Ancient Magical Stones Agate--enegry, healing, wealth Amber--health, joy Appetite--mental clarity Amethyst--spiritual awareness Aquamarine--calms the nerves

Aventurine--perception, motivation Azurite--healing, psychic eye Blood Stone --healing of mind and body Citrine --healing the body, emotional healing Coral--balance of physical energy Emerald--creativity Garnet--good for depression Hematite--strength, legal problems Ivory--protection Jade--wisdom Jasper--for stress Flourite--opens the soul Lapis--wisdom, truth, healing Malachite--sleep, dreams, protection Moonstone--giving nature, love Pearl--peace of mind Peridot--rids you of fears, guilt, depression Quartz--healing the body Ruby--courage, health Topaz--strength, calms emotions Tiger Eye --protection, clear thought Tourmaline--understanding, love Turquoise--healing, strength, friendship

The History of Crystals & Gemstones When you meditate with your crystal or gemstone, wear crystal or gemstone jewelry, or use crystals and gemstones for healing you continue a practice that is as old as mankind. Offered is the following brief historical perspective on the history of crystals and gemstones. The Prehistoric use of crystals and gemstones has been discovered by archaeologists in various graves and barrows excavated in the Middle East, Europe, Russia and Africa. What they have found are beads, jewelry and carvings made of turquoise, garnet, crystal and many other stones. Some of the discovered stones were in the shape of various animals, and were probably symbols of a particular fetish or totem. Many speculate that their presence in the graves was to assist the departed soul in the next life. One of the most fascinating discoveries showing prehistoric use of crystals is the solar temple, Newgrange. This ancient passage grave in the Boyne Valley of Ireland is older than the pyramids. The solar temple was built in such a way that the sunlight would stream through the 70-foot-long entrance tunnel on the Winter Solstice. The temple roof was originally covered with white quartz, to symbolize the White Goddess. Another amazing archaeological discovery was that of perfect Crystal Skulls. Estimates put the age of the skulls at least 20,000 years old. Perhaps the best known of the crystal skulls is the Mitchell-Hedges skull. Some believe that the skull was discovered by Anna Mitchell-Hedges (daughter of archaeologist F.A. Hedges), in Guatemala while others speculate that she bought the skull in London. Those who have spent time with the skull have reported a variety of mystical experiences. In Ancient Egyptian civilization crystals and gemstones were widely used for a myriad of purposes. A hieroglyphic papyrus, circa 2000 B.C., documents a medical cure using a crystal. Several others, circa 1500 B.C., have additional prescriptions. Many other stones were also found in the tombs. Turquoise, carnelian, and tigers eye are among the few. These stones were shaped into shields, amulets, and shapes of the heart. The pharaohs often had their headdresses lined with malachite (a green mineral carbonate of copper) the belief that it would help them rule wisely. Lapis was also considered to be a royal stone. The Egyptians pulverized lapis and made it into a poultice, which was then rubbed into the crown of the head. The belief was that it drew out all spiritual impurities as it dried. The Native American settlers of North, Central, and South America used crystals and gemstones widely for spiritual, ceremonial, and healing purposes. They also served practical purposes as well. The ancient Mexicans made mirrors out of pyrite. The Mayan Indians used obsidian for ceremonial knives and other tribes believed that it served to sharpen both outer and inner vision. Mayans also used quartz crystals for both the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Also, some Mexican Indian tribes believed that the souls of those who led good lives would go into crystals. In China and Japan quartz was traditionally revered, especially in carved form. Quartz crystal balls were considered to represent the heart or essence of the dragon. Dragons were thought to have great power. A deeper meaning for "dragon" is that of a very wise and evolved individual. Jade is mostly associated with China. It was termed the concentrated essence of love. A jade butterfly was a symbol of successful love. The Ancient Culture of India is an amazing source of information in reference to crystals and gemstones. The system of chakra's (energy centers) in which we use to place crystals and gemstones on for healing and meditation purpose's originated there. Astrological documents written as early as 400 B.C. contain detailed observations about the power of various stones to counteract the negative effects of planetary positions. Stones were regarded as having great spiritual and emotional powers. Moonstone, for instance, was a sacred stone believed to arouse love. Onyx, in contrast, was believed to help release the ties of old love. The ruby ("king of precious stones") was also a highly valued gemstone.