Knowledge

THE MEANING OF GEMSTONES – HOW THEY WORK AND WHAT THEY HEAL

Water energized with minerals, birthstones, face rollers made of jade and gemstone jewelry have become increasingly popular in recent years. But the trend is by no means new: Already the early advanced civilizations attached great importance to the healing properties of gemstones and also in naturopathy minerals have long been attributed healing or magical powers. Especially in the Middle Ages, gemstones were used to cure diseases and even into the 19th century, certain minerals were sold in pharmacies because of their healing properties.

In stone healing, each gemstone is believed to have a special meaning and effect on the mind and body. By placing them on certain parts of the body, wearing them on the body or putting them in drinking water, the vibrations of the gemstones, their color and shape as well as the minerals and trace elements they contain are said to have a positive influence on mental and physical health by having a balancing and harmonizing effect on the human organism. Below we have compiled a selection of the most important gemstones for you, including their respective significance and healing effects.

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ALEXANDRIT ‒ STONE OF JOY

The purple amethyst is a particularly popular gemstone and was revered by most ancient cultures. It belongs to the quartz family and becomes a light yellow citrine when burned. Amethyst purifies and calms the mind. Therefore, it is used especially for stress, exam anxiety and stress-related headaches. For a peaceful sleep, it is placed under the pillow. Amethyst water is said to help with skin irritations and diseases of any kind.

AQUAMARIN ‒ STONE OF CLARITY

Along with emerald and morganite, aquamarine belongs to the beryl family. The name of the gemstone is derived from the Latin “aqua marina” – sea water. Accordingly, the aquamarine also captivates with its beautiful light to dark blue. It symbolizes clarity and spiritual growth and strengthens self-confidence. As for the body, it is used especially for respiratory diseases, as well as forgetfulness and senility.

GARNET ‒ STONE OF VITALITY

Garnet appears in a variety of colors – for centuries the red variety of garnet was the best known, but today the green tsavorite and the orange mandarin garnet are especially popular as gemstones or investment stones. Red garnet strengthens the heart and enhances potency. On the psychological level, it is considered the guardian of true friendships, which is why it is said to turn dark red to black in the presence of false friends or in case of quarrels in a partnership.

JADE – STONE OF HARMONY

The term “jade” usually refers to the mineral “jadeite” or the actinolite variety “nephrite”. The variety of colors of the gemstone is great, especially expensive and sought after is the emerald green Imperial Jade. The stone was already used in the 16th century by the natives of Central America as a healing stone against kidney disease. Jade has also been used in China for thousands of years as a protective stone and talisman. Jade helps its wearer to inner peace, serenity and balance. On a physical level, jade has a positive effect on the internal organs, especially the kidneys.

PERIDOT – STONE OF LIFE AFFIRMATION

Peridot is a variety of olivine and is also called “chrysolite”. Due to its chemical instability, often only small crystals of the green mineral are found. Unlike other gemstones, the peridot occurs exclusively in green, and the green coloration is always natural and not the result of treatments. Peridot gives optimism, frees from negative thoughts and has a healing effect on the heart and thymus gland. Skin, hair and nails are cleansed and strengthened by peridot water.

RUBY – STONE OF PASSION & LOVE

It is believed that the ruby was mined as early as the Bronze Age, which is why it is one of those gemstones that have been appreciated and used by people for the longest time. It belongs to the corundum group of minerals and owes its bright red color to the penetration of chromium. All other color varieties of corundum are called “sapphire”. The ruby is considered a symbol of love, vitality and luck. It opens the heart and is said to have an almost magical healing effect on blood. Thus, it is said that it can prevent or cure high blood pressure, thrombosis and hardening of the arteries.

SAPPHIRE – STONE OF APPEASEMENT

Just like the ruby, the sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. With the exception of the red ruby, all colorless and colored varieties are called “sapphire”. However, the blue sapphire is especially well known and popular. The gemstone symbolizes loyalty, prudence, reason and concentration. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system and relieves all stress-related diseases.

EMERALD – STONE OF BEAUTY

Emeralds have been among the most valuable and sought-after gemstones since time immemorial. Even the Egyptian queen Cleopatra is said to have had a preference for emeralds, which were said to have a rejuvenating effect. The gemstone belongs to the beryl group and gets its characteristic deep green color from chrome. The emerald is a symbol of beauty, rejuvenates the skin and provides balance and understanding.

SPINEL – STONE OF STRENGTH

The spinel occurs in all imaginable colors, has an incredible melting point of 2135 °C and is very hard with a Mohs hardness of 8. For centuries it was confused with the ruby – so the “ruby” in the Austrian imperial crown is actually a spinel. The gemstone protects against fears and stresses and gives its wearer the strength to initiate changes and cope with new situations. On a physical level, spinel has a strong healing effect on nerves and muscles.

TANZANITE – STONE OF THE MIND

Tanzanite is a blue to purple variety of the mineral zoisite. It is named after the country where it was found – Tanzania. The color change (= pleochroism) is very pronounced in tanzanite, which means that from different angles it has different colors. The gemstone has a strong effect on the brain. Among other things, it can alleviate migraines, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also said to prevent eye diseases and hearing loss, and promotes logical thinking.

TIGER EYE – STONE OF COURAGE

The tiger eye is a variety of the mineral quartz and captivates with its golden brown to golden yellow striped color. On cut tiger eyes a shimmer appears, which reminds of the slit-shaped pupils of cats or tigers – the so-called “cat’s eye effect”. Like no other gemstone, the tiger eye gives courage and self-confidence, sharpens the mind and removes doubts. The stone has a particularly positive effect on bones and joints, which is why it is used for spinal damage, slipped discs, lumbago and rheumatism.

TOPAZ – STONE OF SELF-REALIZATION

In its pure form, topaz is colorless and translucent, but it can also appear white and come in yellow, rose red, orange, light blue and light green. In stone healing, the white, the blue and the gold topaz are of particular importance. All three strengthen people in unusual life situations, help overcome obstacles and give courage to break new ground. The blue topaz is considered a lucky stone for artists and scholars: it raises thinking to higher levels and provides inspiration.

TURQUOISE – STONE OF SUCCESS

Turquoise is a copper mineral from the mineral class of phosphates. It owes its name to its brilliant blue-green color, although there are also pure green or blue turquoises. Native Americans revered turquoise as a sacred stone and processed it into jewelry and good luck charms. The gemstone helps its wearer to more self-confidence and energy and protects against accidents. Similar to garnet, it is said to change color in dangerous situations. It is also said to have a healing effect on throat diseases and teeth.

Turquoise helps its wearer to be more self-confident and energetic and prevents from accidents.

TOURMALINE – STONE OF PROTECTION

Besides the sapphire, the tourmaline is the only gemstone that can occur in all colors. In stone medicine, the green tourmaline, which is also called “verdelite”, the pink to red “rubelite”, the blue tourmaline with the trade name “indigolite” and the black “schorl” are mainly used. Especially the black tourmaline protects its wearer from negative influences, from envy, jealousy and infidelity. The green tourmaline is said to be able to cure depression, the red one activates the detoxification of the body and helps to recognize one’s own limits.

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Dr. Thomas Schröck
The author:

Dr. Thomas Schröck

The founder and managing partner of THE NATURAL GEM has been active in international gemstone trading for 30 years. As a doctor of economics and a certified gemmologist in Switzerland, Germany and the USA, among other countries, he is one of Europe’s leading experts on naturally-coloured, untreated gemstones and investments in them.

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