“In a crystal, we have clear evidence of the existence of a formative life principle, and though we cannot understand the life of a crystal, it is nonetheless a living being.”  

– Nikola Tesla, Serbian-American inventor, electrical & mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist, The Problem of Increasing Human Energy, 1900.

 

For thousands of years, people have used precious and semi-precious gemstones for mental, physical, and spiritual healing. As an additional technique and alongside more traditional medical practices, crystals and other stones have been used to cure ailments, protect against illness, disease, and injury, provide mental balance and stability, and for spiritual purposes.

Proponents of this alternative healing technique still believe specific stones and crystals act as conduits for healing, allowing positive energy to flow from the stone to the body. In contrast, the body releases negative energy into the stones. At the turn of the century, Nikola Tesla, a renowned inventor, electrical & mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist, declared that all things in the universe are forms of energy with their frequency and vibration, and proved how certain forms of energy can alter the vibrational resonance of other forms of energy. Many believe in the power of crystals and other stones in healing practices.

The ancients were unaware of this on a scientific basis, but many cultures have long used stones for healing, protection, and spiritual practices.

The first historical references to crystal use come from the Ancient Sumerians, who included crystals in magic formulas. Crystal use was also said to have been widespread on the legendary lost continent of Atlantis.

In Roman culture, crystal talismans and amulets were often used to enhance health, attract desirable people or things, and provide protection in battle.

The ancient Egyptians used crystals in many ways, including burying their dead with crystals and carrying and wearing crystal jewelry for health, protection, well-being, attracting love, fostering sex appeal, and more. They were known to have used lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald, clear quartz, topaz, and peridot in amulets and jewelry.

In Greece, stones were used so widely that some mineral names are of Greek origin. The word crystal comes from the Greek word for ice, as the ancients regarded crystal as pure water that had frozen so deeply that it would always remain solid. In ancient times, the Greeks often rubbed hematite on soldiers’ bodies before battle, believing it made them invincible. Hematite, an iron ore, comes from the word for blood, and the ancient Greeks associated iron with Ares, the god of war. Amethyst means ‘not drunken’ and was worn as an amulet to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. Greek sailors wore a variety of amulets to keep them safe at sea.

In India, crystals have long been seen as valuable for healing emotional and metaphysical imbalances. In Hinduism, the Kalpa tree, or wish-granting tree, is made of crystals and precious stones. The Hindu Vedas, a large body of ancient texts, document the use of healing crystals and reference numerous stones and their healing abilities. For example, sapphires are thought to bring astuteness, clarity, and mental balance, while jasper is said to bring harmony, sexual vitality, and balance.

Stones and crystals were also used in Asia, with the Chinese incorporating crystals in various healing sessions, including acupuncture with crystal-tipped needles. Jade has been highly valued in China since ancient times and has been used since before 3000 BC. The stone was incorporated into numerous items, including beads, chimes, ornamental decorations, musical instruments, and even armor. The Chinese consider jade to have potent kidney-healing properties and to be a stone of concentrated love essence. In Japan, crystal sphere fortune-telling was common.

Elsewhere, the Māori of New Zealand wore jade pendants representing the ancestor spirits and continued to believe that the stone was lucky. In the Americas, Jade was recognized as a kidney-healing stone in South America, and jade masks were utilized in burials in Mexico. The Zuni tribe in New Mexico has long made stone fetishes representing various animal spirits. Other Native American tribes still hold precious stones, especially turquoise, azurite, and phenakite, which are sacred. Worldwide, turquoise has been worn for strength and health, and jaspers have long been believed to provide strength and calm. Amber is one of the most widely used talisman materials, and amber beads have been discovered in Europe, dating back about 12,000 years.

Today, this style of alternative healing is known as crystal therapy or crystal healing. All stones — raw, natural, tumbled, polished, gemstones, etc — are called crystals within this type of therapy.

Healing Stones & Descriptions

Agate – Various chalcedony agates come in numerous colors and are known for protecting, strengthening, and harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

Emotionally, it can eliminate and transform negativity, enhance mental function and creativity, improve concentration, perception, and analytical abilities, soothe and calm, heal inner anger or tension, and create a sense of security and safety. It is also known as a good luck stone.

