The Meanings of Crystals and Gems

Abalone is said to be helpful for strengthening muscular tissue particularly around the heart. As it is shell rather than a gemstone it is connected with the sea and represents the tides of emotions and the easy flow of feelings and sensitivity to others. It brings about harmony in relationships and is connected with family and motherhood.

Chrysoprase is used to balance male and female energy. It encourages hope and love and is said to provide protection on sea journeys. When used for healing chrysoprase should not be placed on the body but rather held above the affected area. Chrysoprase is believed to speed the healing of any injury.

Chrysoprase in the form of a heart is more powerful than in other forms and its protection properties are utilised if placed by the entrance to the home.

Natural citrine is relatively rare, most citrine that is available is in reality heat treated amethyst. As such it shares some of the properties of amethyst. Citrine is believe to protect you from the negative energy from others, it is also said to enhance wealth. To make use of the citrine wealth enhancing properties place it in the wealth corner of your home, carry it in your purse or keep in your cash drawer if you are a shop keeper.

Citrine is also particularly helpful to the digestive system and related problems such as diabetes and constipation, and can help with depression. Citrine is a calming, relaxing and soothing stone.

Copper is a very special metal and enhances the energy field of the stones it is set with, in fact it can even enhance the properties of gold and silver. If you want to use the properties of malachite, chrysocolla, turquoise and azurite then using them in conjunction with copper will make them even more powerful.

Copper is widely recognised as a healing metal and has long been used to aid rheumatism and arthritis.

Coral is found in many colours, red being the most sought after other colours include pink, yellow, white and black.

The use of coral in jewellery and decorative objects dates back thousands of years. Coral was believed to prevent bad luck and give protection against skin diseases and was often worn as a necklace for these purposes.

Pink coral is used to aid depression and lethargy. Red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream.

Crystal quartz is a commonly seen stone and is the one most people recognise as a healing stone. It is one of the most powerful stones and amplifies the energies of any stone it is used in conjunction with. The most powerful form for healing purposes is the crystal point but a crystal ball is used for meditation.

Diamonds need no introduction they are the hardest gemstone and of course amongst the most valuable. Diamond comes in varying shades of pure clear white to yellow, green and blue. The clearer the diamond without inclusions (cloudy, black or white spots) the more valuable it is.

For healing purposes diamonds are said to be good for coughs. Although generally when diamonds are used for healing it is to enhance the energy of other gems being used. Healers often have emerald or amethyst jewellery that is set with diamonds surrounding the main gemstone.

Dolomite is used to help with circulation problems which includes the heart and blood and is said to help with cramps. Dolomite is believed to help the transition into new communities.

The Emerald is a stone of love and is the stone of the goddess Venus. Some find the emerald calms a troubled and anxious mind and brings wisdom and reason.

Emerald is a variety of beryl, blue beryl is called aquamarine, yellowy green beryl is heliodor and yellow beryl is golden beryl, pink beryl is morganite. Emerald is used to help with backaches the power of the emerald is believed to be strongest in the spring and at full moon.

The emerald is a stone of wisdom, love and harmony and given to a lover will bring the 2 people closer.

Fluorite is a particular favourite stone of mine because it is a beautiful and interesting mix of purples, greens, yellow pink and almost clear. Fluorite is believed to help with decision making and increasing concentration. As with many gemstone fluorite can be used in conjunction with other gemstones and it helps open the pathways for the healing to work.

Fluorite is said to help with ulcers and also aiding joint problems and arthritis.

Galena is an earth stone and brings the courage and strength to face hard times. It also helps counter the effects of electromagnetic pollution and radiation, place it around a computer to help offset these problems of the modern world.

Garnet is the successful business builder, if you want to help your business improve then keep garnets on your desk. Garnets are also said to cure depression if kept under your pillow and when worn as jewellery can increase popularity and improve self esteem. Garnet is a gemstone of purity, love, compassion and truth. Garnet can help increase sex drive as well as spiritual awareness. Hold the garnet in your hand or place on your head when meditating to find and release information.

