The Healing and Symbolic Properties of Gemstones

Agate:

Agate has several colour variations including grey, blue, beige, red, and brown and the colours are usually arranged in layers, multiple stripes, patterns and decorative shapes. Its healing qualities include alleviating discomfort during pregnancy and treating headaches, dizziness, impaired balance and skin problems.

Agate enables the wearer to choose between true friends and false ones. It is said to avert storms and lightning, protect children from danger, bring prosperity and prevent miscarriages.

Amazonite:

The colour of amazonite varies from green to blue-green. Its healing qualities include lifting depression and reducing anxiety. It has a calming effect and can correct mood swings and help the wearer come to terms with grief. It can be used to correct metabolic disorders, headaches and migraines and promote a restorative sleep.

Amazonite stimulates the artistic and creative side of its possessor and rids him of meanness, greed, and selfishness, while making him tolerant and patient.

Amethyst:

The colour of amethyst varies from light to dark violet. Its healing qualities include promoting clear and healthy skin and alleviating migraines. It increases concentration and confidence in life and brings out the charisma in the wearer’s personality.

Its magical properties include attracting justice and protecting against burglars and thieves. It also wards off danger and violent death.

Aquamarine:

The colour of aquamarine varies from translucent light blue to sea green. Its healing qualities include alleviating allergies and throat afflictions. It reduces glandular swelling and the pain of chronic tonsillitis.  As well as helping in the treatment of speech and vocal cord problems it is also known to have beneficial effects on the thyroid gland.

It promotes farsightedness and foresight and bestows the wearer with perseverance, discipline, and light heartedness. It clears up confusion and helps to bring unfinished business to a conclusion.

Aventurine:

The colours of aventurine are usually in the green, brown and burgundy range and often have a shimmer. Its healing properties mostly apply to skin irritations including acne, allergies, flaking skin, dandruff and hair loss.  It is also said to strengthen an individual sense of self and give the possessor a more positive view of life, enhancing their sense of humour and cheerfulness.

Aventurine symbolizes tranquility and patience. It gives the wearer inner equilibrium and stimulates dreaming.

Bronzite:

The colour of bronzite is brown flecked with bronze and silvery traces. It helps in the treatment of cysts, rashes, pimples, and eczema. It also relaxes tense muscles and cramps. It combats premature aging and prevents the skin from dehydrating. It is believed to bring the wearer inner peace, so that they are able to retain a clear head and control under permanent stress. It lends vigor and inner calm simultaneously and provides regeneration from exhaustion.

Chrysoprase:

The colour of chrysoprase is apple green often with black and/or gold inclusions. It has a calming influence and creates a harmonious effect on both body and mind. It helps with heartache and solving relationship problems. It also promotes trust and a sense of safety. It’s known to purify and detoxify and combat high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. It also has a positive influence on glandular disorders.

Chrysoprase symbolizes clarity of thought, leading people to new intellectual approaches and calming them down.

Citrine:

The colour of citrine is transparent and varies from lemon yellow to golden brown. It is helpful with concentration, and combating stress and depression by giving the wearer the courage to face life. It fortifies the nerves, stimulates the metabolic processes of the liver, stomach, duodenum, and pancreas, and strengthens the immune system. It also has a detoxifying effect and a positive influence on the metabolism.

Citrine symbolizes individuality and confidence. It brings self confidence and renewed determination.

Copper:

The colour of copper is a metallic orange-red.  The healing properties of copper include alleviating menstrual cramps and promoting the smooth functioning of the glands. It can also prevent wear and tear and calcification of the joints.  Psychologically it encourages a positive attitude and self-confidence. Copper promotes decision making, aesthetic appreciation, and brings harmony and love for all beings. 

Coral:

The colour of coral is salmon pink, orange, or red and often includes black and/or white veins.  Basically it protects against negative energy at the same time as preventing loss of energy.  It is helpful to menopausal women and can be used to prevent osteoporosis.  Coral also promotes the growth and formation of new tissue of every kind and it is beneficial in the treatment of blood and circulation disorders.  Psychologically it strengthens love and the need for partnership and makes the wearer immune to envy and resentment.

