Gemstone or crystals have been appreciated for thousands of years for their beauty and healing qualities. Generally speaking, the colours align to the body’s chakras, with certain colours being helpful for specific parts of the body. For example, blue is the colour of the throat chakra and stones such as sodalite and lapis lazuli can help us to speak our truth or to find the necessary words when the subject matter is challenging.
Gemstones
When I create my jewellery, I primarily choose the gemstones based on colour. It’s always exciting to bring together the qualities of the included stones and I inevitably find they tell a story. All the pieces I make which include crystals – whether it’s a necklace, resin bird skull with gemstone eyes, an orgone pyramid, or an artwork – will come with a card that tells you about the properties of the stone(s) you have purchased.
To read about some of these stones click the links below. I have included brief information on the most popular and the ones I use in my work. It is not intended as a comprehensive or complete guide. There’s a lot of helpful information in print and on the web and, of course, it is not an exact science!
CLEAR / WHITE
PURPLE / PINK
BLUE
GREEN
YELLOW / RED / ORANGE
GREY / BLACK / BROWN
Clear / White
CLEAR QUARTZ aka ROCK CRYSTAL
The master healer : Draw out pain : Fortifies and strengthens body : Clarity : Focus : Decision making : Good for chronic fatigue, depression, arthritis, bone injuries, fibromyalgia and intestinal troubles : Improves mental and physical energy, stamina and strength. Alternative birthstone for April.
DIAMOND
“Stone of Invincibility” : Amplifies energy of other crystals : Inner vision : Creativity : Imagination : Ingenuity : Opens mind to “new” and “possible” : Courage : Fortitude : Fearlessness : Clairvoyance : Manifest abundance. Birthstone for April.
HERKIMER DIAMONDS
Highest energy quartz : Linking people together : Healing : Amplify energies of other crystals : Fight physical pain : Reduce toxins and pollution.
HOWLITE
Calming especially when communicating : Teaches patience and helps eliminate rage, pain and stress : Encourages compassion and emotional expression : Strengthens memory and stimulates a desire for knowledge : Slows the body down physically while maintaining full spiritual and mental awareness
MOONSTONE
The stone of femininity : Gentleness : Intuition : Receptivity : Psychic ability and spiritual awareness : Resolve old emotional issues : Calm : Soothe emotions.
OPAL
Bring traits and characteristics to the surface for examination and transformation : Picks up thoughts, feelings, desires and buried emotions, amplifying them and returning them to source : Magnification of negative thoughts allowing for understanding and letting go. Birthstone for October.
OPALITE
Synthetic [glass] : Meditation : Remove energy blockages : Stabilise mood swings : Verbalise hidden feelings : Healing : Alleviate depression : Assist during transitions : Persistence : Enhance sexual experience.
ORGONE or ORGONITE
“Orgone energy” is a phrase coined by Dr Wilhelm Reich in the early 1900s and is related to the concept that everything contains energy, chi or a vital force. Simple orgone pyramids are a combination of resin and metal which work by moving energy around, removing negative energy and amplifying positive energy. “Orgonite” refers to a mixture of resin, metal, quartz and other gemstones which is believed to clean energies in a room and protect individuals from environmental pollutants such as EMFs. Orgonite can be made in any shape but pyramids are popular as they are believed to enhance the positive qualities of the contents.
PEARL
“Stone of Sincerity” : Innocence : Faith : Charity : Enhances personal integrity : Inhibits boisterous behaviour : Focus ones attention : Purity : Truth : Loyalty. Birthstone for June.
SELENITE
Clarity of mind : Deep peace : Awareness : Visualisation : Meditation : Spiritual work : Resolve current issues : Clear negative energies out of other stones : Pinpoint source of physical disorders and insight into probable causes.
Purple / Pink
AMETHYST
Gentle healing : Eases grief : Stability : Peace : Calm : Creative thinking: Spiritual awareness : Money and legal issues : Protection : Good for obsessive behaviours and addictions. Birthstone for February.
CHAROITE
Strength to keep going through hardship : Detoxify from the effects of shock or extreme emotions.
PINK TOURMALINE
Understand oneself and others : Self-confidence : Reduce fear : Inspiration : Compassion : Tolerance : Prosperity : Gentleness during periods of change and growth.
RHODONITE
Compassion : Clear emotional wounds and scars : Heal emotional shock and panic : Aids self-destruction, co-dependency and abuse : Memory : Calm in upsetting situations : Decrease stress : Self confidence : Stimulate, clear and activate heart : Self-love and forgiveness.
ROSE QUARTZ
“The Love Stone” : Affairs of the heart : Unconditional love of all kinds, including for the self : Lowers stress levels : Gentleness : Forgiveness : Compassion : Kindness : Tolerance : Release repressed hurt : Raises self-esteem and self-worth : Patience : Peace : Useful for dream work.