Physically, it heals the eyes, teeth and gums, stomach, and uterus; cleanses the lymphatic system and pancreas and detoxifies overall; strengthens blood vessels; heals skin disorders; and helps with insomnia.

A very protective stone, it was historically placed in water for cooking or drinking to dispel sickness and used on the breastplates of armor to give warriors strength and energy.

Amethyst – Also called the Sobriety Stone and the Master Healing Crystal, Amethyst Ranges in color from light, slightly pinkish violet to deep purple. It is a powerful protective stone that also acts as a natural calming agent and has healing and cleansing powers.

Emotionally, it relieves stress, soothes irritability, balances mood swings, and dispels anger, fear, negativity, sadness, and anxiety. It is a good crystal for healing personal losses and grief and for bringing peace, happiness, and contentment during transitional periods. Placing it under the pillow helps insomniacs and induces prophetic dreams.

It is called the Sobriety Stone as it has a sobering effect on overindulgence in alcohol, smoking, drugs, or other addictions. Physically, it boosts hormone production, strengthens the immune system, cleanses the blood, eases headaches and other pain, reduces swelling, heals skin conditions, respiratory issues, and more.

For ages, fine amethysts have been set in religious jewelry and royal crown jewels. They were once considered equal in value to rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Because of their wine-like color, early Greek legends associated amethysts with Bacchus, the god of wine.

Arrowhead – Arrowheads may be made from many stones, and their sizes and styles vary widely depending on their intended use. Regardless of which stone arrowheads are carved from, Native Americans have long believed that wearing a hand-carved arrowhead as a talisman around the neck symbolizes protection, courage, and strength.

They also believed the arrowhead protected them from illness and guarded against the Evil Eye. It would deflect any negative energy, protect them from their enemies, and absorb their power.

Bloodstone – Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a deep, earthy green gem emboldened with spots of bright red that is an excellent blood cleanser and a powerful healing stone. It heightens intuition, increases creativity, and is grounding and protective. It gives courage, helps you live in the present moment, calms and revitalizes the mind, dispels confusion, and enhances decision-making. It also reduces irritability, aggressiveness, and impatience.

Bloodstone purifies and fortifies the blood physically, making it ideal for anemia. It neutralizes toxins and detoxifies the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen, and bladder, and helps heal inflammations and infections.

In the ancient world, it was considered the most beautiful of the Jaspers and was called the Sun Stone and later Christ’s Stone. The most widely known legend comes from the Middle Ages and claims the “Blood Stone” was formed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when the blood of his wounds fell onto the dark green earth and turned to stone.

Carnelian – An ancient amulet of luck, Carnelian is an orange-colored variety of the agate Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its color varies from pale pinkish-orange to a deep rusty brown, though it is best known for its brilliant orange and red-orange crystals. Like all agates, it offers protection against fear, envy, and anger; dispels sorrow, negativity, and apathy; and helps overcome abuse. Carnelian is a stabilizing stone that restores vitality and motivation and stimulates creativity and initiative.

Physically, Carnelian treats lower back problems, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, and depression. It regulates the kidneys, accelerates bone and ligament healing, improves vitamin and mineral absorption, and ensures a good blood supply to organs and tissues.

In ancient times, and even today, Carnelian is believed to help the timid become eloquent and bold. Ancient Warriors wore Carnelian around their necks for courage and physical power to conquer enemies. They also wore it to enhance passion, love, and desire.

Citrine –  Called the Success Stone, this yellow-to-yellowish-brown stone is a joyful crystal with a bright energy that brings good fortune and good luck. Energizing and recharging, Citrine opens the intuition, imparts joy, wonder, delight, and enthusiasm, and raises self-esteem and self-confidence. It also attracts prosperity and success. Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity, enhances concentration, and is, overall, emotionally balancing.

Physically, it heals the heart, kidney, liver, muscles, appendix, spleen, pancreas, and bladder. It stimulates digestion, reverses degenerative disease, helps with eye problems, increases blood circulation, activates the thymus, and balances the thyroid.

Citrines have been popular for thousands of years. Originally revered for their rarity, they have changed with time. Over the years, citrines have been valued for their beauty and brilliance, which reminds us of the bright, warm sun and the vitality of life. The ancient Romans used citrines for beautiful jewelry. They were also very popular for jewelry in the 19th Century and during the Art Deco period between World Wars I and II.

