Updated: Gemstone Crystal Meaning [2023]
People have used crystals for healing purposes since ancient times.
These natural treasures, including gems, stones, and rock crystals, are formed from elemental energy and can harness the power of the sun, moon, oceans, soil, and mountains to heal.
Crystals have a rich history, having been worn by priests and warriors, used in shamanic practices, and carried by princesses, sailors, and healers for guidance and healing.
In the present day, crystals possess immense power.
As time goes on, they become increasingly powerful and can assist in reconnecting with nature.
They aid in directing intentions, elevating vibrations, and tapping into one’s innate grace, beauty, and magic.
Everything in existence holds a vibration, and aligning our inner vibrations with our desired outcomes can lead to manifestation.
Crystals can facilitate this process through their purifying abilities and positive vibrations.
Furthermore, these small, sparkling stones of magic encourage mindfulness, meditation, and reflection on how to quiet the mind and delve deeper into healing.
What Is A Gemstone?
A gem is a precious or semi-precious stone that is polished or cut and prized for its unique beauty, color, patterns, or clarity.
These stones are usually used in jewelry.
What Do Crystals & Gemstones Do?
Crystals have been utilized for healing for centuries, with various cultures believing in the mystical energy of certain stones.
From Clear Quartz to Citrine, and Amethyst, crystals have been used to treat different ailments.
The Sumerians in the 4th century BC used crystals in their spells.
Ancient Greeks and Romans chose crystals for courage in battle, and the Ancient Egyptians used healing stones as medicine.
This belief in the power of crystals continues to the present day, with crystals being used for their high vibrational energy, alignment of chakras, and abilities to provide protection and promote self-reflection.
Crystals play an important role in wellness and healing.
How Do Crystals Work?
Crystals are believed to have healing properties due to their high vibrational frequencies. It is believed that these high vibrations interact with and affect the body’s own energy field. Crystals can increase one’s own energy or work to clear blockages in the chakras and bring balance to the body, mind, and soul.
The belief in the healing power of crystals dates back thousands of years, but Marcel Vogel, an American scientist and researcher, renewed interest in this knowledge in the 20th century through his work on using quartz crystals for therapeutic purposes. After spending many years at IBM researching and developing, including creating the first liquid crystal displays for LCDs, he became interested in crystals, energy fields, and vibrations. His research showed that crystals cut into different shapes could hold and exert universal life energy.
Even for those who are skeptical of the scientific evidence supporting the healing properties of crystals, they can be used in a reflective manner or to trigger the placebo effect. Crystals can act as a mirror, illuminating parts of oneself, connecting one with desires, improving well-being, and helping to manifest the desired life based on that knowledge.
What Are Crystals Used For?
Let’s look at the different ways crystals are used:
Intentions
Crystals and gemstones are believed to be powerful tools for manifestation because they are believed to hold specific energetic properties that can align with and amplify your intentions. The practice of using crystals and gemstones for manifestation involves selecting stones that correspond to your desired outcome and carrying them with you, placing them in your environment, or meditating with them. Some people also perform rituals or ceremonies with their chosen stones to set their intentions and create a stronger connection to the stone’s energy.
For example, if you want to manifest abundance and wealth, you might choose to work with Citrine, which is known to attract wealth and abundance. Similarly, if you want to manifest love and relationships, you might choose to work with rose quartz, which is said to attract love and emotional healing.
It is also believed that crystals and gemstones can help to clear and balance the energy in your body and environment, which can make it easier to manifest your intentions. They can also be used to align your energy with your intentions and to focus your thoughts and energy towards your desired outcome.
Chakra Realignment
Crystals and gemstones are often used for chakra realignment because they are believed to hold specific energetic properties that can align with and balance the energy of each chakra.
The practice involves selecting stones that correspond to each chakra, placing them on or around the corresponding chakra, or holding them during meditation to balance and align the energy flow.
This can help to open blocked chakras and bring the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony.
