Knowledge of Gemstones

THE MEANING OF GEMSTONES – HOW THEY WORK AND WHAT THEY HEAL
Mineral-infused water, birthstones, jade face rollers, and gemstone jewelry have witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. However, this trend isn't novel: ancient civilizations valued gemstones for their healing properties, a tradition continuing in naturopathy attributing minerals with healing or mystical abilities. Historically, gemstones were utilized to treat illnesses, even sold in pharmacies until the 19th century for their perceived healing traits. In the realm of stone healing, each gemstone is believed to possess distinct significance and impact on the body and mind. Placing them on specific body areas, adorning oneself with these stones, or infusing drinking water with their essence is thought to harness their vibrations, color, shape, minerals, and trace elements for a positive influence on mental and physical well-being. These gemstones carry an aura believed to balance and harmonize the human organism. Presented here is a selection of essential gemstones, alongside their individual significance and healing properties.

ALEXANDRIT ‒ STONE OF JOY
The highly favored gemstone, amethyst, holds a special place in the hearts of ancient cultures. Classified within the quartz family, it transforms into a pale yellow citrine when subjected to heat. Known for its purifying and calming attributes, amethyst finds usage in alleviating stress, exam anxiety, and stress-induced headaches. Placing it under the pillow promotes peaceful sleep. Additionally, amethyst-infused water is believed to aid in managing skin irritations and various ailments.

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.

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.