Emerald – Known as the “stone of successful love,” Emerald is a stone of love and romance, harmony, serenity, unity, and friendship.

Emotionally, it focuses attention, raises consciousness, eliminates negativity, strengthens memory, brings patience, soothes guilt and emotions, and enhances psychic abilities. It is said to be helpful for healing trauma, abuse issues, and broken hearts.

Physically, it aids in healing the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spine; the muscular, nervous, and immune systems; infectious illnesses and malignant conditions. It also helps the sinuses, soothes the eyes, and improves vision, adrenal glands, diabetes, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, epilepsy, diabetes, and various types of mental illness.

In ancient history, the Romans viewed the emerald as a symbol of fertility and associated it with the goddess Venus. Christian legends describe the Emerald as the stone of resurrection, while other ancient lore says it cures a variety of diseases, brings joy, and even bestows the gift of prophecy.

Fancy Jasper – Jasper is a variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It goes by several names and comes in various colors, including brown, red, orange, yellow, green, white, lilac, and more. Known as the “supreme nurturer,” jasper is a stone of grounding and stability that provides comfort, security, strength, and healing.

It sustains and supports through times of stress and brings tranquility and wholeness. It provides protection, absorbs negative energy, encourages honesty with oneself and courage to tackle problems assertively, aids quick thinking, stimulates the imagination, and transforms ideas into action.

Physically, it supports the liver and gallbladder, soothes the stomach, helps during prolonged illness, re-energizes the body, and prolongs sexual pleasure.

Fancy Jasper intensifies and lightens feelings of well-being, helping one lighten up and enjoy themselves more, yet in a subtle way. It can relieve fear, frustration, and guilt, building inner strength and confidence. It is an excellent stone for bringing energies of wholeness and healing to an environment or situation.

Historically, Jasper dates back to ancient peoples and civilizations. Worn by shamans, priests, and kings, it was considered sacred and a powerful protection stone for both the physical and spiritual realms. The Egyptians carved Jasper amulets with symbols and inscriptions from the Book of the Dead and buried them with mummified remains for safe passage in the afterlife.

Garnet – Also called Cinnamon Stone and Warrior’s Stone, Garnet is most often seen in red, but can also be pink, green, orange, yellow, brown, and black. It is the stone of commitment and represents love.

A stone of regeneration and energy, Garnet inspires and revitalizes feelings of love and enhances sexuality, bringing warmth, devotion, understanding, trust, sincerity, and honesty to a relationship.

It is a good stone for depression, bringing joy and hope to its users, and helps lessen anger, especially toward oneself.

Physically, it purifies the entire body, regenerates blood, heart, and lungs, treats disorders of the spine and other bones, and boosts the immune system and energy levels.

Thousands of years ago, red garnet necklaces adorned the necks of Egypt’s pharaohs, entombed with their mummified corpses as prized possessions for the afterlife. In ancient Rome, signet rings with carved garnets stamped the wax that secured important documents.

Green Aventurine – Most commonly, green Aventurine forms in blue, red to reddish-brown, purple, orange or peach, yellow, and silver-gray. Known as Green, the “Stone of Opportunity,” it is thought to be the luckiest of all crystals, especially in manifesting prosperity and wealth. As a stone of prosperity, it reinforces leadership qualities and decisiveness and encourages perseverance. It also promotes compassion and empathy, stabilizes the mind, sharpens perception, enhances creativity, calms anger and irritation, and supports well-being.

Physically, it benefits the thymus gland and nervous system, balances blood pressure, stimulates the metabolism, lowers cholesterol, settles nausea, heals lungs, sinuses, heart, muscles, and systems, has an anti-inflammatory effect, eases skin eruptions, allergies, and migraines, and soothes the eyes.

In ancient times, Tibetans decorated their statues with Aventurine, most often in the eyes, to symbolically increase the statue’s visionary powers. Until the 19th Century, Aventurine was called the “Stone of the Amazons” because the Brazilian deposits were believed to have supplied jewels and talismans for the Amazonian warriors. It has been used in medicine wheel rituals to show the spirit guides’ connection with the healing light of the heart.

Jade – A symbol of serenity and purity, Jade is said to bless whatever it touches. Signifying wisdom, protection, and balance, Jade keeps the wearer from harm and attracts good luck, friendship, good health, wealth, and love.

