Stone

As a symbol, stone represents stability, durability, reliability, immortality; sure foundations; the eternal; static life.
Tall up-right stones represent supreme support of all things in the Universe.

Permanence and Eternity:

• Endurance - Stone represents what lasts, what withstands time and weathering
• Immortality - Unlike organic materials, stone seems almost eternal
• Memory and monuments - Gravestones, memorials, and ancient structures preserve memory across generations

Strength and Stability:

• Foundation - The "cornerstone" or "bedrock" upon which things are built
• Reliability - "Solid as a rock" suggests dependability and steadfastness
• Protection - Stone walls and fortresses symbolize security and defense

Spiritual and Sacred:

• Divine presence - Sacred stones, altars, and stone temples mark holy places
• Transformation - The philosopher's stone in alchemy represents ultimate spiritual transformation
• Covenant - Stone tablets (like the Ten Commandments) represent divine law and sacred agreements

Hardness and Coldness:

• Emotional barriers - A "heart of stone" suggests callousness or inability to feel
• Stubbornness - Being "stone-faced" or immovable
• Death - The coldness and stillness of stone can represent lifelessness

Hidden Potential:

• Precious gems - Rough stones contain hidden beauty waiting to be revealed
• Raw material - Stones that can be carved, shaped, or polished represent latent possibility

Biblical and Religious:

• Christ as cornerstone - Foundation of faith
• Peter (meaning "rock") - Steadfast foundation of the church
• Stumbling block - Obstacle in one's path