Gemstones and crystals Treasured by all cultures and religions, gemstones and crystals have captured the imagination of humans for thousands of years. During that time, gemstones have been linked with powers of protection, healing, wisdom, even invisibility. Crystal energy can be used for advancing your spirituality and personal healing there are many different meanings for gemstones and crystals. There are so many different stones documented this would be a very long blog if we talked about all of them. This is a brief overview of what gemstones and crystals are and what their meanings are.
What is a crystal?
A crystal is a definite arrangement of atoms or ions into a lattice that has a definite shape and structure. The study of crystals or crystalline solids is known as crystallography and crystals are generally formed by crystallization or modification processes. Rock salt, ice, and refined white sugar are some good examples of crystalline solids.
Crystals fall into classifications such as hexagonal, tetragonal, monoclinic, orthorhombic, and rhombohedral depending on their shape and structures. They are found all over the world and in abundance.
Crystal examples and their meanings
Here are some of the most popular crystals and some of their meanings. In future blogs, we will go into details about how crystals can be used and the benefits that can be gained from them.
Amethyst
One of the most popular crystals for a reason. Beautiful and versatile, the purple-hued crystal’s powers range from lowering anxiety to securing a good night’s sleep. Since amethyst targets the crown chakra (located at the very top of your head, and aligned with your mind), the crystal brings a sense of physical and emotional tranquility. Its specific healing properties can include easing headaches and migraines, helping with pain relief, and strengthening intuition. Many believe that placing amethyst by your bed will calm your mind and bring sweet dreams your way.
Rose Quartz
This pinkish crystal is wonderful to use when it is associated with love and new relationships. Or, if you’re stuck on an emotional rollercoaster, the rose quartz encourages reflection and empathy. Other benefits include bringing a sense of inner peace—no matter your relationship status.
Jade
We could all use some more luck in our lives, this is why Jade is such a popular crystal. It’s a portable lucky charm. Jade is said to bring abundance and prosperity in the material realm and social circles. Wearing jade on your left hand or wrist is said to help bring positive energy from the universe. Jade is a good material to make rings.
Gemstones
Gemstones take a lot longer to form than crystals, they can only be found in certain parts of the world and some are very rare. This makes them more desirable and higher in value. Gemstones still have mythology and spirituality attached to them and many believe these stones hold powers that can be very beneficial. Gemstones can fall into three categories, igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks.
What is a Gemstone?
Gems are precious minerals that are found in limited areas of the world and are usually used in jewelry. A gemstone is also known as a gem. A gem being a rare mineral is very costly and is normally costlier than crystals. Gems are commonly used in jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, or rings. They have even been used in astrology or for scientific purposes. Gems are rare and are found only in certain areas of the world, they take a lot longer to form than crystals. There are a few exceptions to the rule, amber and pearls are thought of as gemstones but these occur naturally and are organic-based.
Gemstones and their meanings
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone formed by volcanic rock reacting to copper which is deposited by water. Turquoise has been found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs, centuries ago Tibetans used it as currency. Turquoise reached Europe at the time of the crusades when the name originated, meaning "Turkish stone”. Long before the arrival of Europeans in North America, the Native American inhabitants had an appreciation for turquoise, this appreciation is still strong today.
Most turquoise originates from Burma but Turkey, Egypt, Chile, China, and the United States hold large deposits. Turquoise has been used to protect the wearer from danger, attract wealth, and as a good luck charm. Some believe the color will fade when danger or illness is near, if a lover is unfaithful, as a healer of the spirit, providing for soothing energy and bringing peace of mind. It acts to induce wisdom and understanding, kindness enhances trust and regenerates beauty.
Ruby
A Ruby is fiery and captivating stone of nobility, considered the most magnificent of all gems, the queen of stones and the stone of kings. Revered throughout history, Ruby has always been a talisman of passion, protection, and prosperity.
Ruby supposedly stimulates the Chakra increasing vitality and chi, the life-force energy, throughout the physical body and into one's spirit. It clears the mind, increases concentration and motivation, and brings a sense of power to the wearer. It is said to increase self-confidence and determination that propels one toward prosperity and achievement.
Ruby initiates the sensual pleasures of life, the stone is exciting to look at. It stirs the blood and stimulates the heart, encouraging the wearer to enjoy being in the physical world. It increases desire and sexual energy. Ruby has always been associated with love, especially faithful closeness, and passionate commitment. In antiquity, Rubies were considered to be perfect wedding stones although diamonds are normally the preference
Opals
The name Opal is derived from the Latin opalus, meaning ‘precious stone.’ Australia is one of the main producers (95% of the world’s production) in the opal market for over 100 years. Today, Ethiopia is on its way to becoming the second-largest producer. A Roman historian described opalus - the Opal, as a precious stone containing what was considered by all in the ancient world to be the most bewitching and mysterious of gems, worn for its virtues of soothing and strengthening the sight, healing, and capable of providing great luck, as it possessed all the colors of every gemstone within it.
Opal is most known for its ability to bring the wearers' characteristics to the surface for examination and transformation. Opals are emotional stones and reflect the mood of the wearer. It is today an absolute favorite gem for many people. Much of the Opal material is hydrophane, this means it can soak up water. If placed in water, the material will become clear as glass, and when removed, it will get milky, after several days, the material will return to its original beauty.