Four stones with long histories in amulets. Tiger's eye is a banded quartz with a moving band of light. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue rock, often flecked with golden pyrite. Red agate, including Southern red agate, is a banded chalcedony. Cinnabar is mercury sulfide; GrainMoon's royal cinnabar bracelet is described as 90% cinnabar content.
How to judge quality
Tiger's eye: by the sharpness and movement of the light band. Lapis: by an even, saturated blue with little grey calcite; fine golden pyrite flecks are accepted and often liked. Red agate: by the evenness and saturation of the red and the smoothness of the banding. Cinnabar: by the depth of the crimson and the fineness of the carved detail.
Care
Wipe all four with a soft dry cloth. Keep lapis away from water, acids and ultrasonic cleaners; it is porous and can dull. Cinnabar is a mercury mineral: wear it as jewelry, do not heat it, grind it, carve it or put it in the mouth, wash your hands after long handling, and keep it away from small children.
Tradition
These stones are traditionally worn as symbols of strength, clarity and protection: tiger's eye for courage and focus, lapis for clarity, red for good fortune in Chinese tradition, cinnabar as a guardian colour used for centuries in lacquer, seals and amulets. Tradition, not a result.