RUBY
Zest for life : Motivation : Set realistic goals : Confidence : Laughter : Joy : Spontaneity : Courage : Positive dreams : Retain wealth and passion : Overcome exhaustion : Calm hyperactivity. Birthstone for July.
Blue
AQUA AURA QUARTZ
Vibration resonates with psychic gifts : Facilitate self-expression with calm and love : Guard against psychic “vampires” and draining energies : Enhance communication skills : Success : Abundance : Prosperity : Protection : Good for distance healing.
AQUAMARINE
Traditionally used by sailors for protection over, by or near water : Eternal youth : Happiness : Justice : Compromise. The birthstone for March.
BISMUTH
Usually laboratory grown : Focus : Visualisation : Shamanic journeying :
Prevent overwhelm from responsibilities : Increase energy levels : Relieve the feeling of loneliness and isolation : Encourage cohesiveness : Good for harmonious working in groups.
BLUE LACE AGATE
Calming : Uplifting : Protective : Neutralise anger : Throat healer : Communication : Verbal expression of thoughts and feelings : Peace : Tranquillity : Happiness : Grace : Gentleness : Infection, inflammation and fever
BLUE TOPAZ
Draws energy from the sky : Inspiration : Momentum : Forgiveness : Expression : Confidence to fulfil aspirations : Wisdom : Good fortune. Birthstone for November.
CHALCEDONY
“The Speaker’s Stone” : Strong energy to throat chakra : To speak with care : Peace-making : Prepare for action but hold back hurtful words : Absorb and dissipate negative energy : Encourages reflection and meditation : Remove sadness and hostility : Calm : Friendliness : Optimism : Public speaking
LAPIS LAZULI
Psychic stone : Connect subconscious to higher self : Release stress : Inspiration : Mentally balancing : Intuition : Deep peace : Harmony : Self-knowledge, self-awareness and self-expression. Alternative birthstone for September.
SAPPHIRE
Release mental tension, depression and unwanted thoughts : Align physical, mental and spiritual planes : Peace of mind : Concentration : Self-expression of truth and beliefs : Joy : Lightness : Attracts gifts : Fulfil dreams and desires : Release blockages : Strength. Birthstone for September.
SODALITE
Good for healing breaches in communication : Enables expression as well as speech : Logic : Rationality : Efficiency : Truth : Honesty of emotions : Intelligence : Knowledge
TURQUOISE
Dispel negative energy : Wear to protect against outside influences or atmospheric pollutants : Combat depression, exhaustion, panic attacks and mood swings : Inner calm : Self-realisation : Creative problem solving : Friendship : Romantic love. Birthstone for December.
Green
AMAZONITE
Communication : Heart health : Tell the truth in challenging situations : Ease transition out of this world.
AVENTURINE
Calm : Balance : Positive outlook and inner strength : Happiness : Aids creativity : Enhances prosperity : Career success : Friendships.
CHROME DIOPSIDE
Boost awareness and creative vision : Improve intellect and the desire to learn : Alleviate aggression and stubbornness : Enhance love and commitment : May help with addictions, treating headaches and regulating blood pressure : Encourage recovery after illness : Connects to the heartbeat of the world : Ideal for anyone who cares for the planet and those who live on it.
EMERALD
Loyalty : Unity : Unconditional love : Friendship : Balance partnerships : Reason : Harmony : Physical, emotional and mental equilibrium : Raise consciousness : Focus intention : Clairvoyance : Wisdom : Clarity of thought : Live life to the fullest. Birthstone for May.
FLUORITE
Powerful healer : Fends off colds and flu : Reduce nerve related pains : Rekindle sexual libido : Absorbs negative energy and stress : Increase concentration and self-confidence : Decision making : Positivity : Improves co-ordination and balance.
GREEN TOURMALINE
Courage : Strength : Self-confidence : Reduce fear : Inspiration : Tolerance : Compassion : Prosperity
JADE
Banish limitations : Balance emotions : Growth : Vitality : Health and longevity :
Good luck : Prosperity : Abundance.
MALACHITE
Good luck : Release old bonds, outworn patterns, old traumas and negative experiences : Opens heart to unconditional love : Protection : Empathy : Absorbs negative energies and pollutants : Take personal responsibility : Encourages risk-taking and change : Boost immune system : Safe travel.
MOLDAVITE
Natural glass (meteorite) : Intense frequency which is felt quickly : Unearthly power : Accelerates personal and spiritual evolution
MOSS AGATE
Release fear and stress : Trust : Hope : Strength : New beginnings : End stagnation : Communication : Balance emotions : Self expression : Refresh the soul and see beauty in all : Improve relationships.
NEW JADE aka SERPENTINE
Emotional cleansing : Psychic powers : Cleanse blocked or stagnant energy : Heals on all levels : Grounding : Stabilising : Attract love and money :
Eliminate parasitic infections and poison.
PERIDOT
Cleanse : Heal : Clear, fresh energy : Confidence : Rejuvenates whole body : Encourages renewal and a fresh start : Release burdens, guilt and obsessions : Assertiveness : Aura protection. Birthstone for August.
