Gemstones![]()
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A few definitions concerning gemstones are in order. Most minerals (and gems are usually minerals) are of two types--crystalline, occurring as single stones or clusters of stones, each having a definite structure that is regularly repeated throughout crystals of the same sort; or massive, occurring as continuous masses of the same mineral, having no regular structure that is readily discernible. (Technically, massive minerals are actually composed of a great number of microscopic crystals in most cases.)
Crystalline stones are often faceted, a process by which they are flaked or ground into a series of flat surfaces that together usually form one of several customary cuts, in the shape of symmetrical but irregular polyhedral. Both crystalline ant massive stones may be smooth cut, which is the act of forming them into regular shapes with flat surfaces suitable for engraving (those often found in rings).
They may be made into cabochons, oval or dome-shaped, with one flat side for mounting. They may also be carved into beads, figurines, symbols, and other shapes, or simply polished in the natural shape of the stone. Massive stones are sometimes found in large enough masses to be shaped like one would shape wood or stone; sections may be sawn off a large stone and used decoratively as slabs; or they may be carved (or even turned on lathes) into jars, bowls, and other functional shapes.
Inclusions are any of the specks of other materials, bubbles, tiny flaws, impurities, and the like which affect the appearance of a stone by their presence. Cat's-eyes, found among many mineral families, are caused by certain patterns of inclusions which, when a stone is shaped properly, appear similar to the slit-shaped pupil or a cat's eye.
Star gems have analogous patterns creating the illusion of a pale, six-rayed star. Both cat's-eyes and stars must usually be cut as cabochons to display the effects (known by the terms chatoyancy and asterism respectively). The value of a given stone will depend on its size, color, relative freedom from flaws, and the skill with which it has been cut.
Those mystical properties associated with the various gems are to he associated with the "classical'' forms; thus, while topaz exists in blue, colorless, and pink varieties, the mystical properties associated with the various gems are to be associated with the "classical" forms; thus, while topaz exists in blue, colorless, and pink varieties, the mystical properties with which topaz is credited are linked only to the traditional honey-yellow stone (and the similarly colored "oriental topaz"). When stones normally occur in a number of different colors, such as with agate, jade, jasper, and spinel (to name a few), this restriction does not apply. In the following text, each type of gem mentioned in the DMG is referenced by at least one of its popular names. The information on gem category (ornamental, fancy, etc.) and base value in gold pieces is taken from the DMG.
Reputed magical properties of gems
The Dungeon Master can use this list in a number of ways. The DM may choose gems with
appropriate magical properties as needed material for the creation of a magical diagram or
as part of the material components for the spells listed in the Fiendomicon of
Iggwllv (see Spellbook). The gems marked with an asterisk may also be used to refuel Daouds'
wondrous lanthorn
Gem Type |
Effects or Uses |
Agate |
Restful and safe sleep |
Alexandrite |
Good omens |
Amber |
Wards off disease |
Amethyst |
Protects against drunkenness or drugging |
Beryl |
Wards off enemies |
Bloodstone |
Weather control |
Carbuncle |
Powers of dragons' sight |
Carnelian |
Protection from evil |
Cat's-eye agate |
Protection from spirits |
Chalcedony |
Wards against undead |
Chrysoberyl |
Protection from possession |
Chrysolite |
Wards off spells |
Chrysoprase |
Invisibility |
Coral |
Calms weather, ensures safety in river crossings, cures madness halts bleeding |
Diamond |
Invulnerability vs. undead |
Hematite |
Aids fighters, heals wounds |
Jacinth |
Luck for travelers, wards off plague, protection from fire |
Jade |
Skill with music and musical instruments |
Jasper |
Protection from venom |
Jet |
Soul object material |
Lapis Lazulli |
Raises morale and courage |
Malachite |
Protection from falling |
Malachite |
Wards off spells, evil spirits, and poisons |
Sunstone |
Wards off spells, evil spirits, and poisons |
Moonstone |
Causes lycanthropy |
Olivine |
Protection from spells |
Onyx |
Causes discord among enemies |
Peridot |
Wards against enchantments |
Ruby |
Gives good luck |
Sapphire |
Aids understanding of problems, kills spiders, boosts magical abilities |
Sapphire |
Star Protection from magic |
Sard |
Benefits wisdom |
Serpentine |
Adds to wile and cunning |
Topaz |
Wards off evil spirits |
Turquoise |
Aids horses in all ways (but the stone shatters when it operates) |
Gem Color |
Meaning or Significance |
Black |
The Earth, darkness, negation. |
Blue |
The heavens, truth, spirituality. |
Clear |
The sun, luck. |
Green |
Venus, reproduction, resurrection, sight |
Red |
Control of hemorrhaging, heat. |
White |
The Moon, enigmas. |
Yellow |
Secrecy, homeopathy, jaundice. |
Find the value of each gem or group of gems on the table below, and check for gem variations:
Roll |
Class |
Base Value |
01 25 |
Ornamental Stones |
10 GP |
26-50 |
Semiprecious Stones |
50 GP |
51-65 |
Fancy Stones |
100 GP |
66-80 |
Precious Stones |
500 GP |
81-90 |
Hardstones |
Varies |
91 |
Shells |
Varies |
92-99 |
Gems |
1,000 GP |
00 |
Jewels |
5,000 GP |
Ten percent of these gems are worth more or less than their base value, either because of imperfections or a particularly splendid cut. Use thc Gem Variation Table.
