Crystals, Stones, and Minerals–Our Connection to the Earth in Color, Form, and Feeling

By Daena Smith

Our planet is quite phenomenal. Within its crust, we have uncovered multiple types of specimens from the mineral kingdom used daily in our electronics or to beautify a room or adorn our bodies. While they are beautiful and colorful, gems, semi-precious stones and minerals are not merely rocks. Humans have cherished semi-precious, precious stones and minerals believing that they are rare and unique, considered gifts from our planet, and hold power to heal body, mind, and spirit, as well as to ward off negative energy. 

Brilliant Color

Throughout human civilization minerals and stones have been prized for their color. Various types of semi-precious stones, such as carnelian, agate, crystals, and lapis lazuli have been found and used in jewelry and in ceremonies for centuries across multiple civilizations, including the Aztecs and Mayans, Egyptians, as well as Native American and Indian societies to name but a few. Crushed stones and minerals also provide pigment for make-up and paint, allowing art to reflect the beauty of life.

The Power of Stones

The power stones and crystals hold, or properties that they bestow to an individual, come from centuries of information that has trickled down from ancient remnants of texts or has been relayed in mystical manifestos. Throughout history, humans have treasured gemstones for their color and clarity. Owning gems such as rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires signified wealth. They were also worn to ward off evil or to manifest good feelings. Stones were associated with specific planets and astrological signs as well.

The meanings of various stones have been passed down and written about for centuries. Their meanings came from what they were used for, as well as the context they were found. For example, different stones were ascribed to planets and astrological signs, so the meanings of specific stones related to the attributes of a specific sign or planet. If minerals or stones were used in healing, then that information followed the meaning of the stone too.

Popular Authors 

Fortunately, in the 20th and 21st centuries different authors have emerged to share the knowledge and benefits of the mineral kingdom, such as Katrina Raphaell, Melody, and Judy Hall. Many individuals have dug into the science of and meanings for the many types of minerals that come from earth. These volumes are advanced information about the stones. If you are a beginner, try Judy Hall’s first book, The Crystal Bible, available at Earthe Energe. 

Judy Hall wrote multiple books on the mineral kingdom, including the Crystal Bible series. She lived in the UK and taught at the College Psychic Studies. She recently passed away in 2021. Her books are in-depth reviews of the mineral kingdom, its properties, and how to connect with individual energies within it. She was a psychic, a past life regression hypnotist, and an astrologer. She spent her life helping the world understand the connection to ourselves, each other, and our planet. 

Another great beginner’s book is The Book of Stones: Who They are and What They Teach by Robert Simmons and Aisha Ahsian. It is an in-depth guide for people who want to learn more about the stones and how to work with them. 

Michael Gienger is another author with a wonderful book Twelve Essential Healing Crystals. This is a true beginner’s manual in the use of and properties of stones. He reviews amethyst, bloodstone, rose quartz, and moonstone to name a few. He explains how to use the stones with different ailments, explaining how they help each one.  

Clear, Pink, Blue, Red, White, and Green

Quartz Crystal

Let’s start with clear crystal quartz. Read any of the authors listed above, and you’ll quickly learn that quartz crystal is more than just a sparkly obelisk. According to metaphysical information, quartz crystals in all of their variations are considered keepers of wisdom and information. Quartz helps to conduct energy, whether that’s on the body or in a room. It’s known to be a universal healer. Quartz is also found in electronics as filters and oscillators. When used in computers and watches, quartz helps measure time. 

Rose Quartz

Quartz does come in different colors and is found in many places around the globe. Outside of clear quartz, rose quartz is well known for its healing properties due to  its color and composition. Rose quartz signifies love–pure in essence, resounding feelings of self-love, and love in general. Rose quartz is also used to improve relationships. It is well known as the stone of unconditional love. It provides the wearer the benefits of less tension, helping to express emotions in a positive manner, and brings healing to the heart. 

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a beautiful blue stone that has long been used for pigment and in jewelry. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off evil. Blue has long been seen as the color of royalty, so it also brings stature, think of the color of the sky. Blue is also known to symbolize truth, again, think of the sky on a clear, sunny day. It allows for clear vision to see and know the truth. Lapis is an excellent stone for those who need to see beyond circumstances and what is shared. Lapis also brings the wearer the ability to speak the truth, even in difficult situations.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a light red almost orange to a dark red stone. Carnelian brings warmth, revitalizing the mental, emotional, and physical bodies. Carnelian reminds us of the life force that flows within us, blood. The red color is proof of oxygen. Oxygen brings life to the entire body, allowing cells to replenish, repair, and live. Carnelian brings the energy of life. It shows us how to work with the heart to heal old wounds and past hurts. It also helps to anchor us into our energy on earth, so we can concentrate and use our power of self-will to bring new life into being. 

Moonstone 

There are several types of moonstone, such as rainbow, green, pink, and blue. Moonstone can be opaque or clear with white striations. Moonstone aligns with the feminine, with cycles, and the reflective light of the sun, which is provided by the moon. New beginnings and new ways of doing things are properties of moonstone. It also provides the wearer protection for psychic gifts and adventures into the dreamtime. Moonstone enhances psychic abilities, allowing the wearer to feel calm in the face of stressful situations or feelings. Moonstone can also help with self-reflection and in meditation. Physically, it can help with reproductive organs, digestion and elimination.

Bloodstone 

Dark green with bright red streaks or dots, bloodstone helps to clean the blood. It is also used to ward off negative energies due to its dual color of green and red–think about the chlorophyll and hemoglobin, or blood and green vegetables. Green vegetables contain chlorophyll, which has excellent properties for helping cleanse the blood of toxins. Red is the color of blood, which represents the life-force. What could be more useful in warding off bad energy than the energy of life. Bloodstone is used to reinvigorate the body, aid in healing wounds, and provides courage.  

Many More

When it comes to the mineral kingdom, there are no shortage of options. The above six stones are merely a glance at the variety of beautiful colors and properties afforded to us by our wondrous planet. To dig deeper into the meanings and uses of the stones, please visit us at Earthe Energe. We carry a wide variety from the mineral kingdom. We’ll happily share our knowledge with you. The internet is also a great place to learn how to use the power of stones in your daily life. To really dig into the science of the stones, check out one of the authors above, or go to Reno’s Gem and Mineral society.