Coral symbolizes joy and happiness and enables the wearer to enjoy life.  According to legend it consists of divine blood.

Emerald:

The colour of emerald varies in depths of green.  Its healing properties help with sinusitis, headaches, epilepsy, and diseases of the eyes, heart and intestine.  It promotes mental growth, farsightedness and perceptiveness and aids in the management of misfortunes.  It also promotes harmony and justice; recuperation and regeneration.

Emerald symbolizes hope and development.  It stands for maturity and was a stone of divine intuition for the Greeks.

Epidote:

The colour of epidote can be reddish with green specks or the reverse.  It strengthens the body’s condition and immune system and decreases physical weakness.  It is therefore useful in the treatment of almost all illnesses.  It also stimulates digestion and metabolism and is good for recuperating after over-exertion or illness.  It encourages patience, develops the psyche and gives optimism and self-confidence.  It also helps the wearer dissipate anxiety, self-pity and grief, and realize one’s idea of happiness and fulfillment.

The one who carries epidote will find things that have been lost.

Fluorite (Feldspar):

The colour of fluorite is yellow, violet, or green and can also be rainbow coloured.  The direct application of the stone is helpful for ailments such as energy blockages, respiratory problems, skin diseases and arthritis.  It can also be used to ease joint problems and stiffness. It will also awaken suppressed feelings and combat narrow-mindedness and bring emotional stability and inner peace.

Fluorite symbolizes responsibility and obedience.

Garnet:

The most common colour of garnet is red to dark red but it can also be yellow, green and black.  It is said to be helpful in the treatment of disturbed blood circulation and to strengthen the heart.  It brings vitality, strengthens the memory and supports the striving for improvement.  It also promotes composure, courage and endurance, and quality of life.

Garnet symbolizes constructiveness.  Mystics believe it brightens dark souls and brings hope to people.

Grossular (Green Garnet):

The colour of grossular is green, greenish-brown, brownish-orange, often with specks of black.  It is used as a healing stone in the treatment of bones and is used to alleviate osteoporosis, rheumatism and arthritis.  It is also effective in the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems and psychosomatic illnesses.  It brings hope and helps develop new perspectives as well as a willingness to co-operate with others.

Hematite:

The colour of hematite is gray-black, dark reddish-brown or shiny metallic. It is said to promote the formation of blood cells and is used to stabilize the circulation of blood and combat venous hyperemia and embolism.  It is a regenerative stone and helps to promote healthy sleep. Psychologically it encourages spontaneity and zest for life. It also promotes vitality, courage and enthusiasm.

Hematite symbolizes courage and was known as “blood stone” in the Middle Ages, staunching blood and promoting the formation of new blood cells.

Hypersthene:

Hypersthene is black with a metallic shimmer.  It brings balance; the right measure of activity and rest.  It makes the wearer dynamic and gives him emotional balance.  It also helps him accept criticism and defend his convictions.  Hypersthene eases tension and relieves pain.

Howlite:

Howlite is white with dark veins.  It promotes independence, and aids one in taking control of his life.  It also promotes conscious control of one’s actions.  It fortifies one’s sense of balance; helps with nausea, eases vomiting; and ameliorates skin irritation caused by contact poison.

Jade (Jadeite):

The colour of jade is a transparent light to dark green.  It has blood staunching properties so it aids women during childbirth.  It is beneficial to glandular functions, lowers fever and has a detoxifying effect on the body by stimulating the kidneys.  Psychologically it calms, counteracts prejudices, and gives its possessor a sense of justice and contentment.  It also promotes a balance between work and rest.

Jade symbolizes renewal.  In Asia jade is still considered a lucky stone and is frequently worn as an amulet.

Jasper:

There are many opaque colour variations of jasper; yellow, red, reddish-brown, and green. It is used therapeutically to stimulate sexuality and fertility and combat exhaustion. Red jasper enhances blood flow and stimulates blood circulation.  It is useful in treating liver, spleen, and pancreas ailments. It is also used to aid in weight loss.  It warms and enlivens the wearer and makes them courageous, and dynamic.  Yellow jasper is used to strengthen the immune system and is very helpful to menopausal women.  It promotes endurance, perseverance, and tenacity.