Physical Ailments
Crystals can be used to heal the body, mind, and soul. Certain crystals may have the ability to ease physical ailments by clearing energetic blockages in the body.
Healing gemstones can also help to alleviate symptoms related to stress and anxiety by providing soothing energy.
For example, Amethyst can alleviate headaches and promote sleep, Citrine can increase energy levels, Bloodstone can promote healthy circulation, and Aventurine can aid in recovery from illness.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Crystals and gemstones are used for emotional and psychological support because they are believed to hold specific energetic properties that can align with and balance the energy of the emotions and psyche.
The practice involves selecting stones that correspond to the emotions or psychological state, holding them during meditation or carrying them with you throughout the day to promote balance and stability.
Some examples include Rose quartz for love and emotional healing, Amethyst for stress and anxiety relief, and Black tourmaline for grounding and protection against negative energy.
Which Is The Right Stone For You?
Choosing the right crystal or gemstone for you with zodiac or birthstone can be done by considering the astrological and metaphysical properties associated with your specific zodiac sign or birth month. Each zodiac sign and birthstone has its own unique properties and energy that can align with and support certain aspects of your life.
For example, if your zodiac sign is Aries, you may want to choose crystals or gemstones such as Bloodstone, Diamond, or Carnelian that are associated with the energies of courage, self-confidence, and motivation. If you were born in the month of January, your birthstone would be Garnet, which is associated with passion, strength, and stability.
It’s important to note that while this method can be a helpful guide, ultimately the most important factor in choosing a crystal or gemstone is to trust your intuition and choose the stone that resonates with you the most.
You can also consult with a crystal expert or practitioner who can help you to identify the best crystals and gemstones for you based on your individual needs and goals.
The shape of a crystal can also affect its energy and how it is used for healing. Different shapes have different properties:
- Points are good for directing energy and are often used for manifestation.
- Spheres offer full harmonic energy from all sides.
- Cubes have solid grounding energy and promote calm and balance.
- Pyramids connect earth to heaven, and its pinnacle sends energy upward.
- Tumbled stones are easy to carry as talismans or place on chakras. It’s important to note that the shape is not the only factor that determines the effectiveness of a crystal or gemstone, other factors like the quality of the stone, the energy of the person using it, and the intention or purpose of use also plays important role.
Fundamental Stones To Choose From
Amethyst
Amethyst is a highly valued semi-precious stone known for its striking purple hues, which have made it popular among crystal enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.
It can be found in a variety of shades, from pale violet to dark violet and lavender blue.
The Amethyst has been treasured for centuries not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to stimulate the mind, emotions and provide protection to the wearer.
Birthstone: February
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius and Pisces
Learn More in our guide to Amethyst here.
Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz that ranges in color from yellow to orange, earning it the nickname “Madeira Topaz” or “Golden Topaz.”
Citrine is considered a powerful stone for emotional healing, believed to promote positivity, joy, and balance. It is said to help release negative emotions, increase self-esteem and enhance self-expression.
Birthstone: November
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Learn More in our guide to Citrine here.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors such as pink, red, green, blue, black, and colorless.
Pink Tourmaline is the birthstone for October and it is associated with the astrological sign of Libra.
Pink Tourmaline is believed to be a powerful stone for emotional healing, love, and compassion. It’s said to balance and calm the emotions, and to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
Birthstone: October
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Learn More in our guide to Tourmaline here.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a rare gemstone found in metamorphic rocks, composed of lazurite, calcite, sodalite, and pyrite. It comes in deep blue or purple colors.
Lapis Lazuli is believed to have numerous benefits for the body, including:
- Boosting the immune system
- Alleviating depression
- Improving insomnia
- Unblocking problems with the throat or thyroid
- Helping with sore throats or vocal chord issues
Lapis Lazuli is considered by some as an alternative birthstone for the month of September, along with Sapphires. It is also associated with the seventh and ninth wedding anniversaries.
Birthstone: (September, but not traditionally)
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Learn More in our guide to Lapis Lazuli here.
