Have you ever wondered about the benefits of healing crystals or which birthstone is associated with each month? Semi-precious gemstones have been used in jewellery and accessories for Millenia. But some people believe semi precious stones and gemstones have specific meanings and uses. Recently there has been a renewed interest in natural crystals and their potential healing qualities. They are thought to help balance energy and enhance wellbeing. Semi-precious gemstone beads can not only be used to make beautiful jewellery, but the stones themselves may have many benefits and properties.
Aquamarine – Throat Chakra – March Birthstone
Aquamarine harnesses the properties of water, bringing ease of movement and encouraging the flow of energy. Similarly, the stone also washes away negative energy, stresses and helps bring renewal and rejuvenation. Use these properties to help balance energy levels and bring a sense of tranquility. Ancient sailors regarded aquamarine as a good luck talisman when facing a treacherous journey by sea.
Amethyst – Third Eye Chakra – February Birthstone
Healing, calming and protecting, amethyst can bring a sense of contentment. It offers protection from negative energies. Its is a great stone to keep in both the workplace and home, encouraging both clear thinking and effective communication. As an effective all round healer, if worn at night amethyst is great for insomnia. Amethyst is an ancient stone, having been used as far back as 25000 BC.
Black Onyx
A stone of protection and release, onyx is useful to help us break free from fear. It helps release us from anxiety and uncertainty and allow our intuition and spirituality to come forward. Black onyx draws on the power of night, offering restoration and protection.
Carnelian – July Birthstone
Carnelian is a vibrant stone, stimulating creativity, joy and vitality. It is popular with performers and artists, helping to bring out confidence and passion. A stone of action, carnelian awakens inner talents and creative instincts. Known as a healing stone in the middle ages, using it to help relieve the stress and terror caused by the invading Vikings.
Citrine – Solar Plexus Chakra – November Birthstone
The bright and sunny nature of citrine stimulates positive energy, inner happiness and enhances joy. But citrine is also a stone of wealth and abundance, helping to manifest success and achieve goals. When combined with other gemstones, citrine can boost and amplify their benefits. Citrine is a form of yellow quartz and its name derives from the French ‘citron’, meaning yellow.
Garnet – Root Chakra – January Birthstone
Garnet is an energetic stone, helping to change old ideas and behaviours and open up new ideas, by clearing energy blockages. It is grounding and connects us to the present moment, allowing us to appreciate life more fully. It is energising, increasing vitality and both attracts and deepens love.
Hematite – Root Chakra
This metallic stone is centering and grounding. Hematite helps to neutralise worry and stress allowing natural joy and vitality. If you are feeling out of control or like things are spiraling, hematite aligns the chakras and connects you back to your body. The shimmering sheen of hematite brings brightness to an otherwise dark tone, just as the stone can help you see the positive in the negative. Hematite is named after the Latin word ‘haima,’ meaning blood, for the red iron pigment it produces.
Lapis Lazuli – September Birthstone
Lapis Lazuli is a stone of wisdom and enlightenment and truth. It is a powerful stone for spiritual growth, intuitive perception and objectivity. It can promote self expression and self-awareness. Favoured by the Ancient Egyptians and ground into paint by Renaissance artists, Lapis Lazuli is a stone long renowned for its beauty and power.
Moonstone – June Birthstone
Moonstone is a sacred stone that empowers your inner spirit, encouraging growth and strength. It helps to clear obstacles on the path of destiny, encouraging positivity and creative inspiration. The healing powers of moonstone can help to clear your mind and balance the spirit. The pearly shimmer of moonstone is due to the phenomenon of labradorescence , causing light to refract within its structure.
Peridot – Heart Chakra- August Birthstone
Peridot is a stone of joy and light. Use peridot to help rid you of toxic emotions, replacing stress and jealousy with confidence and lightness. Linked with the sun, peridot brings a bright and cheery dose of happiness. Known as the study stone, peridot can help to bring mental clarity and focus, opening the mind to new ideas and learning.
Rose Quartz – Heart Chakra – October Birthstone
Rose quartz is a stone of universal love, bringing compassion, happiness and peace and helping cultivate kindness and self-love. Enhances love through ridding you of negativity, toxic emotions and building trust and forgiveness. It helps to heal old emotional wounds and bring current emotions into balance. The Ancient Greeks and Romans were the first to see rose quartz as the stone of love, believing it was sent from Cupid to bring love to humans.
Tiger Eye
Tigers Eye is a powerful stone, renewing optimism, enthusiasm and motivation. If you are looking to learn a new skill or take on a new challenge, tigers eye can help bring courage and determination. Thanks to its perspective-shifting properties, tigers eye can help you to reach your full potential.
Clear Quartz – Crown Chakra – April Birthstone
Clear quartz is a powerful healing stone that balances, intensifies energy and clarity of thought. It is the ultimate manifestation stone, helping focus thoughts and intentions to bring about change. Quartz is a crucial element in many electronic devices, being able to store and flow power.
Sunstone – Sacral Chakra
Sunstone is a vital and energising stone, it’s sun-kissed appearance bringing brightness and cheer. It nourishes confidence and encourages creativity. If you are feeling blue and down, sunstone can lift you and bring a sense of hope and lightness. But sunstone also enhances power and leadership by strengthening self-worth and confidence.
References:
www.energymuse.com
Crystals: Harness the Power of Crystal Healing by Yulia Van Doren
The Crystal Bible, Vol.1 b Judy Hall
Cassandra Eason’s Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals