What are Gemstones?

A gemstone is the name given to a piece of mineral (or other rock or organic material) that after it has been cut and polished has been made into a piece of jewellery or another accessory. Although gemstones are commonly made from minerals, material such as jet or amber or rocks like lapis lazuli can also be utilised in the creation of gemstones. The majority of gemstones will be hard to the touch but depending on the piece of jewellery that is being created, some soft minerals are also utilised. Take a look at Moh's Scale of Hardness to find out more about this.

How Are Gemstones Formed?

Even though the vast majority of gemstones are created below the surface of the earth, there are a number of different ways that the individual stones can be created. A great number of these precious stones are created when the minerals react with water that is found just below the surface of the earth and the minerals then dissolve. This process allows the minerals to form with gemstones like opals, agates and amethysts forming when the solution cools or evaporates.

Gems like malachite, azurite or turquoise are formed when water blends with rocks that are rich in copper. There is a strong history attached to turquoise gems with the ancient Egyptians regarding them to be an extremely precious gem. This means that turquoise gems have been around for 4,000 years or even longer!

Gemstones with Health Benefits

In ancient Egypt and other cultures from antiquity, people believed gemstones had a wide array of health benefits. In modern times, gemstones are mainly used for ornamental purposes. However, some people still believe you can receive health bonuses from certain gemstones and minerals. Some use gemstones as part of their spiritual practices to restore energy fields, gain peace, and promote love and safety. In some belief systems, gemstones are placed on certain areas of the body, called “chakras,” to promote healing. In other systems, gaining health benefits from gemstones can be as simple as wearing a piece of jewelry made with a specific gem.

Rose Quartz - A popular gemstone, the pink-hued rose quartz is said to help heal heartaches. Closely associated with love, the rose quartz seems to have a soothing, gentle energy that can calm an agitated wearer. To get the most benefit from a rose quartz, wear the gemstone on a pendant around your neck. This allows the stone to stay close to your heart and help close emotional wounds, promote self-love, and keep your heart open to positive relationships. A gift of a rose quartz can be a wonderful message to someone going though a divorce, breakup, family estrangement, or any struggle with loneliness and lack of inner peace.

Garnet - The gorgeous, deep shades of red in the garnet are said to energize wearers, which could help them deal with health issues. Wear garnet to give your whole system a boost, revitalize your body, and promote your emotional well-being by boosting your confidence. The stone is also said to bring protection from evil and bad karma. Wear your garnet anywhere, but near the heart is said to be optimal.

Amethyst - A gorgeous purple gemstone, the amethyst is said to bring strength, courage, and peace to the wearer. These benefits can help promote healing. It’s a soothing stone with peaceful properties, with a quiet energy that should also help release creativity. Since the stone has such tranquil qualities, it’s a great gift for anyone suffering from anxiety, mood disorders, and addictions. Wear it anywhere to promote spiritual and physical health.

Pearl - A beautiful pearl occurs naturally inside an oyster and can come in many shades, shapes, and sizes. Pearls are said to balance the entire body and create positive, happy feelings within the wearer. In traditional Asian medicinal systems, pearls have been used for treating ailing digestive systems, fertility issues, and heart problems. Today, pearl powder is used in makeup to achieve a glowing complexion. Some people believe it can also be used to treat many skin disorders such as rosacea.

Moonstone - The hauntingly beautiful, white, clear, or rainbow colored moonstone is said to help wearers achieve balance, particularly females. Since ancient times, travelers have used this gemstone as a protective talisman. Moonstone jewelry has been used to alleviate anxiety, depression, insomnia, and to promote creativity. Some believe this gemstone can also help combat the ailments of both old age and childhood.