Kyanite
Kyanite is a rare gemstone found in metamorphic rocks, composed of aluminosilicate mineral.
It is typically blue in color, ranging from light to deep blue. The name “Kyanite” comes from the Greek word κύανος, referring to its cyan color.
Kyanite is a very calming crystal. It softens verbal communication and helps with truth telling. It is useful to help recall dreams and help you with healing.
Those under the zodiac of Aries, Taurus and Libra love Kyanite. Aries love the energy of Kyanite as they also vibrate at a high frequency.
Birthstone: Not a birthstone
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Learn More in our guide to Kyanite here.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a gemstone that is believed to bring a soothing energy and is associated with the divine feminine.
It is often linked with the moon and is considered a powerful tool for connecting with the natural rhythms of the world and with inner wisdom.
Moonstone is a gemstone that is associated with the astrological sign Cancer.
It is believed to align with the emotional, intuitive and family-oriented traits of people born under this sign.
Birthstone: June
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Learn More in our guide to Moonstone here.
Jade
Jade is a gemstone that is well-known for its beautiful shades of green and its association with Chinese culture.
However, it can also come in a variety of other colors such as yellow, red, orange, white, gray, black, brown, and lavender.
Jade is considered a powerful spiritual stone. Ancient cultures held it in high regard as a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, and believed it to be connected to spiritual realms.
Jade promotes self-love and acceptance. It encourages the wearer to absorb themself in a love that will last a lifetime.
Birthstone: Not a birthstone
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Learn More in our guide to Jade here.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger Eye is a chatoyant gemstone and a member of the quartz family, characterized by its yellow or golden to red-brown color, silky luster, and brilliance.
Historically, Tiger Eye has been associated with courage, power, and protection. Roman soldiers, for example, wore engraved Tiger Eye as a talisman for protection during battle.
Wearing Tiger Eye gemstone jewelry and bracelets helps to absorb the healing properties of the stone and connects its energy directly with one’s own.
Birthstone: May and June
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Learn More in our guide to Tiger’s Eye here.
Garnet
From the beginning of the garnet’s existence, this birthstone was thought to bring the wearer good health, fortune, and true happiness. It represents love and friendship and is said to mend the wounds between lovers and foster healing in relationships.
Birthstone: January
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Learn More in our guide to Garnet here.
Howlite
The healing energies of Howlite provide support for many different emotional and mental conditions.
Howlite calms the mind and helps to soothe overactive imaginations that can ultimately harm one’s overall health. It provides a haven for tranquility and contemplative silence.
Birthstone: Not a birthstone
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Learn More in our guide to Howlite here.
Aquamarine
The name Aquamarine is derived from the Latin term “aqua marinus” meaning “water of the sea,” reflecting its ocean-like color that ranges from pale blue to greenish blue and blueish green.
Aquamarine is believed to have a nurturing energy that helps to understand emotional patterns and the reasons behind them.
It is said to act as a conduit for releasing negative patterns and behaviors, promoting better relationships, love, and compassion.
Birthstone: March
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Learn More in our guide to Aquamarine here.
Opal
Opal is believed to have healing properties that aid in emotional balance and stability. It’s said to help release negative thoughts and emotions, and promote inner peace and tranquility.
Additionally, it’s believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, helping to open the mind to higher levels of consciousness.
Opal is also considered to be beneficial for the eyes and to help with blood disorders.
Birthstone: October
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Learn More in our guide to Opal here.
Topaz
Topaz comes in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, and brown, but the most common color is colorless or white.
Topaz is the birthstone for the zodiac sign Scorpio, which is associated with the dates of October 23 – November 21.
It is said that those born under this sign may benefit from the healing and strengthening properties of topaz.
Birthstone: November
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Learn More in our guide to Topaz here.
These are some of our favourite gemstones and crystals. Which one is right for you? Did you find your birthstone?
Shop our men’s beaded bracelets here to find your perfect stone.