Japer symbolizes willpower.  In the Middle Ages it was the warrior’s stone, and legend has it that it adorned Siegfried’s sword.

Jet:

Jet is a black, opaque stone.  It is used for protection and comfort.  It provides the wearer with hope, helping him overcome anxiety and depression.  It is used in a healing manner to alleviate arthritis and inflammation of the joints as well as treating bronchitis, colds, and headaches.  It all helps to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by separation or the death of loved ones.  It also protects the wearer from enemies and evil thoughts while giving him courage.

Jet is a protective stone that protects against evil spirits, magic spells and witchcraft.  It should also protect its owner from enemies. In addition, it reflects and balances the ups and downs of the psyche.

Labradorite (Feldspar):

The colour of labradorite is gray-blue with an iridescent surface.  It is effective in alleviating bone problems, disorders of the spinal column, and wear and tear of the joints as well as rheumatism and arthritis. Psychologically, labradorite has a calming, harmonizing effect.  It sharpens intuition, gives emotional depth and clarifies the wearer’s views and objectives.

With its shimmering play of colours labradorite symbolizes fantasy and creativity.  The stone’s sparkle is reminiscent of fireworks.

Lapis Lazuli:

The colour of lapis lazuli is blue and ranges from light blue to azure blue to violet-blue.  It is an opaque stone with speckled gold-coloured inclusions.  It helps in the balanced functioning of the thyroid gland while strengthening the neck and vocal chords.  It also reduces fever and blood pressure.  It promotes clear understanding and intuition and strengthens idealism.  It promotes genuineness and helps one open up to others and form bonding relationships.  It also alleviates depression.

Blue lapis lazuli symbolizes inspiration and wisdom.  Rulers wore it for its protective properties and as an ornament.

Leopard Jasper:

The colour of leopard jasper is a mottled red, beige, and black and resembles a leopard’s skin.  It stimulates the detoxification of the liver, gallbladder and bladder.  It relaxes tension and alleviates abdominal pain.  It helps stop hiccups and nausea. It also has many positive effects on the psyche.  The stone brings about renewed harmony between the wearer and his environment.  It has a calming effect while at the same time stimulating the imagination.  It also improves endurance. 

Mookaite:

Red mookaite with white or yellowish speckled inclusions is a variation of jasper and combines the properties of red and yellow jasper. It promotes good health and well-being, encouraging harmony and inner calm. It also promotes variety, fun and intense experiences. It makes one flexible and prompts one to envisage many possibilities and to choose a suitable one. It fortifies the spleen, liver, immune system, and enhances blood purification and wound healing.

New Jade (Serpentine):

Serpentine is a yellowish green stone with an oily sheen. It is used to treat a wide range of disorders including; cardiac irregularities, kidney, stomach, bowel, and menstrual problems. It eases stress and strain, harmonizes mood changes and calms the wearer in stressful, hectic situations. It also promotes support and mutual help.

In ancient civilizations, serpentine was seen as a talisman.  It was said to protect against demonic powers and promote fertility.  It is still used to protect against snake bites, poison, and magic spells.  In China and India it is often incorporated in altars, temple decorations and carvings.  It is a protective stone that brings peace.

Obsidian:

Obsidian can be the various colours of lava flow but is most commonly a black stone. It eases pain, tension and constriction of the vessels and enhances blood circulation and wound healing.  It is good for cold feet and hands and can be used to treat trauma, shock and anxiety attacks.  It strengthens the wearer’s resolution and activates untapped abilities.

Obsidian has been used in magic rituals since time immemorial.  In fortune telling obsidian is used as a mirror.

Onyx:

Onyx is an opaque, black stone. It is effective in treating skin ailments; infections, inflammations and sunburn.  It also helps with inner ear disorders and improves the functions of the nerves.  It deflects negative energy, increasing the wearer’s stamina, and giving him inner harmony. It boosts self-assertion, self-confidence and sense of responsibility. It improves rational thinking, logic, control, and power of reasoning as well as enhancing wise decision-making.