Roll |
Result |
1 |
Stone increases to the next higher value; roll again, ignoring a result of 1. |
2 |
Stone is double base value |
3 |
Stone is 10-60% above base value |
4 |
Stone is 10-40% below base value. |
5 |
Stone is half base value. |
6 |
Stone is decreased to next lower base value; roll ld6 again, ignoring a result of 6 |
7 8 |
Stone is uncut and in rough form (if possible). Value is 10% of that listed until polished and cut by someone with jewelry proficiency. At that time, roll again on this chart with l d6 |
If the specific type of stone is desired, go to the appropriate table below and roll the stone type. Note that some gems have both economic value and commodity value if they can be used in creating magical items or magical spells.
Roll |
Ornamental Stone Type |
Roll |
Ornamental Stone Type |
01-02 |
Agni Mani |
51-52 |
Nelvine |
03-04 |
Algae |
53-54 |
Nune |
05-06 |
Augelite |
55-56 |
Obsidian |
07-08 |
Azurite |
57-58 |
Oolite |
09-10 |
Banded Agate |
59 60 |
Ophealine |
11-12 |
Blue Quartz |
61-62 |
Rhodochrosite |
13-14 |
Bluestone |
63-64 |
Rosaline |
15-16 |
Chrysocolla |
65 66 |
Sagenite |
17-18 |
Corstal |
67-68 |
Sanidine |
19-20 |
Crown of Silver |
69-70 |
Sarbossa |
21-22 |
Disthene |
71-72 |
Satin Spar |
23 24 |
Epidote |
73-74 |
Sharpstone |
25-26 |
Eye Agate |
75-76 |
Sheen |
27-28 |
Fire Agate |
77-78 |
Silkstone |
29-30 |
Fluorspar |
79-80 |
Snowflake Obsidian |
31-32 |
Frost Agate |
81-82 |
Sunstone |
33-34 |
Goldline |
83-84 |
Thuparlial |
35-36 |
Greenstone |
85-86 |
Tiger Eye Agate |
37-38 |
Hematite |
87-88 |
Turquoise |
39-40 |
Hyaline |
89-90 |
Variscite |
41-42 |
Lapis Lazuli |
91-92 |
Violane |
43-44 |
Lynx Eye |
93-94 |
Webstone |
45-46 |
Malachite |
95-96 |
Wonderstone |
47-48 |
Microeline |
97-98 |
Woodtine |
49 50 |
Moss Agate |
99-00 |
Zarbrina |
Roll |
Semiprecious Stone Type |
Roll |
Semiprecious Stone Type |
01-02 |
Agate |
48-49 |
Malacon |
03-04 |
Alestone |
50-51 |
Mellochrysos |
05 06 |
Andar |
52-54 |
Moonstone |
07-08 |
Aventurine |
55-56 |
Mykaro |
09-10 |
Bloodstone |
57-58 |
Mynteer |
11-12 |
Boakhar |
59-62 |
Onyx |
13-15 |
Carnelian |
63-64 |
Orprase |
16-18 |
Chalcedony |
65-66 |
Phenalope |
19-21 |
Chrysoprase |
67-68 |
Rainbow Obsidian |
22-24 |
Citrine |
69-72 |
Rock Crystal |
25-26 |
Clelophane |
73-74 |
Samarskite |
27-28 |
Datchas |
75-77 |
Sardonyx |
29-30 |
Dioptase |
78-80 |
Serpentine |
31-32 |
Gold Sheen |
81-82 |
Skydrop |
33-34 |
Hambergyle |
83-86 |
Smoky Quartz |
35-36 |
Hydrophane |
87-88 |
Spodumene |
37-38 |
Hypersthene |
89-91 |
Star Rose Quartz |
39-40 |
Iol |
92-93 |
Tabasheer |
41-43 |
Irtios |
94-95 |
Tchazar |
44-45 |
Jasper |
96-97 |
Witherite |
46-47 |
Luriyl |
98-00 |
Zircon |
Roll |
Fancy Stone Type |
Roll |
Fancy Stone Type |
01-03 |
Alexandrite |
51-53 |
Jet |
04-06 |
Amber |
54-56 |
Kornerupine |
07-10 |
Amethyst |
