GemLore
The Culture Surrounding Gemstones and Crystals
By: Sarah Brandt
Gemstone Folklore.
The history behind gemstone folklore is rooted in ancient myths and beliefs that have come to be centuries ago from our ancestors when cultures were forming. These stunning rocks seemed to have a greater power when initially discovered that did not go unnoticed. They were added as ornaments in jewelry. The largest, most prized pieces found were very often hung in homes of, or worn by those of a highest hierarchical status. Certain stones were placed in the tombs of societal royalty as symbols of protection and peace. All these stones have been given some sentiment to deepen the meaning and significance of having them in one’s surroundings. The energies they provide are more often positive and uplifting for the soul. Such qualities are ideal for making ones life better, which is why so many people wear them and use them as home decor. A selection of these stones are connected to a month, which are called birthstones. As well as with US states selecting a bird, flower, plant, etc. There is also a state rock. Here in California, it is serpentine. They provide a sense of identity in some ways. Connecting to nature in even the smallest ways brings us closer to the natural world which is important, especially in modern life as we are fairly removed from it.
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Stones are often a vessel to connect us with past lives. They are said to protect us from the many dangers that lurk in the darkness. The properties that have been associated with them give the owner a sense of connection to their spirituality. These connections build on the sense of self as well as help people overcome hard times in their lives. It can be a great coping mechanism. While the properties connected to gemstones are my, they are very valuable to those that believe in them as part of their personal development. There are other practices that add to this such as meditation, aromatherapy, yoga, tarot card readings, chromotherapy that compliment the needs of some practicing crystal healing. Below, I've highlighted some of the world's most treasured stones that people use to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.
Spiritual Associations.
Turquoise
The name of Turquoise means Turkish stone, even though it come to Turkey from Iran. It’s said that eastern Iran has the best quality blue stone and has been mined from that area for 3,000 years. Also Arizona and New Mexico in the US are main sources, as well as some in Australia. The stones have historically been made into jewelry and found in the tombs of Egyptian royalty, King Tutankhamen as well as Queen Zur of the first dynasty. It was prized by Native Americans, the Aztecs, and Inca. Turquoise may have been the first stone used in jewelry as it is usually cut en cabochon. En cabochon means that the stone has been shaped and polished, instead of faceted. (The Rare Gem Company) This stone in general symbolizes the blue of the sea and sky. It is as opaque as the earth, yet lifts the spirit high which bares the wisdom of both earth and sky. It’s said that the greener shade of turquoise the more clarity it will bring, and the more blue is said to heal emotional wounds. A myth that is common across several cultures is that if the stone’s color shifts to a more green tone, the wearer should stop wearing that piece immediately as it would bring them misfortune. In some legends it has been said that turquoise is created where the rainbow touches the earth, where the ideas of the sky mix with the earth as both of those aspects are associated with this stone. It’s also been a symbol of protection, healing, as well as good luck. Having those sentiments separately among many ancient cultures. According to William Stuber, turquoise, especially turquoise from China, “absorbs super-physical negative energy like a sponge.” African turquoise, he maintains “works on the physical body, American works more on the thought processes that invite destructive energy, and South American works on the emotional level.” (Morgon, 2008)
It works with the throat chakra releasing old vows, inhibitions, and prohibitions according to July Hall when it’s placed on the third eye.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Turquoise. Composed of hydrous phosphate, copper, and aluminum. It is the December birthstone. Spiritually connected to the throat chakra which allows us to speak our truth and hush our inner critic. Link to source here.
Diamond
The diamond is made of crystalline carbon. A singular element, (C). It is the world’s hardest mineral and can only be cut by other diamonds. Usually white, but can be found in yellow, green, pink, red, blue, or brown which depends on the presence of impurities in the crystal. They are found in South Africa, Brazil, Congo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Botswana, United States, Australia, Venezuela, and Russia. Although, the first known diamonds were mined in central India which was the only known source until the eighteenth century. The youngest diamonds were formed 50 million years ago, and the oldest 2.5 billion years ago. They were formed at great depth and pressure. With the fact that it is the hardest substance, there are a lot of myths connected to this rock. There are also curses attached to certain diamonds, which for many add a fascination and value such as the Hope diamond where the seller made up a curse to raise its value. The first diamonds in human culture appeared about 5,000 years ago where its first known reference is in a Sanskrit manuscript: the Arthsastra or The Lesson of Profits.