It is used as a magic stone all over the world. Its power is further increased by magic inscription, as found in the graves of American Indians and ancient Greeks and Romans.

Opal:

Opal is usually iridescent and comes in an assortment of colours; white, blue, green, red, yellow, and black.  It is linked to the heart, stomach and digestion; stimulating the glands and regulating the acids and enzymes in the metabolism.  It is useful in treating broken hearts and restoring inner harmony to the wearer.  It is a very powerful stone for the soul.

In India opal is considered a lucky stone; in the Far East it is a symbol of eternal hope, but at times its iridescence is also seen as a presage of bad luck and witchcraft.

Opalite:

Opalite promotes sociability; it helps dissipate fear of physical contact and integrate one into communities.  It is also good for connecting one with his environment.  It enhances cleansing, detoxification and excretion and purifies the connective tissues, intestine and mucous membranes.

Pearl:

Pearls come in a variety of colours including silver, cream, gold, green, blue and black and they always have a gleam.  Although they belong to the marine animal kingdom they are commonly considered precious stones.  They are used to stabilize the production of hormones, alleviate headaches and migraines and reduce allergies.  Psychologically, pearls promote wisdom and contentment well into old age.

A pearl necklace is believed to warn sensitive people of imminent disaster.

Peridot (Olivine):

The colour of peridot is olive green to yellowish-green.  It strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland. It also protects against dehydration and brittleness. Psychologically, peridot creates inner harmony and combats envy and resentment. It dissipates anger, encourages admission of one’s mistakes, and helps the wearer make amends.  It also combats sadness, melancholy and depression.

Peridot symbolizes cheerfulness and promotes friendship.

Quartz (Rock Crystal):

Quartz is clear to white and transparent.  It is used to alleviate pain and reduce fever.  It also helps treat stomach, bowel, and heart problems.  It removes mental blocks, improves one’s perceptive faculty, increases awareness and brings clarity in thinking.  It also promotes a sense of justice.

Buddhists use this stone to achieve enlightenment.  From time immemorial the crystal ball used by clairvoyants has been made of rock crystal.

Rainbow Jasper:

Rainbow jasper contains a combination of colours and can include reds, greens, and beiges.  It regulates glandular functions and the production of hormones.  It also enhances detoxification and the immune system and regenerates the functional tissue of organs.  Psychologically it makes sensitive people stronger and helps them ward off attacks by resentful, malevolent people.  It enhances creative power, rejuvenates and brings an active emotional life.  It also helps people prepare for decisive moments and great opportunities.

Rainbow jasper sharpens the intellect and thought processes.

Rhodochrosite:

The colour of rhodochrosite is pink with white stripes/inclusions. It boosts circulation, stabilizes blood pressure and helps with the hardening of arteries. It is used in the treatment of migraines and abdominal pains. Psychologically rhodochrosite helps the wearer to achieve self-knowledge and protects him against slander. It makes him dynamic and enhances his sexuality and eroticism. It is also useful in reducing stress.

Rhodochrosite symbolizes openness. It awakens all-embracing love that is not limited to one person. 

Rose Quartz:

Rose quartz is a pink, translucent stone. It is a very effective stone against damaging radiation. It harmonizes the heart beat and stimulates the circulation thus promoting the strengthening of sexual organs and fertility. It relieves pain associated with shingles and has a refreshing effect. Psychologically, rose quartz strengthens friendships, combats heartache and opens the mind to beautiful things. It also increases sensitivity and empathy.

Rose quartz symbolizes trust and brotherly love.  It is also very helpful in affairs of the heart.

Snakeskin Jasper:

Snakeskin Jasper is a stone of anti-anxiety.  It allows one to move gracefully through ones environment without worry or conflict.  It is a stone of grace.

 

Snowflake Obsidian:

Snowflake obsidian is a black stone with white snowflake shaped inclusions.  It stimulates the circulation, thus it is useful in warming up the feet and hands and assisting in wound healing.  It also strengthens the body’s defenses, combats allergies, and alleviates skin rashes.  It can raise blood pressure, promote intuition, and protect against negative influences.  It works to dispel fear and emotional blockages.  It also motivates the wearer to spontaneously materialize ideas. 

