The Mystique of Gemstones

There are different methods of accessing the therapeutic benefits of the gemstones- from the ancient use of amulets to modern forms of jewelry and shaped stones. The form of the stone affects the way in which the healing energy is distributed.

The simplest and most aesthetic way to practice litho therapy is to wear a stone that corresponds to the problem you want to heal. This can be a raw stone worn on a chain or as an earring. The particular vibration of each mineral will resonate, first with our skin, and then with our entire beings.

Wearing a beautiful jewel can be enjoyable. The mineral influence can also strengthen concentration, activate meditation, and help in emitting alpha waves without your knowing it. Wearing a gemstone can always have a positive effect.

A pendant falling on to the chest will radiate like a star on the upper part of the body. Worn close to the throat, it will have an even stronger effect. A jewel worn close to the neck, ornamented with complementary stones corresponding to the owner's health status, will provide an effective element of prevention.

Rings worn on both hands also have varied effects. A ring worn on the left index finger will act directly on mental or psychological problems such as depression, neurosis and anger. The left thumb is directly connected to sexuality and the reproductive functions.

The right middle finger relates to skin diseases, and the diseases of the nails and hair. The index finger is related to the lymphatic network and infectious problems. The right thumb relates to digestion as a whole and the enrichment of the blood through the action of the viscera.

The effects of bracelets made of copper, brass, steel, gold, and silver are well known. To this we can add the effects of stones. The stones radiance will add to the metal and affect the energetic pathways and meridians.

Some stones such as amber and pearls can be tarnished by contact with the skin. Others can be dissolved by perspiration. It is best to wear these stones as a brooch or pin, even if the effect is less potent. If used in this limited way, they would not tarnish or disintegrate.

In some of their earliest therapeutic uses, gemstones were often used in the form of amulets, charms and other talismans to attract good luck, or to protect against ill fortune. These ancient practices made use of the intrinsic energy of each mineral but also relied on the symbolic powers that were attributed to the artificial or natural shape of a stone.

Some think that raw stones have a more "raw" effect because they are closer to their natural state. This is not always the case. It mostly depends on the stone itself. Calcite, like chalcedony, "works" perfectly in the raw state.

On the other hand, jade and jasper gain additional energy after polishing. In the medieval period, before the invention of faceted cutting, rubies, diamonds, and rock crystals were worn in their raw or polished state and placed in a stud.

Modern cutting makes it possible to orient the vibrations and currents of precious stones, which helps to distribute their healing energy more harmoniously.

Sculpted stones have long been used as talismans and amulets. They were sometimes given the shape of the organ to be treated. Chrysolite and turquoise stones cut in the shape of an eye were used to treat eye problems.

Heart-shaped agates dating from the late Middle Ages and amethyst and zirconium amulets in the shape of the male sexual organ have been found. Malachite stones cut in the shape of vulvas were used in Rome and the Far East to cure female illness.

Jasper and agate were used to sculpt pretty figurines in the form of a pregnant woman to help women bring a pregnancy to term. It is still not known if sculpting increases the force of a stone.

Given the beauty and finesse of the cameo engravers' work, it is easy to forget that the actual image held great meaning. The face or profile of the beloved, engraved on a beneficial stone, was meant to bring her luck and protection.

The intertwined hands found on the cameos used in engagement rings signified romantic commitment, faith and fidelity. The dove was the symbol of peace. The goal was to add a complementary symbolism to the stone's power. It was believed that the beneficial actions of the gemstones were strengthened by these images.

Intalgios, letters or designs engraved on a stone or precious metal had the same goal. Prayers, incantations, and the words "Allah Akbar" were etched on green jade in the lands of Islam. Elsewhere, other stones bear the name of Jupiter or Venus.

Here, the power of faith is combined with the mineral's intrinsic qualities. Judging the effectiveness of these stones is a personal matter that concerns the relation each of us has with the sacred.