Gemstones with Health BenefitsSince ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with health benefits.
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HomeLearning CenterGemologyThe Lighter Side of GemologyGemstones with Health BenefitsBy International Gem SocietyFor millennia, people have used gemstones principally for ornamental purposes. However, in both ancient and modern times, cultures all over the world have also believed that gems can have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones and the health benefits they’re said to bring.carnelian carved gemstone – Ancient RomeIn ancient times, healers believed carnelian gemstones could be used to treat ailments of the blood. This carnelian ring stone features a carving of Asclepius, the Roman god of medicine. Late Roman Republican or Imperial period, 1st century BCE to 3rd century CEWhat’s the Best Way to Use Gemstones with Health Benefits?Some people use gems as part of their spiritual practices. They incorporate gems into rituals to restore energy fields, gain peace, and promote love and safety. In some belief systems, practitioners actually place gemstones on certain areas of the body to promote healing. For most people, however, simply wearing a piece of jewelry made with a specific gem is sufficient. The gem doesn’t need to come into direct contact with your skin.

Most gems are perfectly safe to wear as jewelry stones. (Of course, some are more durable than others). However, a few gems — very few, like realgar and ekanite — may contain heavy metals and/or radioactive elements in amounts that could cause harm if worn. Close, prolonged exposure to such gems would likely outweigh any health benefits you could possibly hope to gain.
Some crystal healers prepare potions with gems or place gems in the patient’s mouth. In these cases, avoid any acid-soluble gems as well, even if they don’t contain any known toxic materials. Your stomach acids may react dangerously to impurities in these gems.

Consult our table on gemstone toxicity to learn more.

AmberAmber – gemstones with health benefitsAmberPeople have prized amber as a jewelry stone since prehistoric times. Amber is an organic gem, formed from the hardened resin of ancient pine trees. Some pieces of amber contain spectacular inclusions of insects and other animals. These connections with trees and animals have fostered a strong association between amber and Nature.

Amber will also become electrically charged if rubbed against wool or silk, reinforcing a connection with the “spark of life.”
Yellow, brown, or red colored amber is believed by some to be a powerful gemstone with uses ranging from treating headaches and stress to promoting self-expression. It’s also said to promote cleansing and purification, which may help to bring illnesses out of the body and alleviate pain so that the wearer can heal.
Amber Bracelet