Fashionable crystals enjoy healthy popularity
by KC Jones, feature editor

    Health and healing are issues dealt with in many ways. This column usually seeks nutritional or standard medical advice. But, other cultures believe in the healing powers of crystals.

   Most people enjoy crystals for their beauty. Crystals have been valued for many reasons. A search for scientific explanations for many of the minerals that somehow aid the body revealed that most of the information on crystals seems to be perpetuated by religious and superstitious rituals.

   In Eastern countries, some religions recognize seven energy centers, called chakras, which progress from the top of the head to the sexual organs. Those who practice this ritual believe they can realize healing by placing particular stones on or in front of the chakra that is responsible for a certain condition.
Myths and culture have utilized crystals from the beginning of history.

   Amethysts have been associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and fertility. Placing a stone into one’s wine was thought to prevent drunkenness. Roman wives thought that wearing amethyst jewelry would keep their husbands faithful. The stone was believed to protect the wearer from sin and even today, a bishop’s ring is an amethyst mounted in gold.

   Many today wear amethyst as a charm against infectious disease. It is also said to lift the spirits, enhancing inspiration and intuition. Placing the stone under a pillow is thought a remedy for insomnia. Amethyst is used to elevate fears, panic attacks and phobias.

   Rose quartz is known as the love stone. It is thought to have soothing qualities that calm the spirit and disperse fear. Rose quartz is said to have the power to calm the most aggressive temperament. It supposedly helps remove pain of the heart and even headaches if placed on the head.

   Aqua-marine was a favorite among the Romans who called it “All Life.” It, too, has been popular for its supposed soothing properties. It is said to calm nerves and strengthen the ability to make changes; therefore, it is used for drug, tobacco or alcohol dependency.

   Carnelian is known as the friendly stone making shy people more gregarious. The stone brings happiness and companionship. The ancient Egyptians called it the blood of Isis and used it to protect the living and the dead. In the 17th century, the stone was ground into a powder and drunk with a liquid to treat the body against all forms of poisons or hemorrhages. The stone is still thought to ward off evil.

   While diamonds may now be considered a girl’s best friend, ancients used the powdered gems as poison to commit murder. The diamond is still considered the ultimate token of love. The sparkling diamond helps one overcome anxiety and strengthens the nerves.

   The garnet symbolizes hope and a cure for melancholia. It has also been used to impede the flow of blood from a wound. A garnet restores self-control and calms hyperactive children.

   Jade gets its name from the Spanish word for colic. Mexicans cured colic by touching the infected person with jade. In the 17th century, a piece of jade was worn on the hip to force out kidney stones. The Chinese thought jade protected the dead.

   Jade feels cool to the touch and is worn by many in the summer. Jade is thought to ensure a long happy life, enhance friendships and drive away feelings of insecurity. It is said to relieve asthma and increase resistance to infections.

   Lapis lazuli was one of the ingredients in a 1600’s prescription to remedy cataracts. Because the heavens are blue, ancient people believed the stone enhanced insight and understanding. The stone has been used in dealing with mental affliction.

   Because of their color, rubies have always been associated with healing diseases of the blood. A ruby was placed in the wound of a warrior to prevent his bleeding to death. The stone is said to foretell death by changing to black when the wearer is in danger. The best quality rubies are mined in Burma.

   Cornflower blue sapphires are the most expensive while the star sapphire is highly prized, believed to bring good fortune. The stone is said to create a desire for prayer.

   Tiger’s eye is used as a charm to ensure that the wearer overcomes financial difficulties. Tiger’s eye is mainly associated with children. It is said to cure childhood ailments and to protect children from evil influences.

   Tiger’s eye is said to help when attention to detail is needed. It is said to promote a sense of humor. Placed at the entrance to the home, tiger’s eye supposedly acts as a guardian.

   Turquoise is used as a talisman against evil. North American Indians believed the character of anyone who wore the stone would become like the harsh and ruthless weather.

   Many believe turquoise would lose its color if its owner experienced misfortune. The stone is useful for victims of eating disorders helping them eat sensibly.

   Clear quartz is considered the major healing stone promoting clear thinking and energizing the body.

   Scientifically, there is no evidence supporting the validity of the healing powers of crystals. Still, much like astrology, these ancient wonders are certain to mystify and captivate people for years to come.