Their hardness and brilliance is really what impressed people which translated into magic. With it being so challenging to cut, for a long time it started to lose value for that reason. There was once a myth that said they were deposited into the earth by thunderbolts and contained divine essence. There are numerous tales associated with the diamond as it’s been significant in so many cultures. Some have worn it in battle, on armor and weaponry for good luck. While some have turned it into a powder for consumption which is said to provide the consumer with strength, joy, clear skin, and a long life by the Hindus.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Image credit: Science Source
Raw Diamonds. Diamonds are the hardest mineral found in nature and composed of pure carbon atoms.
Pearl
Composed of calcium carbonate in the aragonite crystalline form and water in protein called conchiolin (secreted by mollusks). The pearl is produced by a group of mollusks, shelled creatures that dwell in aquatic environments, both marine and freshwater. The dwellers that generate the pearl are mainly in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and Gulf of Manaar. There pearls that are cultured which are produced in the shallows of Japan, Polynesia, Australia, and China. As for freshwater locations, they are found in the rivers of Scotland, Ireland, Austria, France, Germany, and the US. The freshwater pearls are inferior as that lack the amount of luster in pearls originated from saltwater mollusks. Today, the cultured variation are what makes up 90 percent of the total trade. There are many legends associated with the pearl. In Greek mythology and western religions it has been a symbol of protection by guardian angel. Also linked to Greek gods and goddesses. It is a gem that symbolizes winter because of its white color as other white gems are. While it is not considered a rock, it is still considered a gem in the cultural expression realm. The oldest known piece of pearl jewelry is a necklace found in the tomb of a Persian princess who died in 520 B.C.E. The Romans highly valued pearls and would pay a higher price for them as they resembled a higher social ranking. There is a famous pearl that is a pink shade, discovered by a Scottish pearl diver with the last name Abernathy, which is the name of the pearl.
In most cultures the pearl stands for purity and preciousness. In Japan it is considered one of the three imperial insignias with the sward and the mirror. And in China it was once considered as one of the “eight precious things.” They were one of the first to start cultivating oysters for their pearl producing abilities. In the Chinese culture, they were considered the souls of oysters. Cleopatra is said to perhaps be the most famous owner and destroyer of pearls.There is story that she had a bet with Marc Anthony that she would spend 10 million sesterces on a single dinner where she proved her point by dissolving a pearl from her earring in vinegar and drank it. Though a pearl does not dissolve that easily, it is still a story that conveys the idea of conspicuous consumption that Cleopatra desired to be known for. There are many, many more tales like this one that further signify what those in higher status might do to grab some attention.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Maciej Toporowicz, NYC/Getty Images
The pearl is formed by the animal phylum, mollusk. An oyster is pictured here.
Jade
The composition of jade is sodium aluminum silicate. Another species of it is called nephrite. Jadeite has been found in Burma, Guatemala, Japan, United States and nephrite in Canada, China, Russia (Siberia), Burma, Poland, Taiwan, and Tibet. It became known in 1863 that jadeite is less common than nephrite making it more valuable. It is known to be connected to the third eye, solar plexus, are heart chakras. The Chinese believed that it was congealed with the semen of a celestial dragon as it mated with Mother Earth and holding the stone would put the handler in a mystical connection with the dragon. Jade was not common in China until it was imported from Burma in the eighteenth century, but nephrite was used in the culture for ornaments and weapons as early as the 1000 B.C.E. “In Chinese lore, jade contains the five essential virtues: Jin (charity), Gi (modesty), Yu (courage), Ketsu (justice), and Chi (wisdom).” This is on occasion considered the “jewel of heaven”.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Image Source: Google Search
Jade carvings are a tradition in Chinese culture. These beautifully carved pieces of art make quite an impression.