PREHNITE
Releases ego : Peace : Calm : Joy : Achieve spiritual surrender : Strong support system for healing : Encourages connections.
Yellow / Red / Orange
AMBER
Powerful healer : Cleanser of mind, body and spirit : Clears depression : Absorbs pain and negativity : Self-confidence : Self-expression : Improve memory.
CARNELIAN
Ambition : Decision making : Vitality : Personal power : Motivation : Stimulates creativity, curiosity, inquisitiveness : Confidence : Reveal hidden talents : Replace negative emotions with positive : Banish sorrow : Overcome abuse
CITRINE
“Stone of Success” : Happiness : Joy : Optimism : Reduce anxiety, fear and depression : Banish negativity : Does not keep hold of negative energy : Abundance. Birthstone for November.
GARNET
“The Warrior’s Stone” : Energy : Endurance : Vitality : Protection : Hope : Courage : Alleviate emotional disharmony : Serenity or passion as needed : Turn crisis into challenge : Regeneration : Stimulates metabolism. Birthstone for January.
YELLOW TOPAZ
Draws radiance from the sun : Soothes : Recharges : Stimulates : Heals : Lasting energy, joy, generosity and abundance. Birthstone for November.
Grey / Black / Brown
AGATE
Courage : Self-confidence : Calm : Healing : Dispels fears and lessens envy : Creativity : Strengthen intellect : Good luck
BLACK OBSIDIAN
Powerful and fast-acting : Truth-enhancing : Can be overwhelming, bringing negative emotions and unpleasant truths rushing to the surface : Clarity of mind : Self-control : Face one’s true self : Balance body, mind and spirit : Absorbs negative energy from environment : Cleanse regularly
BLACK ONYX
“Magical Stone” : Grounds and centres : Channels energies : Use at times of great stress or personal transformation : Banish grief : Enhance self control : Courage : Strength : Decision making : Take positive action
BLACK TOURMALINE
Premier talisman of protection : Dispels negative energies and destructive forces : Inspiration : Prosperity : Compassion
DESERT ROSE
Gentle energy : Mental acuity : Teaches that life is worth the ups and downs : Remove energy blockages : Strengthen decision making : Business prosperity
GOLDSTONE
Synthetic [glass] : Ambition : Energy : Courage : Uplifting : Positive attitude : Increases drive, vitality and confidence : Risk evaluation : Use for trip planning and safe travel : Enjoy life
HAEMATITE
“Stone for the Mind” : Burn away worthless desires : Focus on realistic pursuits : Mental organisation : Grounding : Calming : Original and logical thinking, e.g. mathematics : Decrease negativity : Balance body, mind and spirit : Cool the body : Blood disorders : Insomnia : Protection
IRON PYRITES
“Fool’s Gold” : Powerful protection : Shields against negative vibrations and/or energy : Stimulates intellect : Enhances memory : Understand what lies beneath words and actions : Helps user deal better with difficult people
JASPER
Slow, gentle healing : Protect against depression, negative thinking, stress and feeling overwhelmed : Physical endurance : Happiness : Creativity : Empathy : Enhance organisational abilities : Communication with animals.
JET
Grounding : Balance and support : Protection : Purification : Ward off negativity and depression : Calming : Good for finance, business and personal abundance :
Whitby jet is the best quality worldwide.
LABRADORITE
“Stone of Destiny” : See through illusions : Determine actual form of dreams and goals : Find your true path in life : Strength : Perseverance : Wisdom : Understanding : Patience : Banish fears and insecurities : Protects the aura by deflecting unwanted energies : Stress reliever : Regulates metabolism
LEOPARDSKIN JASPER
Connect with spirit animal : Shamanic travel : Self-healing : Eliminate toxins : All jasper is nurturing giving subtle, slow and gentle healing : Protection against depression and negative thinking : Calm : Tranquillity
SHUNGITE
“The Miracle Stone” : Said to cure, rescue, purify, heal, protect and restore : Shields from harmful EMFs : Detox : Boost energy and immune system : Balance mind and emotions : Carbon containing fullerenes (antioxidants)
SMOKY QUARTZ
Release old, fermenting or stuck negativity like grief, anger and despair : Mildly sedative : Calming : Good to balance sexual energy : Meditation : Penetrates dark areas of mind/body with love and light : Grounding : Disperse fear, stress and anxiety : Lift depression : Positive thinking : Alleviate suicidal thoughts : Dispel nightmares and manifest dreams
SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN
Recognise and release “wrong thinking” and stressful mental patterns : Facilitates change : Value mistakes as well as success : Calming : Soothing : Stability during changes
TIGER’S EYE
Physical and spiritual protector : Said to contain the lion’s roar : Focus the mind : Promotes mental clarity : Resolve problems objectively : Can help to resolve psychosomatic illness : Dispels fear and anxiety : Willpower : Purpose : Courage