Minerals, gems add meaning to jewelry

By Bethany Keiper
 

Many people view minerals as sparkling gifts from the Earth that can help inspire and promote health, creativity, and spirituality. With those beliefs, is it any wonder that precious and semiprecious stones are so popular in beaded jewelry?

There are many minerals that have different levels of meaning to different groups of people. Crystals and gems are used in balancing the chakras, which are believed by many to be the seven centers of spiritual energy in the human body.

Minerals and crystals are often a part of Reiki, a type of hands-on ancient healing. Reiki is based on the principle that health on all levels is caused by the free flow of energy. Problems such as mental and emotional imbalances arise when the energy is blocked.

An unpolished specimen of citrine will display some of its many different shades of yellow. Citrine, with its golden glow, is said to help manifest personal power, strengthen will and aid in processing life's experiences.

Citrine and yellow topaz are November's birthstones.

The bright, eye-catching green of peridot does not only please the eyes, but is also thought to help heal hurt feelings and bruised egos. Peridot is the birthstone for August.

Labradorite, with its brilliant colors, is believed to help teach the wise use of psychic powers. The shades of blue, green and gold found in labradorite seem almost too beautiful to be true.

Blue topaz is thought to help enable powerful communication of feelings. This stone, with its cool blue glow, is considered to be especially valuable for artists. "Official" lists vary, but blue topaz is usually included with turquoise and blue zircon as December's birthstone.

The varying shades of amethyst, from deepest purple to pale lilac, are very popular in many kinds of jewelry, from beads to cabochons.

Amethyst is thought to encourage intuitive and psychic abilities. This mineral, which is February's birthstone, is also believed to be helpful for remedying addictions and preventing nightmares.

Green aventurine is considered by many to be the best all-purpose healing stone. With its soothing green shades, it is especially good for the heart and emotions. It is also helpful for creating a feeling of balance and well-being.

With its rich rust coloring, red jasper looks especially beautiful when cut and polished into a cabochon. There are many kinds of jasper, but the red variety is believed to help relieve stress and promote a connection to inner strength and flow.

The varying shades of white to peach found in moonstone join pearls as June's birthstones.  Moonstone is thought to help create emotional balance. It is believed to be especially helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by their emotions, and for those who are out of touch with their feelings.

The creamy pink of rose quartz is often seen cut and polished into hearts, spheres, points or wands. One reason for this stone's popularity is its association with love. It is believed to teach us to love ourselves, and this is believed to open us up to universal love.

 Rose quartz is also thought to help abate grief, heal emotional wounds and provide comfort.

Garnet, with its mysterious shades of wine, is believed to help teach us to know ourselves and others, and thereby help calm anger. This January birthstone is also said to teach patience and perseverance in the pursuit of goals.

Photos:

Amethyst specimen courtesy of Ebay seller lexie_wolf. http://stores.ebay.com/Chrystal-Fairy-Hidden-Garden-Gifts_W0QQsspagenameZl2QQtZkm

Labradorite specimen courtesty of Don Clauson. http://stores.ebay.com/Clauson-s-Virtual-Rock-Shop_W0QQsspagenameZl2QQtZkm

Rose quartz points courtesy of ebay seller liahona-guideme. http://feedback.ebay.ca/ws1/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=liahona-guideme

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