The Andes are one of the most geologically rich mountain ranges on earth — and for thousands of years, the stones they yield have been carried, carved, traded, and cherished across the cultures of South America. Each mineral tells a story: of pressure, time, volcanic heat, and the specific region of Peru where it was found.
At DAR Proyectos, we work most frequently with the following eight Andean gemstones sourced directly from Peruvian artisan workshops. We choose them for their visual qualities, their mineral diversity, and the centuries of cultural meaning attached to each one — and then we do something unexpected with them. Instead of setting them in jewelry or placing them behind glass, we carve them into puzzles, games, and sculptural objects made to be held and played with.
Before you pick one up, it helps to know what you're holding. Below is a guide to each stone in our collection: where it comes from, what makes it visually distinct, and the metaphysical properties that have long been attributed to it.
01 / ESTEATITE SOAPSTONE
To wash away old patterns.
The dark purple soapstone is formed by a unique mineral composition and recrystalization process, being likely higher in iron from the rest of its family. Steatite, or soapstone as it is commonly known, can range widely from creamy pink to milky turquoise to earthy yellow and red tones, affected by the mineral composition and texture present in a given rock. The provenance comes from different regions of Cajamarca in Northern Peru, principally San Pablo.
Metaphysically, soapstone can help balance the digestive system, also reducing inflammation of the skin, which perhaps explains its name origin. Soapstone is considered a support to the immune system as well as the digestive system as well. From totems to animal carvings and jewelry, the art of carving soapstone has been passed down by the master craftsmen of Peru for hundreds of years.
Soapstone is valued to help prepare for change, promoting rational and creative thinking. Old patterns can be washed away by this buttery smooth soft stone, and new routines are found to be more easily made when this stone is around.
02 / ORANGE JASPER
The Supreme Nurturer.
Orange Jasper is a variety of Microcrystalline quartz mixed with volcanic, iron-rich red earth, forming its terracotta-like opaque color which often vary in texture and veining. From the Huánuco region in Peru.
On a metaphysical level, jasper allows one to be more present in the physical body and aware of nature and its surroundings. This ability to enable consciousness and prioritize what's important can help to reduce anxiety by supporting creative, motivated action.
Considered the “Supreme Nurturer” and a stone of grounded stability, jasper naturally provides comfort and security. Linked to the root and sacral chakras and channelling the earth's core energy, the nature of Jasper stone is to empower one to stabilize.
03 / RHODONITE PINK
Stone of restoration and emotional balance.
The pink Rhodonite stone is composed of silicate and manganese, creating striking organic plays of vibrant pink mixed with black manganese oxide and white quartz inclusions. Typically found in the Ancash region of Peru.
The unusual mix of materials found in rhodonite can uplift the circulatory system and rejuvenate the heart. The rose-hued stone is also said to promote fertility, and is linked to strength within the ears and teeth.
Considered a rescuer for its' potent energtic properties, the stone is related to the heart chakra, and is utilized as a restorative tool to release toxic emotions and allow for forgiveness. This detoxifying effect in turn naturally boosts energy, allowing us to get back to fulfilling our potential.
04 / ANGELITE, SISTER TO CELESTINE
Milky blue sister to Celestite.
This milky blue, matte finish stone is found in small egg-shaped white rocks, primarily from the Andes of Arequipa in Peru. Angelite is a lesser known form of Celestine or Celestite, formed from anhydrite minerals (calcium sulphate) that have been compressed for millions of additional years than its sister stone.
With a natural sky-like glow, this uplifting and calming stone is believed to carry soothing energy linked to the third eye and crown chakras, vibrating on clear communication and intuition.
Cool to the touch, Angelite resonates with the throat, relieving inflammation and balancing the thyroid. It is also said to balance fluids throughout the body by strengthening tissues and vessels.
05 / SERPENTINE GREEN
The psychic serpent.
The serpentine family constitute a group of minerals that are characterized by not presenting themselves in the form of crystals. Serpentine is a unique stone formed from a composition of crystal-like minerals ranging from lime green with black deposits to deep pine with waxy and golden pyrite flecks, varying widely depending on the mineral proportions found in any given deposit. Andean serpentine stone is sourced from the Huancayo region of Junin, Peru.
On a physical level, the serpentine has several healing properties to stimulate the digestive, cardiac and glandular systems. The mineral composition can stimulate these systems which thus promotes the secretion of different glands and the clearing of blockages. The resulting benefits are that of alleviating pain and tension within both nervous and muscular systems.
On the psychic level, this stone is represented by the serpent, acting as a shield to counter aggression and invasive vibrations. The snake-like veining embodies the weight of the forest floor, and that coiled up Kundalini energy at the base of the spine is activated by the serpentine stone.
06 / DUMORTIERITE BLUE
Stone of self-reliance and clarity.
Dumortierite crystals are found within quartz and crystals, formed under high temperatures in metamorphic rocks that are rich in aluminum. Provenence is from Lachaqui in the Canta Lima Andes of Perú.
Dumortierite is believed to be a stone of self-reliance and discipline. It is said to promote patience and orderliness, perhaps why it is used to manufacture high grade porcelain.
The stone is also said to raise one’s intuition, related to it being credited for aiding memory – we recommend this to anyone studying for tests or when saving notes to remind us of someone important.
07 / BANDED ONYX CREMA
Translucent stone of luminous vitality.
Banded White Onyx is a striking quartz-based mineral, displaying striated patterns ranging from white to honey to coffee. It is a metamorphic stone, with layers of natural light-refraction made from translucent calcite and opaque histories from the Andes of Canta Lima in Peru. The name however comes from the greek word onux (fingernail) in relation to its texture and appearance.
White Onyx is believed to improve the function of the nervous system and sensory organs, calming chaotic feelings and encouraging mental clarity - it even has a special relationship to the auditory system.
Associated with balancing energy, vitality and motivation, the luminous and ethereal stone is a stone of regeneration that encourages focus and emotional strength after a challenging time period.
08 / BLACK ONYX
Root-grounding stone of resilience.
A long revered mineral by cultures across the world, Black Onyx is a sleek, modern stone, formed from fine-grained quartz with a volcanic appearance, native to the Andes of Canta Lima in Peru.
On a metaphysical level, this stone is believed to relieve ailments bones and skin by stimulating the glandular system, thereby alleviating pain and tension. It is even said to support birth in strengthening the development of these root systems. It also is considered an aid in overcoming addiction in its ability to dispell dark, bad habits and boost self-confidence.
This dense, heavy stone has a long history related to the root chakra, providing grounding energy, dispelling negative energy, and providing release. These alleviating tendencies in turn foster discipline and preservation.
Discover how you can interact with these stones playfully through DAR Proyectos’ gemstone puzzles and collectibles. Explore the article here