This deck is probably best used as a learning tool rather than a divination deck.  I had an expectation of what these cards would be like, and I was pretty much right about it.

The cards are very attractive photos of gathered stones and crystals on what look like smooth surfaces, such as a table or stand.  It is obvious that the focus is the stones, nothing else is shown in the pictures.  There is no symbolism at all to relate to any tarot card meanings.

Basically the properties of each crystal or gemstone have been aligned with the traditional meanings of the tarot in order to select a stone for each card.  However, unless you are so well acquainted with the tarot as to already completely understand the traditional meanings of each card, without any visual cues, there is nothing to help you know what each card is all about.

Likewise, if you aren't very knowledgeable about stones and crystals, you won't find much help on that score either.  The premise here is that if you look up (in the booklet) the card which covers the problem you're having, the stone on the card will help with the solution.  For example, you have problems with unemployment (Five of Pentacles/Coins) the stone pictured is Citrine, which is a stone of prosperity.  So by wearing a Citrine you will solve your problem.

I'm not sure I like this kind of suggestion.  Nothing in life comes that easily and the cure-all approach is hokey.  I suppose for the instant-gratification crowd this might hold some appeal.

The deck is standard size and shuffles about as easily as any others.  The suits used are Coins, Wands, Cups and Swords but since all there are on the cards are stones, I don't see a correlation.  I would have renamed the suits.

All in all, I recommend this deck only as a curiosity.  Perhaps it might aid the reader in learning about stones.  Otherwise, there is little to say about it.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace
 
Tarot of Gemstones and Crystals by Helmut G. Hoffman
published by US Games Systems, Inc.
ISBN 0880791276