Rose Quartz
Quartz is made of silicon dioxide and is found worldwide, but a primary source is Brazil along with Madagascar, Russia, and the United States being other major locations. It is connected to the heart and crown chakra. This rock has a primary association with the emotional heart and not generally used for healing of the physical heart. Healers have recommended this stone for those with low self-esteem and also say that it is very favorable for marriage and fertility. It’s best to have it bedside or in the bedroom for the energies to take effect. This stone is said to be sexually charged, and is also considered to be a calming agent that represents peacefulness, purity, and infinity. It’s a symbol for self-love and is mythed to have a number of other health benefits.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Rose quartz, the rock of love and self compassion.
Agate
Agate is a stone that comes in many color variations with unique striping configurations. It is composed of silicon dioxide like many of its other gemstone cousins. This one is considered one of the main forms of cryptocrystalline quartz. It is found worldwide in areas where there is hydrothermal activity, usually in cavities on volcanic rock. It was first discovered in Sicily, on the banks of a river. With the differing kinds of agate there are chakra associations with each of them. Blue lace agate is in association with the throat chakra, root with fire agate, moss agate is connected to the solar plexus, and Botswana agate with the the crown. This stone traditionally symbolizes all love that is good and noble, as well as health, persuasion, harmony, a happy disposition, and long life. It’s said to attract peace, victory in games, happiness, and good luck. They also make their owners more agreeable and eloquent. It’s said that placing the stone on your desk, it will help those working with numbers and their accuracy. The blue variety is said to be calming. While black brings prosperity and protection. And red heals the sexual system and bring peace. Pink should be placed over the heart for optimal effects og peace between parents and children. Brown is the most powerful of all as it gives victory and protects against poisonous reptiles, heals the ill, increases intellect, repels fevers, cures insanity, and draws love and riches. The powder of green agate from India cures eye disease.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
Agate comes in a variety of beautiful designs such as what is pictured above.
Amethyst
The amethyst and agate is simply composed of silicon dioxide, just like rose quartz. It is found worldwide, which explains its abundant presence and widespread. It’s connected to the third eye chakra where it helps in transition from a normal state of consciousness to a deeper state. It also works with the crown chakra where it helps people with recovering their past lives which helps them relieve mental and spiritual stress. These locations include Brazil, Canada, Ural Mountains in Russia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Siberia, India, Madagascar, Australia, Namibia, Zambia, United States, and Germany. They are also found on the English Channel isle, Sark, where they are considered the “Sark stone”, though now this stock has been depleted. This has resulted in importing them from Brazil where they are still sold as a sark stones. These stones are special because they are said to have an energy that protect the wearer from evil spirits, strengthening the immune system and aura. Also protecting them from black magic and negativity. It is associated with soberness, many stories that detail this. It’s also used to cleanse other stones, which is something only certain stones can do.
Primary Source: Morgan 2008
The amethyst is one of the most common crystals and is found in huge formations including geodes that can be several feel tall or wide which is an impressive sight.
Rocks Rock!
A woman who bought both a smokey quartz and rose quartz necklaces designed and sold to her by Maggie Rhodes, wound up meeting someone special after being unattached for several years. Maggie has clients that, like her, have strong beliefs in the healing powers of the many gemstones that exist in the world. The Egyptians, she grips, were such strong believers that they were places in their tombs along with many other treasures to accompany them in the afterlife. She notes that she thinks everyone is looking for deep meaning. (Wilson)
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While some have strong beliefs about the power of gemstones, and some may think it's all a bunch of nonsense, the believers are cultivating what they see as a value. Using it as a vehicle to make their dreams come true. Other acts are certainly involved in making ones dreams come true, but the folklore of the stones help people with finding the courage to follow those paths. Believing in ourselves is not easy, so having things like this to add some spiritual energy to the process is a great boost. Not only are they incredibly beautiful, but they benefit us in so many other ways! They have had this effect on us for centuries, which further speaks to those impacts. Humans have a tendency to default to the negativity bias and having small reminders in our lives that there is so much to view in a positive way with gratitude is so important. These powers are subjective, but that's perfectly okay so long as the wearer/owner gets something positive out of it.
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