Gemstone myths and lore
This is part one of a series of gemstone lore, A to Z.
Generally speaking, from a metaphysical stand point, most gemstones can carry healing powers. It often depends on the stone chosen and the color. To keep it simple, I will refer to the "basic" qualities of the gemstone without discussing various colors.
AGATE: Agates are used by many for security or protection. While banded, or striped agates are said to possess stronger powers of protection and added strength for the owner. It is said that agates can be worn as "truth" amulets.
In the Middle East they were popular to ensure health. In ancient Britain they were used to keep away skin diseases. In Africa, the Botswana agate was used by the ancients in fertility rites.
"Botswana agate"
AMBER: Typically found in yellow, or red, amber is fossilized tree resin. It has sun energy. Used in ancient times for decoration as well as healing potions. It was ground down to a powder, mixed with honey and given to a person with stomach ailments. It is a warm stone to the touch, often thought to posses life; (could be due to the insects trapped in the amber resin). Ancient Chinese would visualize the souls of tigers transmuting into amber in their earthly deaths.
AMETHYST: A beautiful stone popular with all cultures. The Greeks and Romans used it to protect themselves from overindulgence and drunkenness. Thus, you may see goblets embellished with amethyst to this day.
Also thought of as a powerful psychic stone, amethyst has been used for its effects on the mind. It was placed under pillows for self-healing, psychic dreams, to cure insomnia and headaches. Purple amethyst has always been considered a stone of royalty.
AQUAMARINE: A stone of "water" energy. Used as a protective amulet while traveling over water. A peaceful, calming, cooling stone. Often used for cleansing and purification rituals. Associated with "Sea Goddesses". Often worn for good health; to relieve a tooth ache; or cure illnesses of the throat.
AVENTURINE: Popular to see a a green stone, it can be found as blue or red quartz. With green being the color of money, aventurine is commonly used as a lucky stone, to attract money, good luck, and gambling success. Also used as a eyesight stone; as to strengthen the eyesight of one (literally) and also as a scryng stone. The ancient Tibetans used this stone creating their statues to symbolize visionary powers.
BLOODSTONE (heliotrope): Considered to be jasper, or a green chalcedony with red flecks throughout, it has been used for strength, courage, and healing blood
disorders. My favorite myth about bloodstone comes from the Middle Ages. Bloodstone was thought to be formed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when His blood dripped down on the earth and turned to stone.
CARNELIAN: A stone connected with motivation, courage, sexual energy, and stimulation. Carried by those who fear public speaking. Ancient warriors would wear carnelian for courage and protection in battles. Also a strong connection with increase of many types. It can help increase productivity, business, and appetite.
(Have you every noticed the color orange used in restaurants?)
CHRYSOCOLLA: Found in copper mines, chrysocolla resembles turquoise. It is a stone of peace, considered to have "water" elements with receptive energy. It sooths the emotions. Can be used to attract love.
CHRYSOPRASE: Another receptive energy stone chrysoprase tends to have an "apple green" appearance. Used for success, luck, friendship, money, and healing. In ancient times this stone was used as a protection amulet, often engraved with the image of a bull. It still is used as a general shield against negativity.
CITRINE: Having fire energy, citrine is another stone used for protection. Many have used it to remove fear, or prevent nightmares. It has been used by some to treat kidney and bladder infections. Others claim it aids in digestion.
NOTE: None of these claims have been proven medically. This article is only written for enjoyment and enrichment of the reader. The resources come from many years of personal study. Some resources include:
The Book of Sacred Stones by Barbara G. Walker
Stone Power by Dorothee L. Mella
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
Generally speaking, from a metaphysical stand point, most gemstones can carry healing powers. It often depends on the stone chosen and the color. To keep it simple, I will refer to the "basic" qualities of the gemstone without discussing various colors.
AGATE: Agates are used by many for security or protection. While banded, or striped agates are said to possess stronger powers of protection and added strength for the owner. It is said that agates can be worn as "truth" amulets.
In the Middle East they were popular to ensure health. In ancient Britain they were used to keep away skin diseases. In Africa, the Botswana agate was used by the ancients in fertility rites.
"Botswana agate"
AMBER: Typically found in yellow, or red, amber is fossilized tree resin. It has sun energy. Used in ancient times for decoration as well as healing potions. It was ground down to a powder, mixed with honey and given to a person with stomach ailments. It is a warm stone to the touch, often thought to posses life; (could be due to the insects trapped in the amber resin). Ancient Chinese would visualize the souls of tigers transmuting into amber in their earthly deaths.
AMETHYST: A beautiful stone popular with all cultures. The Greeks and Romans used it to protect themselves from overindulgence and drunkenness. Thus, you may see goblets embellished with amethyst to this day.
Also thought of as a powerful psychic stone, amethyst has been used for its effects on the mind. It was placed under pillows for self-healing, psychic dreams, to cure insomnia and headaches. Purple amethyst has always been considered a stone of royalty.
AQUAMARINE: A stone of "water" energy. Used as a protective amulet while traveling over water. A peaceful, calming, cooling stone. Often used for cleansing and purification rituals. Associated with "Sea Goddesses". Often worn for good health; to relieve a tooth ache; or cure illnesses of the throat.
AVENTURINE: Popular to see a a green stone, it can be found as blue or red quartz. With green being the color of money, aventurine is commonly used as a lucky stone, to attract money, good luck, and gambling success. Also used as a eyesight stone; as to strengthen the eyesight of one (literally) and also as a scryng stone. The ancient Tibetans used this stone creating their statues to symbolize visionary powers.
BLOODSTONE (heliotrope): Considered to be jasper, or a green chalcedony with red flecks throughout, it has been used for strength, courage, and healing blood
disorders. My favorite myth about bloodstone comes from the Middle Ages. Bloodstone was thought to be formed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when His blood dripped down on the earth and turned to stone.
CARNELIAN: A stone connected with motivation, courage, sexual energy, and stimulation. Carried by those who fear public speaking. Ancient warriors would wear carnelian for courage and protection in battles. Also a strong connection with increase of many types. It can help increase productivity, business, and appetite.
(Have you every noticed the color orange used in restaurants?)
CHRYSOCOLLA: Found in copper mines, chrysocolla resembles turquoise. It is a stone of peace, considered to have "water" elements with receptive energy. It sooths the emotions. Can be used to attract love.
CHRYSOPRASE: Another receptive energy stone chrysoprase tends to have an "apple green" appearance. Used for success, luck, friendship, money, and healing. In ancient times this stone was used as a protection amulet, often engraved with the image of a bull. It still is used as a general shield against negativity.
CITRINE: Having fire energy, citrine is another stone used for protection. Many have used it to remove fear, or prevent nightmares. It has been used by some to treat kidney and bladder infections. Others claim it aids in digestion.
NOTE: None of these claims have been proven medically. This article is only written for enjoyment and enrichment of the reader. The resources come from many years of personal study. Some resources include:
The Book of Sacred Stones by Barbara G. Walker
Stone Power by Dorothee L. Mella
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
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