crystals and gemstones have long been reputed to possess healing and balancing properties connected to their colour and physical make up.
here are some of the stones we use in our designs and their characteristics:
carnelian: a popular, healing and protecting stone. releasing stress and enhancing creativity. key words: releasing, repairing, warming.
citrine: a type of quartz coloured by the inclusion of iron, it is restful, warming and confidence boosting. key words: warming, comforting and uplifting.
clear quartz: also known as rock crystal, it amplifies the energies of other stones. key words: brightening, organising, amplifying.
coral: formed by the skeletal remains of underwater polyps it is collected from a variety of off-shore areas around the world. not strictly a mineral unless fossilised, it is a popular gemstone. there are many varieties, red being the most valuable for it's reputed energy-enhancing properties. key words: strength and connectivity.
jade: found in two forms, jadeite and nephrite. nephrite is not the hardest mineral but it is the toughest and is associated with the kidneys and it's supposed ability to heal them. jadeite appears more dimpled when polished. there is reverence for jade across many cultures particularly in matters concerning ancestral spirits. it can be found in a variety of colours and has relaxing, balancing properties and is associated with the heart chakra. key words: belonging, stability, instinct.
jasper: a type of quartz (red jasper gets it's colour from impurities such as haematite being present). grounding and allows the user to focus. physically nurturing and encouraging. key words: practical, grounding, repairing.
labradorite: a rare type of feldspar (named after the region of canada it was discovered). its iridescence is caused by inclusions of magnetite is thought to reflect away unwanted energy from others acting as a protective shield for the wearer. key words: openess, flexibility, protection.
pearl: formed inside fresh or sea water oysters, mother of pearl is taken from the inside of the shell of pearl-producing oysters. connected to the sea it relates in particular to emotions, intuition and the power of the moon. key words: sensitivity, tolerance, alignment.
peridot: the gem quality form of the mineral olivine, it is often found on the site of volcanic eruptions or, in meteorites. protective, it symbolizes the power of the natural world. balancing, it helps to strengthen personal identity. key words: cleansing, freshening, invigorating.
rose quartz: a gentle stone associated with emotional stress release. titanium and manganese give this quartz it's colour. key words: love, emotion, release.
smokey quartz: concentrates energy and provides focus. key words: potential, stability, beginnings.
turquoise: formed by water acting on copper and aluminium (giving a blue colour), green tinges are caused by iron impurities. sunlight may cause the colour to fade over time. key words: strengthening, protective, enhancing.
unakite: a mixture of pink feldspar, green epidote and quartz this is a good stone for the heart. it has a practical energy, assisting in conflict resolution and in gaining perspective. key words: perspective, balance and self worth.
(source: the essential crystal handbook, s & s lilly. duncan baird publishers, london 2006)