Emotionally, it stabilizes the personality, decreases irritability, releases negative thoughts, soothes the mind, promotes self-sufficiency, stimulates ideas, and helps individuals realize their full potential and attain purposeful goals.

Physically, Jade supports the body’s filtration and elimination organs, is excellent for treating kidney and adrenal gland problems, and removes toxins. It assists in healing skeletal and cellular systems, fertility and childbirth, lung problems, immune system weakness, PTSD, and the nervous system.

Serving mankind for nearly 6,000 years, it was the favored stone for axe heads, knives, and weapons for the primitive peoples in the British Isles; it was carved into masks and ritual tools by the indigenous tribes of Mexico, Central and South America, and New Zealand; and used extensively in China in jewelry, decorations, beads, burial items, statues, and more for its beauty and powers of healing and protection.

Moss Agate – A variety of Chalcedony Quartz, Agate is an excellent stone for rebalancing and harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. It promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity and has warm, protective properties that encourage security and self-confidence.

Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling.

Moss Agate, which comes in several colors, including green, blue, red, yellow, and brown, has the same general healing properties as Agate and Chalcedony and is known as a stone of new beginnings. It refreshes the soul and enables individuals to see the beauty in their surroundings.

It attracts abundance in wealth, improves self-esteem, develops strength and the ability to get along with others, promotes self-expression and communication, balances emotions, and releases fear and stress. It eliminates depression caused by brain imbalances.

Physically, it speeds up recovery from illness, is anti-inflammatory, cleanses the circulatory and elimination systems, and boosts the immune system. Moss Agate prevents hypoglycemia and dehydration, treats infections, colds, and flu, and lowers fevers. It also treats fungal and skin infections.

Throughout history and all cultures, Moss Agate has been known as the crystal of gardeners and agriculture. Tribal priests once considered it a miraculous healing stone, giving them the power to interact with the human organic system. It was also used as a talisman to make warriors strong and victorious.

Obsidian –  A volcanic glass, obsidian is a protective stone that forms a shield against negativity, brings clarity to the mind and clears confusion, is truth-enhancing, and promotes compassion and strength.

It is truth-enhancing, draws out mental stress and tension, and stimulates growth on all levels. It urges exploration of the unknown and opens new horizons. It brings clarity to the mind, clears confusion, dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas, and promotes qualities of compassion and strength.

Physically, it aids in digestion, detoxifies, reduces arthritis pain, joint problems, and cramps, and warms the extremities. It benefits the stomach, intestines, and muscle tissue, and can help rid the body of bacterial or viral infections.

In ancient times, people often used obsidian to make weapons because it could be fractured to produce sharp blades or arrowheads. Polished Obsidian was also used for mirrors. Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans used obsidian for tools and decorative objects.

Peridot – Also called Chrysotile and Olivine, Peridot ranges from brown-green to yellowish green to pure green. It is a powerful cleanser that releases and neutralizes toxins on all levels. It is also a stone of compassion with friendly energy and excellent healing. Emotionally, it protects against nervousness, alleviates jealousy and resentment, reduces stress, anger, and guilt, and enhances confidence and motivation.

Physically, it strengthens the immune system and metabolism and supports disorders of the heart, thymus, lungs, gallbladder, spleen, liver, and intestinal tract. It also balances bipolar disorders and overcomes hypochondria.

Peridot has always been associated with light. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Some believed it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.

Red Jasper – Jasper is a variety of Chalcedony, a mineral in the Quartz family, and is called by several different names; it comes in various colors, including brown, red, orange, yellow, green, white, lilac, and more. Known as the “supreme nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability that provides comfort, security, strength, and healing.

Emotionally, it sustains and supports through times of stress and brings tranquility and wholeness. It provides protection, absorbs negative energy, encourages honesty with oneself and courage to tackle problems assertively, aids quick thinking, stimulates the imagination, and transforms ideas into action.

Physically, it supports the liver and gallbladder, soothes the stomach, helps during prolonged illness, strengthens and detoxifies the circulatory system, re-energizes the body, and prolongs sexual pleasure.

Red Jasper is a gently stimulating and highly protective stone. It brings problems to light, offers insight, and helps rectify unjust situations. It grounds energy, calms emotions, and aids in dream recall. Red Jasper is said to be a very lucky gemstone for actors and artists, as it aids in expressing creative ideas.

