Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (History of Healing)

Gemstones have a history. And by history, I don't mean a history like mine--which can be a bit worrisome.

But we won't talk about that. Today we're going to talk about the Healing History of Gemstones and Crystals!

   When we think about healing today, we typically think about doctors and medical facilities. But healing in the past was much different. With a lack of knowledge and understanding of the human body, practices were more basic and frequently involved the use of crystals and gemstones.

Chakra Balancing Set

   The first thing that generally comes to mind are Native Americans traditions, where stones were regarded as living entities imbued with spirit. Among many tribes, quartz was considered a "master healer," valued for its ability to amplify energy and aid in diagnosis, while turquoise was frequently used for protection and physical well-being. These stones were often placed in bundles and used during ceremonies to restore balance and harmony.

   But Native Americans weren't alone in their use of gemstones. The history of using stones and crystals for healing goes back for thousands of years and can be found in many cultures spanning the globe.

Lapis Lazuli Ring

   Some of the earliest recorded use of stones was back in 3000 BC by the Sumerians who incorporated crystals such as lapis lazuli in magic formulas used to heal. They believed the gemstone had magical-medicinal property and could be used to treat physical ailments relating to the throat and eye as well as spiritual ones like melancholy. The lapis stone was deeply connected to the goddess Inanna and carrying it was believed to bring approval from the gods.

   In ancient Egypt (around 2000 BC), lapis lazuli also played a strong role in healing, along with other gemstones like turquoise, carnelian, and malachite. While lapis was typically used to treat anxiety, turquoise was valued for respiratory health, carnelian was generally used to improve vitality and energy, and malachite was believed to ward off evil. Stone color was important as it as it held deep symbolism. Green represented life and vegetation while blue usually represented the heavens.

Nephrite Tumbled Jade

   Gemstones were also popular in China around the same time. Bian Stone (Sibin Pumice) was often used by Taoist to work on body meridians before acupuncture. Jade was prized for its cooling properties and connection to the heart and was commonly used to promote longevity and wisdom. Gemstones are still used today in tradition Chinese medicine symbolizing purity, protection, and longevity.

   In the mediterranean both the Greeks and Romans used gemstones in their healing practices. The word crystal comes from the Greek word for ice as it was believed that quartz was water frozen so deeply it would always remain solid and crystals were regularly used to promote physical and emotional healing. While Greeks believed hematite would stop bleeding and clear quartz could be used to treat eye ailments,  Romans prized carnelian to enhance blood circulation and promote skin health while also providing serenity. Turquoise also was valued by both cultures primarily as protection against evil with the added benefit of promoting overall health.

Chakra Set

   Around 1500 BC the practice of Ayurveda emerged out of India. This practice incorporated gemstones to help balance chakras to aid in the healing process. Sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds were believed to correspond to specific chakras--each capable of of influencing emotional and physical health. Rubies were used for treatment of heat disease and hysteria while sapphires were considered a brain tonic. Placed on and around the body, gemstones were thought to reduce inflammation as well as promote wellbeing.

   Even in medieval Europe, gemstones played a part in healing. St Hildegard of Bingen wrote extensively on stones healing powers. Crystals were seen as god's precious stones, filled with heavenly energy and were often worn as amulets against demons, disease, and lightning. Common stones used during this time period were sapphires to treat cholera and boils, emeralds to treat poisons, amethysts to ward off drunkenness, and garnets and rubies to treat blood disorders.

   While modern medicine no longer uses gemstones and crystals to heal physical ailments, researchers are exploring combinations of older practices that balanced the spiritual element--many of which utilized gemstones and crystals--with the physical component to individualize treatment and facilitate better health outcomes.

Hyalite Opal

   Whether you believe in the spiritual healing properties of crystals and gemstones or simply find them beautiful and fascinating, owning one is like holding a piece of history in your hand.

Please note: Crystals and gemstones are not intended to replace medical care, nor do we promote using them in place of professional medical treatment. If you are experiencing illness or injury, please seek appropriate medical treatment.

If you want to know more about gemstones and crystals, visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchy's carries a selection of books to expand your knowledge of stones and crystals. We also offer a variety of products containing gemstones of all varieties--perfect for gifting, accessorizing, ritual use, or home décor.

That's all for now from the Shinyite School of Stones!

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