Fortune Teller. In earlier times, the chemical makeup of gems was unknown, and color-change gems like this unusual oblong Garnet were considered magical. Color-change gems were used to predict the future, warn against storms, and protect the wearer against poisoning. The shift from lilac-gray to deep red-bronze has to do with the presence of chromium and vanadium as the stone was forming millions of years ago in the earth's crust. Our prediction: wearing this gem will bring smiles! Gemstone Details