Smoky Quartz:

Smoky quartz is a translucent smoky-brown to black rock crystal.  It strengthens the supporting and connective tissue as well as the muscles and stabilizes the joints, thus helping with headaches, and tension in the shoulders and back.  It is also used to stimulate fertility by activating the production of the sexual glands.  It brings inner calm to its possessor, releasing tension and combating stress.  It also enhances rational, realistic, and pragmatic thought processes and helps relieve grief.

Smoky quartz stands for facing life, giving strength and motivation to meet new challenges.

Sodalite:

The colour of sodalite is dark blue with white inclusions.  It is used to reduce high blood pressure and has a calming, regulatory effect on the thyroid gland, the nervous system and all glandular functions, thus being beneficial for weight loss.  It promotes spiritual harmony and is a source of artistic inspiration.  It helps to dissipate guilt and helps one stand by oneself.  It also increases consciousness, idealism and the striving for truth.

Blue sodalite symbolizes self-confidence and loyalty.  In ancient Greece artists and singers used to carry sodalite.  It was believed to develop the possessor’s musical skills.

Tiger’s Eye:

Tiger’s eye is a shimmering stone with golden-brown stripes.  It is particularly effective against bronchial problems, relieving the adrenal glands, and alleviating asthma.  It is also useful in the treatment of headaches and migraines.  Psychologically, tiger’s eye is effective in lifting depression and promoting concentration.  It gives the wearer’s reserve and helps him deal with stress, strain and assailing external currents.  It also sharpens his senses and helps him maintain an overview when things are happening fast.

The silky shimmering, golden sparkling tiger’s eye is a member of the quartz family.  Its cat’s eye effect is caused by hornblende fibers that all crystallize in the same direction.  It symbolizes unity and leads to greater self-integration and autonomy.

Tourmaline Quartz:

Tourmaline quartz is a clear rock crystal with black inclusions. It is used to treat disorders of the digestive tract and to detoxify the body.  The stone is also very effective in the treatment of dizziness, pain of all kinds, and nerve injuries.  Sciatica and lumbago can also be alleviated by tourmaline quartz. It is a harmonizing stone that promotes tranquility and relaxation while reducing aggression.  It also helps one resolve inner battles and conflicts and releases tension, and uptightness.

Tourmaline quartz symbolizes unity.  The stone belongs to the quartz family and envelops black tourmaline needles in transparent quartz.

Turquoise:

The colour of turquoise is light to turquoise blue.  It is used in the treatment of a wide range of disorders; it helps in the treatment of throat and lung infections, alleviates hyperpiesia and general stomachaches, rheumatism and gout.  It also cures infections, speeds recovery after illness, alleviates pain, and reduces inflammation.  Psychologically, it lifts depression, gives self-confidence and promotes endurance.  It is a harmonizing stone that cheers the wearer, and protects him from external influences.  It also helps him recognize causes of happiness and unhappiness and master them.  Turquoise symbolizes beauty.  In the Middle Ages it was believed that it made women virtuous and loyal.

White Turquoise (Magnesite):

The colour of magnesite is white to yellowish-white with dark veins.  It stimulates the metabolism of fat and lowers cholesterol and is therefore helpful with weight loss.  It also has relaxing properties and is therefore useful in treating migraines, headaches, cramps, colic and tension.  It relaxes the wearer making him more patient while helping with nervousness, timidness and irritability.

The white colour symbolizes purity and freedom but also fertility.  It is said to protect the wearer against false love, false friends and intrigues.

Zoisite:

Zoisite is most commonly green with black inclusions but also comes in pink and blue.  It is believed to be a fertility stone that is effective on both men and women.  It is also a protective stone for women during pregnancy.  It is said to stimulate cell division, detoxify the body, and strengthen the immune system and thus has an anti-inflammatory effect. It promotes regeneration and constructive tendencies and is therefore particularly effective after illnesses or heavy strains.

Zoisite symbolizes sexual desire, fertility, and good health in unborn children.