Properties of Gemstones
Research
in current publications ascribe many healing properties to gemstones. These
qualities have been
found
to be effective not only for physical, mental, or spiritual relief, but
also as an aid in one's pursuits in life.
The following
attributes for each gemstone are but a few of those ascribed to them. All
quotations are taken
from:
Ayurvedic Healing by Dr. David Frawley(1),or The Book of Talismans by William
Thomas and Kate
Pavitt(2).
Diamonds
The diamond
is considered the greatest of stones, revered throughout the ages for its
great beauty, and
strength,
and also for its powerful positive spiritual and physical influences.
The diamond
is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty. Physically it strengthens
the kidneys and
reproductive
organs and gives protection in severe disease.
The ancient
Romans believed that the diamond, when worn on the left arm, next to the
skin, would give the
wearer
bravery and daring. During the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I was given
a diamond to ward off the
plague.
Ruby
One of the most precious of gems, the ruby can easily be the equal of a diamond in value.
In India
and China the ruby is worn to promote health and happiness. A power ascribed
to the ruby both in the
Orient
and Europe was the ability to foretell danger by a loss of color and brilliance.
"Ruby is
used in astrology for strengthening the heart, improving digestion, promoting
circulation, reviving
fire and
increasing energy...Ruby strengthens the will, promotes independence, gives
insight and enhances
power;
it was the gem of kings."(1)
Blue Sapphire
This stone
is one of the earliest colored gems known to man. "Of colored gems, the
Sapphire has been the
most venerated
amongst all nations, and particularly in the East it is the stone most
frequently consecrated to
the various
deities. Amongst Buddhists it is believed to produce a desire for prayer,..."(2)
Blue Sapphire
"clears infections and wards off all negative energies. It is antitumor
and antifat and good for
reducing
therapy. Blue sapphire strengthens the bones, increases longevity and helps
calm the nerves and
emotions.
It promotes calm, peace and detachment."(1)
Yellow Sapphire
This stone
is considered by many the most effective for promoting all-around health
and well-being. It gives
energy
and vitality and regulates the hormonal system.
Emerald
The Emerald
has a great history, being held in high esteem by many cultures throughout
history. Emeralds
have been
found in Egyptian and Etruscan archaeological sites.
The Orient
has long had faith in its value, the Emerald representing "hope in immortality,
courage and exalted
faith,
and protection from pestilence,..."(2) The Emerald in India is thought
to be an aid in memory and an assist
in foretelling
the future.
"Emerald
calms mental agitation, regulates the nervous system, helps stop nerve
pain and improves speech
and intelligence
...Emerald promotes healing, energizes the breath, strengthens the lungs...It
is a harmonizing
stone,
good for cancer and other degenerative diseases."(1)
Chrysoberyl Cats-Eye
This is
considered a stone with a spiritual emphasis. It "is good for promoting
psychic and spiritual perception.
Cat's-eye
is a good nervine stimulant and is helpful for mental disorders. It is
the gemstone of seers and
astrologers."(1)
In India,
where it is highly valued, it is believed to bring the wearer material
wealth as well as preventing its
loss.
Hessonite Garnet
Believed
in India mythology to be the fingernails of the God, Vala, Hessonite gems
are considered the rarest of
the planetary
stones.
The garnet
family was used in ancient times by the Greeks and Romans. In India the
garnet was felt to be a
guard
against poison and disease, and was worn to promote health and cheerfulness.
"Like the
yellow sapphire, golden hessonite is a good balancing stone. It calms the
nerves, quiets the mind,
relieves
depression. This stone is recommended for almost everyone, as it counters
the negative influences of
Maya (illusion)."(1)
Blood Coral
This organic
stone is very beneficial to the physical body. "In India, China, and Japan,
it is extensively used in
Rosaries,
and is very popular, being regarded as a sovereign remedy against cholera
and all epidemics, and
invaluable
in indicating to its wearer the presence of poison, or the danger of illness,
by changing colour."(2)
Red coral
strengthens the blood and reproductive system, improves energy and calms
emotion...builds flesh
and muscle,
gives courage and improves work capacity."(1)
Pearl
Another
organic stone, the "Pearl is good for promoting body fluids and the blood,
nourishing the body
tissues
and the nerves...Pearl strengthens the female reproductive system, improves
fertility, and calms the
emotions."(1)
All quotations
are taken from: Ayurvedic Healing by Dr. David Frawley(1), or The Book
of Talismans by
William
Thomas and Kate Pavitt(2). visit healingems.com.
Revised 5/6/00
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