have been found to inhibit flame. Gem quality nephrite is normally exported from the Grey Mountains by Dwarven miners.

Olivine (S. "Durgalen")

A rather common rock-forming mineral, gem quality olivine (peridot) is found in dark-colored igneous rocks and typically comes from Rhovanion or Mordor. Ground olivine is used in the casting of fine metals.

Olivine is used to help in protection from elemental spells.

The Fiery Opal (S. "Naurond")

Deposited by hot springs at shallow depths, opals may be found lining and filling cavities in rocks and may also replace wood buried in volcanic tuff. The finest opals in Middle-earth come from Greater Harad and E-Sarul Sare.

The Common Quartz (S. "Mirheled")

The many varieties of quartz may be found everywhere in Middle-earth. Found lining or filling cavities in rocks or in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, quartz is the most abundant of gem producing minerals. The various varieties are used for gems, in mortar, concrete, flux and abrasives.

Used in many spells of protection and control.

Serpentine (S. "Anglocamir")

This mineral may be found in all of the mountain chains in Middle-earth. It is used as an ornamental stone and as a building material.

Used for protection from serpents.

Spinel (S. "Carsilen")

This is a high temperature mineral occurring in contact with metamorphosed limestones. The gems are found as rolled pebbles in stream sands. The finest examples come from Bulchyades and Gan.

The Tremendous Topaz (S. "Durmiren")

Urd and Wâmaw display the choicest topazes. These gems are formed by flourine-bearing vapors given off by cooling igneous rocks.

Used to ward from evil spells.

Tourmaline (S. "Mirorn")

Tourmaline is a relatively common mineral found in granites and granites in association with metamorphic rock. Ubain in the east displays the finest tourmaline.

Used to aid spells for the healing of horses and other animals.

Subtle Turquoise (S. "Giluin")

Turquoise is a secondary mineral found in small veins and stringers traversing decomposed volcanic rocks in arid regions. The finer variety of turquoise contains gold, silver or mithril traces running in lines through the mineral. The traces typically form spider web patterns. The mithril laced variety called "the web of Mahal" by the Dwarves is extremely rare. This variety is also noted to be inherently magical in nature. The finest turquoise comes from Khand and eastern Nurn.

The Mighty Zircon (S. "Mirond")

Zircon is a common mineral in all types of igneous rocks throughout Middle-earth. Gems are normally found as rounded grains in stream and beach sands, often with gold deposits. Platinum and other precious metals are typically melted in crucibles made of zircon.

Type Color Cut ⁽¹⁾ Size Cost

Amber Clear to Yellow C 1-25 1 - 6bp

Beryls

Emerald Brilliant to pale green F 1-8 2bp - 40sp

Aquamarine Blue, blue-green F 3-15 8bp - 6sp

Green Beryl Pale to yellow green F 3-45 2bp - 6sp

Golden Beryl Yellow to gold F 3-60 2bp - 6sp

Black Star Dark brown to Black F,C 3-50 2sp - 10sp

Chrysoberyl

Alexandrite Green F 1-5 10 - 20sp

Chrysoberyl Yellow, yellow-green F,C 1-15 20 - 60 sp

Coral Varies C,P 1-50 1cp - 1sp

Corundum

Ruby Red F ½-5 8 - 240sp

Sapphires

Blue Blue to violet-blue F ½-5 4 - 80sp

Green green to olive green F,C ½-5 4bp - 10sp

Yellow orange, yellow to golden F,C 1-10 4bp - 6sp

Orange red-orange F,C 1-10 2 - 10sp

Purple bright purple F,C 1-5 3 - 12sp

Star any color C 1-10 10 - 200sp

Black Star Black C 1-10 12 - 300sp

Diamonds

Clear F ½-10 8 - 240sp

Pink F ½-10 12 - 280sp

Green F ½-10 12 - 280sp

Yellow F ½-10 12 - 280sp

Blue-white F ½-10 20 - 400sp

Dioptase Deep emerald green F,S ¼-1 2sp

Epidote Dark green F,C 1-15 2 - 8bp

Feldspar

Sunstone Colorless to pale green C 1-30 1 - 4bp

Moonstone Trans. blue to silver-white C 1-50 6bp - 3sp

Flourite Blue, red, purple F 1-50 3bp - 3sp

Garnets green, red, purple, stars F,C ½-15 5cp - 30sp

Ivory white to yellow-white C,P varies 1cp - 20sp+

Jadeite Jade green C 5-500 15 - 50sp

Laen varies C 1-1000 10 - 100sp

Lapis Lazuli violet to pale blue C 5-25 2cp - 1sp

Malachite green to banded green C 5-25 1cp - 5bp

Nephrite Yellow-green, green, black C 1-100 1 - 10bp

Obsidian Smokey to black C 5-200 1cp - 5bp

Olivine Yellow to deep green C 1-25 5cp - 1sp

Opals

White white, "fire" various colors C 1-10 2 - 10sp

Fire yellow or red, "fire" C 1-10 1 - 500sp

Catseye Yellow-green, "fire" C 1-10 8cp - 2bp

Black Grey to black, "fire" C 1-10 20 - 800sp

Quartzes

Amethyst Purple F,C 3-25 2 - 4sp

Green Amethyst Heat-treated green F 3-15 1 - 2sp

Catseye Green, yellow, red C 3-10 10cp - 1sp

Citrine red- to yellow-orange F,C 1-500 20 - 100cp

Rock crystal clear F,C 1-500 1 - 20cp

Rose quartz Rich to pale pink, cat or star F,C 1-50 5 - 20cp

Rutilated q. Clear with gold/yellow shafts C 10-45 2 - 6bp

Smokey q. Pale to dark grey F,C 1-500 5 - 10cp

Star quartz Clear with weak star C 1-10 8 - 16bp

Tigereye Yellow/brown C 1-100 1 - 2bp

Bloodstone Dark green with red spherules C 10-50 1 - 4bp

Carnelian Rich red C,P 1-100 5cp - 6bp

Chalcedony white or grey banded agates C,P 1-100 5 - 20cp

Chrysocolla Translucent pale to med blue C,F 5-15 2 - 8bp

Moss agate moss like dark green patterns C 1-500 10cp - 4sp

Serpentine Translucent green to blue/green C 1-40 2 - 12bp

Shell

Mother-of-p. Shiny white or black P Varies 1 - 20cp

Pearl White, cream or black ½-5 2 - 60sp

Spinel Red, orange-red, blue to grey F 3-20 4bp - 15sp

Tektite natural dark glass F,C 1-20 2cp - 8bp

Topaz varies. Purple most valued F 1-15 1cp - 15sp

Tourmaline varies, may be catseye F,C 1-15 1bp - 6sp

Turquoise varied blues, some spiderweb C 1-100 5cp - 5sp

Zircon varies, red most valued F 1-30 8bp - 4sp

The following chart may be used by Game Masters to help in the random generation of minerals by family. This is only a general guide to be used when "filling out" an area in Middle-earth. The GM must make all final decisions on the composition of the minerals and the relatively quality of the ore.

1. ¹F - Faceted, C - Cabochon, P - Prepared or carved, S - Step Cut