Historically, Jasper dates back to ancient peoples and civilizations. Worn by shamans, priests, and kings, it was considered sacred and a powerful protection stone for both the physical world and the spiritual realm. The Egyptians carved Jasper amulets with symbols and inscriptions from the Book of the Dead and buried them with mummified remains for safe passage in the afterlife.

Quartz Crystal – Also called Clear Quartz or Rock Crystal, Quartz Crystal is known as the “master healer” and will amplify energy, clarity, and balance. An all-purpose healer, it absorbs, stores, releases, and regulates energy, draws off negative energy of all kinds, and balances and revitalizes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes. It aids concentration and unlocks memory.

Physically, it enhances the organs, stimulates the immune system, and has been used to treat migraine headaches, vertigo, and motion sickness. It is believed to support metabolism, reduce exhaustion, and aid weight loss; it is also believed to treat digestive disorders, kidney and bladder infections, and diarrhea.

Throughout history, Clear Quartz has been valued by nearly every civilization as far back as Atlantis and Lemuria, where the sun’s power was believed to be harnessed through a crystal as a source of solar energy refraction. They, along with Native American Indians, African tribes, ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Romans, Scots, and countless other cultures, used Clear Quartz for diagnostic healing, meditation, and spiritual development; as religious objects; in funerary rites; and to dispel evil and magical enchantments.

Rose Quartz – Called the Love Stone or Heart Stone, its color ranges from very light pink (almost white) to medium-dark pink. Also known as Pink Quartz and Bohemian Ruby, this stone of universal love restores trust and harmony in relationships and encourages unconditional love, self-love, and friendship. Calming and reassuring, it supports deep inner healing and brings peace and comfort in times of grief. It also dispels negativity and encourages self-forgiveness and acceptance. It attracts new love, romance, and intimacy, or helps you develop a closer bond with family or friends.

Physically, it strengthens and balances the physical heart and circulatory system, releases impurities from the body, hastens recovery, reduces high blood pressure, aids respiratory problems, heals the kidneys and adrenals, and alleviates vertigo.

Rose quartz has been used by the Assyrians and Romans in jewelry dating back to 800-600 BC. Egyptian and Greek civilizations used quartz crystals as potent talismans. In the Middle Ages, medical practitioners used quartz in their healing potions, and early cultures of the Americas used quartz amulets.

Sandstone – A cheerful stone of creativity, sandstone forms from wind or water. This sedimentary rock is made of sand grains cemented together by quartz or other minerals, resulting in a wide array of reds, yellows, and rusty-browns.

Emotionally, sandstone is said to help build and strengthen relationships, encourage truth and clarity, balance one’s reality, and ease movement and change. It also dispels abrasiveness, discourages bad tempers, and promotes loving acceptance.

Physically, it treats wounds and broken bones, improves water retention, and helps restore degenerative eyesight, weak fingernails, and thinning hair.

Turquoise – A purification and strengthening stone, ranging from greenish-blue to pale sky blue, has been prized for thousands of years.

Emotionally, it dispels negative energy, stabilizes mood swings, helps with depression, promotes self-realization, assists with problem-solving, symbolizes friendship, and stimulates romantic love.

Physically, turquoise helps with exhaustion, strengthens the immune system, aids nutrient absorption, is anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, reduces excess acidity, benefits gout, rheumatism, and the stomach, and relieves cramps and pain. Turquoise purifies the lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, heals the eyes, and assists with brain problems, ears, neck and throat, and allergies.

This stone is very personal and meaningful to the wearer. Turquoise takes on the owner’s characteristics.

Said to carry great wisdom, turquoise is one of the oldest protection amulets. Kings, shamans, and warriors have worn or carried it. In many ancient cultures, it was also known as a symbol of wealth. The name means “Turkish stone,” as it came to Europe through Turkey. People mined turquoise in Sinai more than 6,000 years ago.

 

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated September 2026.

Also See: 

Indian Proverbs & Wisdom

Medicine Bags or Bundles

Native American Symbols

Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings

Native American Medicine

Sources:

Charms of Light
Crystal Cure
Crystal Flame
Crystal Vaults
Crystals and Jewelry
Crystalage
Energy Muse
Gemological Institute of America Inc.
Inland Lapidary
Natural Magnetism
Quantumstones
Shimmerlings