When choosing stones, I use my personal perception and feel of what those stones represent energetically, rather that rely on what’s been written in books. Some of my feelings coincide with common knowledge, some don’t. In the end, the in the moment intention with which I use the stone takes precedence over "tradition".
Here is a short and simplified glossary of the energetic and symbolic value I often (but not always) attribute to the stones I most often use:
Garnet: Passion, courage
Ruby: Determination
Pink tourmaline: Self-love
Peridot: Personal growth
Aquamarine: Truth, also "Higher/multi-dimensional energy
Amethyst: Spirit, Soul
Iolite: Night, depths
Sunstone: Creativity
Turquoise: Dream, sky, masculine
Coral: Earth, woman
Pearl: Transformation….Born our of an irritation in the oyster, they remind us that "irritations" in our life, in the form of things, events or people, are our points of entry for transforming ourselves. This is why all my earwires have a pearl.