The History of Gemstones

From Cleopatra to Adele and David Beckham, gemstones are called healing crystals in history. Explore the history of Gemstones from the Middle Ages to the 21st-century trends in the next 10 minutes! Moreover, recognize the REAL value of gemstones with from our healing crystal history. 

How do Gemstones form?

Gemstones are the result of crystallization under high pressure. The vivid colors and attributes of gemstones owe it to the presence of impurities during the stage of crystallization. Moreover, these impurities become inclusions, giving rise to optical phenomena in the gemstone. 

Popular Names of Gemstones 

Healing Crystals, Healing Stones, Mood Stones, Chakra Stones, Ratna, and Crystals;

How did ancient people mine gemstones?

Archaeological evidence shows alluvial gemstones and mining in ancient Egypt. In addition, history says, Sinai Malachite was lucrative to miners in 6^th Millennium BCE owing its value. Moreover, Pliny’s Natural History records show Emeralds from Coptos hills.

Sources of Gemstones  

We can find gemstones are all around the world. However, certain areas produce high-quality gemstones such as Australian or Mexican Fire Opal, Blue Sapphire from Kashmir in India or Tanzanite from Tanzania. 

Attributes of Gemstones

Gemstones are full of surprises from iridescence to color changes, capable of changing with respect to your mood. Hence, we list the stunning optical phenomena seen in gemstones for understanding crystals better.  

Fluorescence

Gemstones change colors under different lights or radiation. It is fluorescence and the best fluorescent gemstone is Ruby. 

Chatoyance 

Referred to as Cat Eye effect in gemstones, chatoyance is the formation of a straight beam of light across the gemstone. It looks like a cat’s eye. The best chatoyant gemstone is moonstone. 

Asterism

When star-like white rays are seen on a gemstone, it is star effect or asterism. Moreover, Star effect is commonly seen on Garnet and Emeralds.

Aventurescence 

When sparkling metallic glitter is seen on a gemstone, it is aventurescence. Sunstone is seen with heavy glitter and sparkle, and the most aventurescence.

Iridescence

Iridescence is a prismatic play of color. Gemstones such as Mystic Topaz are iridescent stones as it shows colors of a rainbow. 

Mood Stones

Depending on the mood of the wearer, certain gemstones can change colors. Popular as mood rings in the early Victorian era, mood stones work by reacting to body temperature under varied lightings. 

Myths and Folklore about Gemstones for Collectors 

1. Diamond is the hardest stone in the world as it scores 10 upon 10 on MOHS. 
2. Every gemstone has a unique structure. Astrologists believe each gemstone represents a Zodiac Sign, Chakra Power (energy points in the body) and God/ Goddess. 
3. Old Testament in the Bible shows God gave Ten Commandments written on Blue Sapphire to Moses.
4. The most popular books that led to the popularity of gemstones in the late 2nd century are that of Michael Gienger and Katrina Rafaell.
5. Ancient Egyptians were clever to use Turquoise gemstone to make blue eyeshadow. 

History of Gemstones

The earliest gemstone jewelry stretches back to 25,000 years. Hence, it is proof of the history gemstones with humans. From jewelry to weaponry and healing, gemstones were put to use all around the world. Explore the real history of gemstones and how it became healing crystals. 

1. Gemstones in Egyptian History  

In 4000 BC, Egyptians were already working with steatite beads and gemstone jewelry made of carnelian, chalcedony, lapis lazuli and amethyst. The same time around, Southern Egypt imported gemstone obsidian for jewelry and weapons. Moreover, gemstones like lapis lazuli and ivory in jewelry were put to use as a means to contact gods and goddesses.  

2. Gemstones in Chinese History  

From gemstone tipped needles and gem elixirs, the Chinese history proves the use of gemstones in the past. The earliest mention of gemstones in Chinese history dates back to Nephrite Jade in 3600 BC. In addition, China used jade stones to make jewelry and tools. 

3. Gemstones in Indian History  

Diamond was mentioned in world history for the first time as the export from India in 300 BC.  A belt made with agate, carnelian, and jasper was found from an Indian cave, dating back to 3000 BC. Ayurvedic Medicine also used powdered gemstones in India. Moreover, chakra powers of gemstones in the Hindu Tantric system shows practice of physical and spiritual powers. 

4. Gemstones in Greek History 

Gemstones cocoon the powers of Gods and Goddesses, according to ancient Greece. Additionally, Greeks also smeared crushed hematite powder on the soldiers. It was used before the battles to boost their strength. History dates gemstone use in Greek History to 1600 BC. 

5. Gemstones in Roman History  

Romans also believed in the metaphysical powers of gemstones like Greeks and Egyptians. In 500 BC the first amulet made of gemstones appeared. They used sapphires, garnets, and pearls. They were ideal for healing purposes of the body and mind. 

6. Gemstones in European History 

It was during the Renaissance that gemstones made its mark in European history. Healing crystals were used for all sorts of physical and spiritual treatments in 11^th century Europe. Moreover, Arnoldus Saxo and John Mandeville wrote about the healing powers of gemstone jewelry.  

7. History of Gemstones in the Crusades   

Besides being part of world history, gemstones also became a part of the trades during Crusades. For example, ecclesiastical rings were put to use by the clergy. Additionally, curative rings were healing and romance rings useful in emotional matters during the crusades. 

8. Rise of Gemstones in 21^st Century

From celebrities to politicians and naturopaths, gemstones saw a drastic rise in use today. Gemstones were synonymous with holistic therapies in the ‘60s during. Therefore today, there are gemstones in water, creams, and lotions available.

According to James Maxwell’s Electromagnetic theory, gemstones have unique frequency oscillations. Hence, the same when interferes with a person’s energy affects their nervous system. Today, we know how well these energy interferences influences with the physical body. 

Uses of Gemstones in History

Gemstones were useful for casting out the devil and even heal serious physical disorders in the past. Following lists the most popular uses of gemstones throughout history including myths and facts about gemstones. 

• Physical Healing Properties of Gemstones

There are gemstones to heal every part of the body such as bloodstone for blood disorders, rose quartz for heart disorders, clear quartz for eye disorders and so on. The chakra anatomy is ideal for using gemstones for healing rituals according to ancient scriptures. Moreover, it is easy to find testimonials from people with experience of physical healing through gemstone rituals.

• Spiritual Healing Properties of Gemstones  

Another dominant use of gemstones was in divination and fortune telling. Another prominent use of gemstones is in spirit recall, karmic therapy, and meditation. This is due to its effects on cleaning negative vibrations from the mind. As a result, people also claim gemstones can reveal destiny and grow powers of intuition when put to use on higher chakras. 

• Emotional Healing Properties of Gemstones  

Mood rings and cat eye moonstones show how gemstones were put to use emotionally throughout the history. Moreover, gemstones with heart chakra powers are perfect to relieve pain and grief according to the scriptures. 

In a Nutshell … 

Gemstones were once given for ousting demons to seizures from the body. Today, gemstones are reappearing with therapeutic values with the help of science. With gemstones put to use in cosmetics and luxury fashion accessories today, gemstone investments are at an all-time high! 

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