57-60 |
Laeral's Tears |
11-13 |
Angel's Skin |
61-63 |
Mocca Stone |
14-16 |
Brandeen |
64-66 |
Octel |
17-20 |
Cairngorm |
67-70 |
Precious cat's-eye |
21-23 |
Chrysoberyl |
71-73 |
Scapra |
24-26 |
Chrysolite |
74-76 |
Shandon |
27-30 |
Coral |
77-80 |
Sinhalite |
31-33 |
Golden Sapphire |
81-83 |
Star Diopside |
34-36 |
Green Sapphire |
84-86 |
Tourmaline |
37-40 |
Heliotrope |
87-90 |
Tremair |
41-43 |
Hyacinth |
91-93 |
Ulvaen |
44-46 |
Jade |
94-96 |
Waterstar |
47-50 |
Jargoon |
97-00 |
Ziose |
Roll |
Precious Stone Type |
Roll |
Precious Stone Type |
01-07 |
Aquamarine |
45-51 |
Orbaline |
08-14 |
Euclase |
52-59 |
Pearl |
15-21 |
Flamedance |
60-67 |
Pcridot |
22-29 |
Garnet |
68-75 |
Raindrop |
30-37 |
Heliodor |
76-81 |
Rusteen |
38-44 |
Horn Coral |
Roll |
Gem Stone Type |
Roll |
Gem Stone Type |
01-05 |
Black Opal |
54-58 |
Red Tears |
06-11 |
Fire Opal |
59-63 |
Rhodolite |
12-16 |
Jasmal |
64-68 |
Sapphire |
17-21 |
Moonbar |
69-74 |
Sard |
22-26 |
Opal |
75-79 |
Shou Lung Topaz |
27-32 |
Orange Sapphire |
80-84 |
Shou Lung Amethyst |
33-37 |
Orblen |
85-89 |
Tomb Jade |
38-42 |
Orl |
90-95 |
Water Opal |
43-47 |
Purple Sapphire |
96-00 |
Zendalure |
48-53 |
Ravenar |
Roll |
Jewel Type |
Roll |
Jewel Type |
01-06 |
Amaratha |
59-69 |
King's Tears |
07-17 |
Beljuril |
70-71 |
Rogue Stone |
18-25 |
Black Sapphire |
72-82 |
Ruby |
26-36 |
Diamond |
83-85 |
Shou Lung Emerald |
37-47 |
Emerald |
85-93 |
Star Ruby |
48-58 |
Jacinth |
94-00 |
Star Sapphire |
Roll |
Hardstone Type |
Roll |
Hardstone Type |
01-06 |
Alabaster (5 SP) |
55-60 |
Pipestone (1 GP) |
07-12 |
Archon (2 GP) |
61 -66 |
Psaedros (6 SP) |
13-18 |
Hornbill Ivory (7 SP) |
67-72 |
Serpentine Stone (3 GP) |
19-24 |
Iris Agate (2 GP) |
73-78 |
Soapstone (9 SP) |
25-30 |
Ivory (1-5 GP, depending on quality) |
79 |
Star Metal (10,000 GP) |
31 36 |
Lumachella (26 SP) |
80-85 |
Sulabra (7 SP) |
37-42 |
Luspeel (3 GP) |
86 91 |
Tempskya (1 GP) |
43-48 |
Marble (3 GP) |
92 95 |
Turritella (8 SP) |
49-54 |
Meerschaum (2 GP) |
96-00 |
Xylopal (22 SP) |
Roll |
Shell Type |
Roll |
Shell Type |
01-05 |
Abalone, Red (10 GP) |
52-58 |
Mother of Pearl (5 SP for one pound) |
06-07 |
Abalone, Green (25 GP) |
59 65 |
Nacre (1 GP for one pound) |
08-14 |
Black Helmet (45 GP) |
66-72 |
Nautilus (5 GP) |
15-21 |
Conch (10 GP) |
73-79 |
Red Helmet (20 GP) |
21-28 |
Cowrie, Tiger ( 10 GP) |
80-85 |
Sardonyx Helmet (40 GP) |
29-33 |
Cowrie, Pearl (20 GP) |
86-90 |
Shambos (1-5 GP per shell plate) |
34-36 |
Cowrie, Opal (100 GP) |
91-94 |
Trochus (4 GP) |
37 |
Cowrie, Purple Star (4,000 GP) |
95-98 |
Turbo (2 GP) |
38-44 |
Flame Helmet (50 GP) |
99-00 |
Unio (1 GP) |
45-51 |
Homed Helmet (51) GP) |
Weapon
Enhancements
All the enchantments that can be added to almost any weapon, are to be found
here. There are exceptions, however, but the DM should reroll these.