Goldstone is not a naturally occurring stone it is a manmade pleasing accident. Monks trying their hands at alchemy in a Venice glass factory spilt copper into the molten glass. This crystallized result is goldstone with golden sparkles amongst the crystals.

Hematite is a dark glossy stone with a pearl-like sheen, I find it pleasantly cool to the touch. The name is the greek word for blood and has been used as a protection against bleeding.  Hematite is good for increasing intuition and encourages the absorption of iron in the intestine which has the knock on effect of improving the oxygen supply to the body.

Howlite comes in a white, green and blue and can look remarkably like turquoise. Howlite is a soothing and calming stone. It is an excellent cure for insomnia caused by the busy mind. Keep in your pocket to absorb anger, both your own and that of others.

Iolite is an ancient seafarers compass astonishingly when a piece of iolite is looked at it shows different colours blue-violet depending on the whether the sky was a northern or southern one.

Iolite works well with lapis lazuli, amethyst and azurite. Iolite is good for stimulating memory and helping with sleep problems.

Jade is another well known stone in China it has been used for centuries and is considered to be a powerful stone to draw love. Jade can bring money into your life and should be held whilst visualising the decision or outcome that you require. Jade is also used for protection against accidents. Jade is considered to be particularly helpful in healing for kidney, stomach and heart problems.

Jasper will protect you against hazards of the night and is thought to bring luck to actors. Jasper is a very old gemstone and is mentioned in the Bible more than once. Jasper gives you the courage to speak your mind and aids personal independence. All forms of jasper help balance the body’s emotional energy.

Jasper comes in many colours and patterns and all colours will help with balancing although it isn’t a fast acting stone. For self healing use leopard skin jasper, which is also the jasper to use to connect with your spiritual animal totem. Red jasper helps the sense of smell. Ocean jasper in only found on the coast of Madagascar from a mine that can only operate at low tide. Ocean jasper is a powerful stone to lift negativity and bring focus and cooperation to your life. Yellow jasper is good for digestion and stomach complaints.

Jet was a popular stone in victorian England as a mourning stone and is black or very dark brown. Jet neutralizes negative energy and combined with lepidolite to release stress. Combined with amber or sugilite Jet is used cleanse the kidneys and liver.

Kunzite is a rare stone and is calming and relaxing. It is also thought to symbolize new life and purity. Kunzite promotes peace and tranquillity.

Lapis Lazuli is a lovely blue stone and was very highly valued in antiquity and has been used by many cultures including the ancient Egyptians who were buried with lapis lazuli carved into scarabs. Lapis lazuli is one of the most powerful stones and should be used carefully. Use lapis lazuli with other stones to purify or cleanse the body due to its power it is best only used by healers.

Labrodorite is a stone with browns and blues and a distinctive iridescence. Use labrodorite to clarify your goals and dreams and strengthen your intuition. It will also help your imagination and enthusiasm.

Lepidolite is a purple variety of mica and so strictly speaking is not a gemstone. Lepidolite encourages goal setting and attaining those goals, aids restful sleep when placed near your pillow. Used in conjunction with rose quartz is becomes a stone of reconciliation. It brings good luck and protects against negativity.

Lodestone is also know at Magnetite and is used for balancing and realigning energy flows. Lodestone will align the chakras and can attract love and loyalty. Lodestone is helpful with meditation and visualisation.

Lodestone is beneficial for blood and circulatory problems and is excellent for cramps and muscle strain.

Lodalite are dream crystals and are used by shamans to bring about visions and healing. Lodalite is only found in Minas Gerais, Brazil and no two stones are alike.

Malachite is a green stone which is usually banded in different shades of green which forms lovely patterns when polished. Malachite is said to be a protector of children and travellers. It is also used to aid success in business.

