As far back as the Stone Age, people of all cultures and religions have discovered and harnessed the remedial properties of gemstones. More than just a beautiful adornment, gemstones are thought to emit powerful vibrations that promote health and healing. As early as 3,500 B.C., the Egyptians used gemstones such as quartz, amethyst, and lapis lazuli for their healing and protective properties. Crystal gazing has been practiced since the Middle Ages, and of course we have all heard of birthstones, the stones that symbolize the month of a person’s birth. In this article, I will share some of my favorite gemstones with you and offer tips on how to use them in a variety of ways.
How to Use Gemstones
The most popular way to carry gemstones with you is to wear them as jewelry. It is believed that a sterling silver setting is best for gemstone rings because it resonates the gem’s healing vibrations more strongly. Tumbled gemstone nuggets can be carried in a pocket or purse to keep them handy, or they can be placed under your pillow or on your nightstand. You can also simply relax and hold a gemstone nugget in your hand. Use your non-dominant hand – not the hand you use to write with. This is known as your receptive hand, the hand believed to most easily receive energies.
Cleansing the Gemstones
Some gemstone users choose to cleanse their newly acquired stones before using them. This isn’t just a typical soap-and-water scrub. Gemstones are believed to absorb energies from other people and environments, and a cleanse helps to rid the stones of those vibrations. Think of it as washing new clothes before wearing them. You never know who—or what—might have been wearing those clothes before you! Gemstone cleansing is done in a variety of ways. They can be quickly dipped in a water and sea salt solution* (a quarter teaspoon of sea salt per cup of water is a good rule of thumb), passed several times though incense smoke, or left overnight in the light of a full moon. Gemstone cleansing is optional, but recommended.
*Please note: not all gemstones should be put in water. Any stone ending in “ite”, such as pyrite, calcite, lepidolite, etc., should never be placed in water. These stones are made up of minerals which can dissolve in water. I recommend purchasing a book on gemstones and crystals for more information.
Some of My Favorite Gemstones
Amethyst: My all-time favorite gemstone. Its colors range from a light lavender to a deep dark purple. Strengthens endocrine and immune systems. Powerful blood cleanser and energizer. Purification and regeneration on all levels of consciousness. Cuts through illusion. Enhances psychic abilities. Calming, strong protective qualities. Healing, inspiration, intuition. Increases vivid dreams, and helps with depression, addiction, and stress.
Amber: Amber isn’t really a gemstone; it is fossilized tree resin. One of my favorite possessions is a chunk of amber with a tiny prehistoric insect embedded in it. Amber exerts a positive influence on the endocrine system, spleen and heart. It is healing, soothing, and harmonizing. Activates altruism and spiritualism.
Aquamarine: It is a lovely pale blue-green, and has long been associated with the element of water. It calms nerves and reduces fluid retention. Strengthens kidneys, liver, spleen, and thyroid. Purifies the body. Enhances clarity of mind and aids creative self-expression. Physical/emotional/mental balancer. Helps banish fears and phobias. Excellent for meditation, inspiration, peace, and love.
Carnelian: In varying shades of orange-red, sometimes with lighter inclusions. (stripes and swirls) It is a highly evolved mineral healer. Energizes blood. Aids kidneys, lungs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Aids tissue regeneration. Vitalizes. Attunement with inner self. Facilitates concentration. Opens the heart. Warming, social, joyous. Good for general healing.
Garnet (red): Usually a deep, dark red. There is also a green variety. Strengthens, purifies, vitalizes, and regenerates bodily systems, especially the bloodstream. Stimulates the pituitary gland. Encourages, love, compassion, and enhances imagination.
Lapis Lazuli: A medium blue stone with occasional white inclusions. Lapis Lazuli was featured in King Tutankhamun’s famous golden burial mask. It strengthens the skeletal system, activates the thyroid gland, and relieves tension and anxiety. Augments strength, vitality, mental clarity, and enhances psychic ability and creative expression. Also good for emotional healing.
Rose Quartz: A light to medium pink quartz. It has been called the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships of all types, and encourages unconditional love. It purifies and opens the heart to promote love, self-love, friendships and feelings of peace. Brings comfort in times of grief.
Quartz Crystal: Clear to cloudy in color, this stone amplifies the healing vibrations of other stones – gives them a boost, in other words. It is an emotional balancer, and it stimulates brain functions. Helps dispel negativity, and is excellent to use during meditation.
Sources: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic, by Scott Cunningham, and my own personal experiences.
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