Gemstones:Meanings and Properties

  

Gemstones: meanings & properties

Probably the first stone used for ornamental purposes was a smooth colored river rock. Or maybe a pretty river stone was spotted before a hunter successfully got his dinner. The hunter then carried that pretty river stone with him as his lucky hunting stone. Stones of all kinds have played a very important part of the history of humans. From little river stones to huge stones, such as at Stonehenge, stones of all sizes and types have been called "the bones of Mother Earth". Stones have been used as talismans and amulets since recorded history and likely before that.

How to Use Gemstones

Gemstones can be used in a variety of ways. They can be worn as a necklace or amulet, so they can be with you throughout the day. They can be placed in strategic places in your room, such as under your pillow or on your night stand, to provide that vicinity with their benefits. You can hold them in your hand as you meditate or place them along parts of your body that need the focused energy. Certain stones will be more effective when used in a specific way, so be sure to research the best ways to use your particular stone.

Cleansing your Gemstones

Before using the gemstone it should be cleansed to remove any residual negative energy from previous use. You should also regularly cleanse the gemstones as you use.

Most stones can be cleansed with a water rinse. One method is to hold it under running water for about 60 seconds under cold water. Another method is to place the stone under gently running cool water, like a fountain, for 6 to 8 hours. Be aware that this can dull the finish of some stones, such as lapis lazuli, so check what cleansing method is best.

After a water rinse, one can place the gemstones in direct sunlight, preferably not through a windowpane, for 10 to 20 minutes. This will revitalize the stone.

Another cleansing method is to place the gemstone in a glass or ceramic bowl of salt, sea salt is ideal, and leave it for a minimum of one hour. You need to replace your salt every two weeks.

You can also bury your gemstones in the earth for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The soil of a house plant can work as well if you don’t have a place outside where you can bury it. Be sure to mark where you placed it.

There are many other ways to cleanse a gemstone, but the above are the easiest and most common.

Here is a list of the best healing gemstones along with their meanings and healing properties.

1.) Amber: Due to amber’s strong connection to the earth, it is an excellent grounding stone. It helps add stability to your life, clear away depression, and helps your memory. Amber is also good for detoxification and protection from excessive radiation.

2.) Amethyst: Amethyst is a wonderful stress reliever. It also can help focus your thoughts and actions. Along those same lines, it is helpful to those battling additions. Amethyst is used to support the cleansing organs and your circulatory system. In the spiritual sense, amethyst can help promote selflessness and aid in dream recollection.

3.) Carnelian: This is used stimulate appetite, cleanse your liver and kidneys, ease menstrual cramps and lessen back pain. Carnelian is used to boost confidence and motivation. It can also help heal past emotional trauma or stress that might be physically affecting you.

4.) Jade: Jade is used to promote harmony, bring luck and wisdom. In Chinese tradition a traveler was given a jade frog before embarking on a long journey to provide them protection and bring them back safely. It is very beneficial to the heart and lungs both physically and spiritually, allowing them to function more efficiently and you to feel more peaceful.

5.) Lapis Lazuli: Lapis lazuli is a strong protection stone. It helps boost the immune system and blood circulation. Other physical benefits include reduced pain and inflammation. Lapis is known to lower anxiety and aide in self acceptance.

6.) Quartz: This is the most versatile of the healing gemstones, because it not only gives energy but also receives it. There are many different types of quartz and each has its own specific properties, but is generally used for balancing, cleansing and healing of physical, spiritual, emotional and mental aspects.

7.) Sapphire: Sapphire comes in many colors and each color has specific healing properties, but over all sapphire is good for reducing inflammation, fevers and nose bleeds. It is also very centering, aiding in communication, intuition and relaxation.

8.) Tiger’s Eye: Tiger’s eye has many mental and emotional benefits. One of the most useful is its ability to help transform anxiety and stress into productive energy. Physically, it aides digestion and helps relieve high blood pressure.

If you are interested in learning more about gemstones meanings, their healing properties and how to use them, you can head to your local bookstore where you can find many comprehensive guides to incorporating healing gemstones into your life.