Light Generation
As a general rule, magical weapons, armor, or items should not shed light when drawn
or being used. This makes it too easy for the players to determine if a weapon is magical,
unless the item's description states that it sheds light. However, if the DM chooses, he
or she can rule that magical weapons (particularly swords, daggers, and +3 or greater
items) shed light and c 'case, a magical weapon should never glow until the wielder is
aware of its magical properties-the light property of a weapon should never be used as an
excuse to identify a magical item. Note that the flame tongue, frost brand, holy
avenger, life stealing, and sharpness swords have special properties with
regard to light. These are dealt with in the individual weapon descriptions.
When the Random Tables in the back of this volume are used, the DM should roll on the table below in order to determine which enchantment is gained for the weapon. Once rolled, refer to the specific entry below for full details.
Roll |
Enhancement Gained |
Roll |
Enhancement Gained |
01 |
of Adaptation |
48 |
of Holding |
02 |
Agoraphobic |
49 |
of Illumination |
03 |
Antistoneskin |
50 |
of Illusion |
04 |
Anything |
51 |
Intelligent |
05 |
Aquatic |
52 |
Intelligent II |
06 |
Aquatic with Free Action |
53 |
Invisible |
07 |
of Balance |
54 |
of Levitation |
08 |
Bloodfearer |
55 |
of Lighting |
09 |
Boneiron |
56 |
Lightweight |
10 |
Bonewood |
57 |
Living |
11 |
with Bonus vs. Opponent |
58 |
Miniature |
12 |
of Breathing |
59 |
Narcissistic |
13 |
Brittleblade |
60 |
Petrified |
14 |
of Charming |
61 |
Polymorphed |
15 |
of Clairaudience |
62 |
of Proficiency |
16 |
of Clairvoyance |
63 |
Purple-Leaf |
17 |
Claustrophobic |
64 |
Quirk |
18 |
of Concealed Wizardry |
65-67 |
Racial |
19 |
of Deceiving |
68 |
of Returning |
20 |
of Defending |
69 |
of See Invisible |
21 |
of Deflecting |
70 |
Shivering |
22 |
of Detect Evil/Good |
71 |
of Silence |
23 |
of Detect Gems |
72 |
of Silencing |
24 |
of Detect Magic |
73 |
of Slaying |
25 |
of Detect Metal |
74 |
of Slicing |
26 |
of Detect Shifting Walls & Rooms |
75 |
of Slowing |
27 |
of Detect Slopes |
76 |
of Specialization |
28 |
of Detection |
77 |
Spectral |
29 |
of Disruption |
78-80 |
of Speed |
30 |
of Draining |
81 |
of Speed II |
31 |
of Enchantment |
82 |
of Speeding |
32 |
of ESP |
83 |
Stoneiron |
33 |
of Extinguishing |
84 |
of Surrender |
34 |
of Extra Damage |
85 |
of telekinesis |
35 |
of Find Secret Doors |
86 |
of Telepathy |
36 |
of Find Traps |
87 |
of Teleportation |
37 |
of Finding |
88 |
of Translating |
38 |
of Flame |
89 |
Unbreakable |
39 |
of Flaming |
90 |
Uncharged |
40 |
of Flying |
91 |
of Venom |
41 |
of Flying II |
92 |
of Watching |
42 |
of Forgetfulness |
93 |
Weightless |
43 |
Fossilized |
94 |
of Wishing |
44 |
of Healing |
95 |
Woodiron |
45 |
of Healing II |
96 |
of X-Ray Vision |
46 |
of Hiding |
97-99 |
Roll twice, ignoring 97-00 results |
47 |
with Hilt of Conjuring |
00 |
Roll three times, ignoring 97-00 results |
As an added feature, DMs may choose to roll on the table below to determine the construction material of a weapon. Often, the weapon's description states what the weapon is made of, or rolling on the table below.
Roll |
Construction Material |
01 |
Adamantite |
02-10 |
Bone |
11-20 |
Copper |
21-60 |
Iron |
61-70 |
Obsidian |
71-75 |
Silver |
76-85 |
Steel |
86-95 |
Stone |
96-00 |
Wood |
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