Gemstones and crystals are widely believed to possess healing powers, providing a calming effect while connecting us to the universe.
Although crystals and gemstones may seem like interchangeable terms, they differ significantly! Read on to gain more insight into what distinguishes gemstones from crystals.
The History of Jewelry and Gemstones
Gemstones have long been valued for their beauty and attributed with special powers. People have decorated themselves with gemstones for thousands of years as an expression of wealth, power, and spirituality.
Lapis lazuli and amethyst, two ancient gemstones first used as jewelry since Ancient Egyptian times (around 4000 BC), have been around since their discovery. Jade has also long been prized in China as well as Greece and Rome around 1600 BC.
Jewellers working within the Arts and Crafts movement in 19th-century Europe rejected the machine-led factory system – by now the source of most affordable jewelry – in favor of handcrafting pieces using natural gemstones with curving or figurative designs that held symbolic meaning for them, preferring cabochon stones over those with sharp corners (faceted ones).
Real gemstones can be distinguished from synthetic gems by several physical characteristics, including color, clarity (although emeralds will always contain inclusions), cut, and unusual optical phenomena like color zoning or asteria. Some stones such as agates and citrines may even be sold raw to allow viewers to connect more directly with their energy – for instance
The Meaning of Gemstones
Gemstones have long been associated with specific characteristics and properties. From amulets against harm to those believed to have curative powers, gemstones have long been recognized for their protective and healing powers. Furthermore, gems offer aesthetic qualities while helping people grow personally and professionally.
Most gemstones can be distinguished by their colors, which derive from their mineral content. Each gemstone boasts its own special hues; some even display pleochroism when light passes through them, creating a rainbow-like spectrum when illuminated from behind – an effect known as pleochroism.
Some gemstones are believed to have deeper symbolic meaning, such as amethyst which was once submerged in wine by Bacchus and turned purple as a result. Other stones may provide health benefits like rose quartz for heart healing or black tourmaline as a shield.
The Healing Power of Gemstones
Gemstones have long been part of alternative medicine as an ancient healing remedy. Although modern scientific studies haven’t demonstrated their healing powers directly, gemstones are said to help balance energy fields, strengthen hopes, and ward off evil forces.
Different crystals are believed to contain different healing properties. Some crystals are linked with specific organs (amethyst for the intestines or green aventurine for the heart), while others correspond to different colors associated with chakras of the body (red through violet).
Hematite has long been recognized for bolstering self-confidence and improving emotional balance, while amethyst and rose quartz gemstones may help ease anger or other strong negative emotions. Setting intentions using healing gemstones may help cultivate positive mindsets – however they should never replace medical advice when necessary.
The Benefits of Wearing Gemstones
Gemstones have long been prized for their beauty and mysterious powers. Many believe gemstones to be capable of helping find love, wealth and protection as well as having positive influences on health and well-being – many may even reduce negative planetary influences in horoscopes while providing peace, prosperity and good health!
Each gemstone carries special powers to uplift your spirit and help create the life you envision for yourself. They can also increase confidence while encouraging spiritual exploration.
when purchasing gemstones, it is essential to take into account their color, clarity and luster as well as cut. Cut is especially crucial since it helps enhance brilliance of the stone. Furthermore, always select high-quality gemstones from reliable suppliers who can provide certificates of authenticity detailing which brand and style of gem you are purchasing.