Malachite is sometimes called the mirror of the soul and it reflects the inner feelings of the wearer, consequently if you are feeling down or negative don’t wear any malachite jewellery. Malachite can help prevent nightmares if kept in the bedroom and combine it with copper to increase its effectiveness.

Moonstone is a popular translucent and iridescent stone and is associated with the goddess Diana. As you might expect with its name the most powerful and effective time to use moonstone is at the full moon.

Moonstone is believed to promotes your intuition and inspiration, brings success and good fortune. It will also protect you whether on land or sea so you can see why it’s highly prized. To revitalize moonstone place it in moonlight in the run up to a full moon. It is considered a particularly good stone for women and helps balance hormone cycles.

Obsidian is volcanic glass and is commonly black but snowflake obsidian is speckled with patches of white and rainbow obsidian is a highly valued purple, green and gold mix.

Obsidian is helpful for depression and blocking negativity.

Opal is a beautiful stone full of fire and a variety of colours. The most commonly seen opal in the UK is white opal and is often of very poor quality, high quality opal has a fabulous play of colours and comes in blue, pink, white, fire and black opal. Fire opals are different in appearance to other opal in that they are often cut into faceted stones rather than cabochons, they also do not have the play of colour of other opals.

Blue opal is a stone to enable communication of what is in your heart, and helps you overcome self destructive tendencies. It is also a stone of love but only to faithful lovers and brings misfortune to the unfaithful.

Pink opal helps you find a way to resolve painful memories and is good for healing emotions.

Fire opal is used to stimulate the sexual organs and enthusiasm. Another great stone for drawing in money to a business and also encourages spontaneity.

Onyx is another defender against negativity and it can also help you move on from unhappy relationships or memories.

Peridot is considered a sacred stone and is mentioned throughout the Bible and Catholic Bishops still wear a ring of amethyst and peridot to symbolize morality and purity. Peridot is a fresh bottle green colour a more olive green stone of the same make up is called olivine.

Peridot is reputed to aid in healing the liver and gall bladder.

With its look of gold pyrite has been a symbol for good luck and money. The name comes from the greek word that means ‘a stone which strikes fire’.

Pyrite is an excellent energy shield protecting you from negativity. It can help overcome feelings of inadequacy and placed where you work will energize you.

Quartz comes in many colours, rose quartz is the love stone and the stone of love in marriage. Rose quartz gives inner peace and helps in all matters relating to love.

Blue quartz is for stress relief as it calms the mind and inspires hope.

Rutilated quartz are stones with inclusions that look like fine needles or hairs and may be yellow, black or golden. Red rutilated quartz relieves sexual tension and anxiety and brings hope. Golden rutilated quartz cleanses and energizes whilst cleansing and illuminating the soul. Rutilated quartz is an great stone to use if you need to change your life path.

Smokey quartz brings creativity in business, personal pride and joy. Smokey quartz helps relieve depression.

Tangerine quartz is the stone to use after shock or trauma and is sometimes used to enhance creativity and sexuality.

Rhodocrosite has a number of different names, manganese spar, raspberry spar and inca rose stone. It is found in a variety of shades of red from pale pink to deeper reds and has lovely swirling patterns. 

Rhodochrosite encourages feelings of love and compassion, enhances the creative process and promotes intuition. Rhodocrosite is thought to aid circulation and the blood pressure.

Rhodonite is a soothing stone that raises self esteem and brings about a sense of well being and relaxation.

Rhyolite strengthens mind, body and soul, it integrates the past and present to bring about healing. It will promote your self esteem and help in fulfilling your dreams and reaching your goals.

The ruby is an extremely powerful stone and the colour ranges from vermilion to red. The most sought after colour is pure red with a hint of blue, when a ruby verges on the pink end of the scale it is a pink sapphire and too violet it becomes a violet sapphire. Ruby is full of love and will help sexual love be more passionate. 

Ruby aids cleansing the blood and improving circulation. If the ruby is worn as a ring it should be on the left hand to receive life force and protection. The ruby is a symbol of love, vitality, friendship and royalty.

The word sapphire is from the Greek meaning blue. We most commonly associate sapphires as strong blues although there are pink, yellow, violet, clear and green sapphires. A sapphire necklace is said to cure a sore throat. The star sapphire is a stone which appears to have a star shape within it and is highly valued.

Selenite is another stone related to a goddess in this case the moon goddess Selene. If exchanged between lovers it will aid reconciliation. Selenite is said to help you access angelic realms and guidance. It brings clarity and helps you see the bigger picture. Placing selenite in the corners of your home brings a peaceful and safe environment.

Septarian also known as Dragonstone. Septarian is a healing stone that is beneficial to general health rather than a specific use.

Serpentine so called because it resembles snake skin comes in many colours including green, red, brown and white. It is believed to help nursing mothers regulate their milk supply. It is also reputed to protect again poisonous snakes and insects. It balances mood swings and encourages the peaceful resolution of conflict. Serpentine is helpful to kidney and stomach complaints and eases cramps and menstrual pain. It can also help women who can reach orgasm due to tension.

Sodalite is a dark blue stone with white calcite and is sometimes confused with lapis lazuli. Sodalite is associated with the thyroid making it an ideal gem to wear in a necklace against the skin. Also good to wear if you are trying to lose weight. It also give confidence and is a lucky stone for writers.

Sunstone is linked with moonstone and if you carry both stones together you bring the sun influences of healing, protection and success together with the moon influences of love, peace and spirituality.

The sunstone will give you energy when you are stressed or unwell. It can also stimulate sexual energy and arousal. Sunstone stimulates the power of attraction. It is usually orange gold in colour.

Sugilite is also known as Luvulite and is one of the most important love stones representing wisdom and spiritual love. Sugilite is purple and it believed to protect the soul from trauma, brings light and love to your darkest hour and eliminates hostility.

Sugilite is used for pain relief and dyslexia.

Tiger’s eye has many names including cat’s eye, falcon’s eye and hawk’s eye. It is used for insight and in jewellery is thought to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. It also brings insight and clear thought.

Tiger’s eye is not used for healing the body it is a mind stone and it will bring feelings of oneness and it will make you aware of your own needs in relation to the needs of others. Tiger’s eye is a powerful stone and should be used with care.

Tiger iron is a banded/stripey stone of tiger eye, hematite and jasper. This powerful combination of energies makes it a great grounding and protective stone. It is a stone that is good for body builders and those wishing to increase physical strength. It also encourages creative expression and is good for actors and musicians.

Topaz is a soothing and empathetic stone and it directs energy to where it is needed. Topaz is often clear and is irradiated and heated to create blue topaz. Imperial topaz is yellow and is used to prevent nightmares, attract love to the wearer and protect against envy, disease. If combined with tiger eye, topaz will bring wealth. Imperial topaz can also stimulate the appetite and help with nervous exhaustion.

Tourmaline comes in seven varieties and many colours. Watermelon tourmaline is rare because is has three colour in one crystal, pink white and green it can encourage regeneration of nerves and helps with multiple sclerosis. It attracts love and balances male and female energies.

There is also black tourmaline which is a good protection stone and is also very lucky and this luck increases when black tourmaline is rubbed.

Red tourmaline is also known as rubellite and will reignite your passion for life. Red tourmaline is a good gift for a lover as it encourages passion and also stimulates inspiration and courage to protect those that you love.

Turquoise is an ancient gemstone that has long been used in jewellery for both decoration and protection.

Turquoise helps with gout, stomach problems, infections, pain, cramps and over acidity. It also has anti inflammatory and detoxifying effects. Turquoise is the symbol of friendship and brings peace to the home and if given to you by a friend is believed to bring good fortune. Turquoise is said to take on the characteristics of the owner and becomes a very personal and meaningful stone to the wearer.