A Writer’s Guide to Crystals & Gemstones: Writer's Guides

By H. R. Sinclair

For authors writing stories that incorporate gemstones. Whether writing fantasy or a new age character, add authenticity with historical facts, lore, and superstitions. This writer's guide also includes metaphysical properties, stone variations, and noteworthy gems and their settings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.R. Sinclair
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215190203

H. R. Sinclair

H.R. Sinclair is a left-handed hermit prepping for the squirrel apocalypse. She writes fantastical stories and visits cemeteries for inspiration.

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guide to gems title

Also in this series

A Writer’s Guide to Color

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IamHRSinclair.com

A Writer’s Guide to Crystals & Gemstones

Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying and information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author.

Although this publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein. This publication is meant as a source of valuable information for the reader, however it is not meant as a replacement for direct expert assistance.

First Edition

Written by H. R. Sinclair

Cover Design by H. R. Sinclair

Introduction

This book began as a blog post series for Arlee’s April A-Z Blogfest Challenge (2011), twenty-six days of posts, each one beginning with a letter of the alphabet. It was popular enough that I added more gems over the next few years. In this book, I’ve added even more gems.

I chose gems for that challenge as I had been researching them for a novel I was working on. Plus, I’m a rockhound through and through.

Gem entries have a little bit of technical information, stone variations, history, lore, and the mystical properties. I’ve also included famous gems and how to discharge and recharge a gem’s energy.

There’s enough to give authenticity to any fiction writing. Please note that this is a reference for fiction writers and should not be taken as medical or spiritual advice. Nor should it be used as a guide for cleaning gems. Always check with your jeweler.

gemstones

assorted cut gemstones

Using Crystals and Gemstones

I’m prefacing this by saying there are a lot of techniques and uses out there. More than I imagined. Therefore, this is just a teaser to get you started and get your creative juices going.

History of Crystal Healing

Though considered a pseudoscience, it’s been practiced since c. 4500 BCE. The first historical documentation comes from the Sumerians where crystals were used in magical formulas.

Most all ancient cultures used crystals in jewelry. They also used them for their metaphysical properties. Ancient Egypt used them as aids for health and protection. They also placed amulets on mummies or within the mummy’s bandages to protect the dead.

During the Middle Ages, lapidaries were extremely popular in Europe. A lapidary is a book describing the physical and medicinal properties of precious and semi-precious stones. The belief in a gem’s inherent power was commonplace.

The New Age spiritual movement has a strong association with crystal healing. There are varying views on how gems are used. Some believe that the shape, color, and markings attribute properties to stones, while others say it varies depending on the participants.

John Dee (1527-1608/09) was an English mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, teacher, occultist, and alchemist. He is known for using a scryer or crystal-gazer to contact spirits.

JohnDee'scrystal

John Dee’s crystal used for clairvoyance and for curing disease.

Crystal Therapy

This is the practice of using semi-precious stones and crystals to boost energy, prevent bad energy, releasing blocked energy, and transforming a body’s aura.

There are different ways to use stones for healing.

Place it on the body.

Wear it.

Carry them in your pocket or purse.

Make a crystal grid.

Place it in your bath.

Make gemstone water.

Place them around your home and office.

Use them in rituals.

When you acquire a gemstone it’s important to discharge it. I assume this is to get rid of any negative energy or partial energy it holds from the previous owner or anyone who has handled it. The only generic method I found for discharging a stone is to hold it in your hand for several minutes.

When using gems and crystals to heal, their energy is used up, requiring them to be recharged. This usually involves water and other stones.

What Stone to Use

Unless you’re looking to have a specific need filled, choose a stone that appeals to you. Your eye stops on it. When you hold it, the weight, size, and shape feel comfortable. From what I’ve ascertained, that’s the stone you identify with or need at the time.

Touchstones, Pocket Stones, Etc.

Touchstones or Worry Stones are small tumbled stones that you can touch to give you positive energy or lessen your worries.

Pockets Stones are small tumbled stones that—guess what—you keep in your pocket. It’s not for touching though; it’s there to impart its power to you throughout the day.

Jewelry Stones are similar to pocket stones, except that their power increases when the stone touches your skin. Some stones gather energy as they move like when dangling from a pendant. Apparently, there are some stones that should not touch the body, but only be used an inch or two above it. Which stones these are, I don’t know.

Crystal Wands are elongated stones with a point at one end or a stone attached to the end of a rod. They are used to focus energy and to help remove blocked energy. They are also used to open chakras.

Geodes and larger stones impart their energy into the room they are in. For example, a large chunk of rose quartz in the bedroom will bring about a restful sleep.

touchstones

polished rose quartz touchstones

Crystal Grid

This uses various stones arranged in a special pattern, known as sacred geometry, to supercharge their electromagnetic field, amping up their power.

First, smudge the room. Next, choose stones that align with your needs. They should be cleansed and recharged before using. Place them in a geometrical grid. Next, place an object of importance or a piece of paper with your desire on it in the center of the grid. Use a clear crystal with a point to connect all the stones. Draw an invisible line with the crystal between each stone to connect their energies. Leave the grid in place for a set number of days. You set the days you think you need.

samples of sacred geometry: Flower of Life, Metatron’s Cube, Seed of Life

Smudging is burning sage or other herbs to remove negative energy to allow for positivity and clarity.

Gemstone Water

If you plan on drinking this, please make sure the stone is clean first.

Put the gemstone into a clear glass container. Fill it three-fourths full with bottled spring water. Place the container in a windowsill and let it charge for 12 hours undisturbed in the sunlight or moonlight depending on the stone.

Remove the stone with a spoon. Use water within 72 hours. Keep refrigerated.

You can drink the water, wash your face and skin with it, or water your plants.

Chakra Stones

Chakra is a concept originating from Hindu texts and practices. Chakras are places on the body where vital energy flows and intersects. There are seven major Chakras. Each one is associated with a particular area of the body and a color. Stones are used at Chakra centers for clearing, revitalizing, and healing.

1st Chakra

Root, base of the spine

Primary color: red; secondary colors: black, brown, and gray

Energy focus: stability, physical energy, will

Gemstone suggestions: garnet, onyx

2nd Chakra

Sacral, below the navel

Primary color: orange

Energy focus: creativity, healing, reproduction, sexuality

Gemstone suggestion: carnelian

3rd Chakra

Solar Plexus, below the breastbone

Color: yellow

Energy focus: intellect, personal power

Gemstone suggestions: citrine, yellow sapphire, yellow topaz

4th Chakra

Heart, center of the chest

Primary color: green; secondary color: pink

Energy focus: love, compassion

Gemstone suggestions: jade, aventurine, rose quartz

5th Chakra

Throat, just above the collarbone

Color: light blue

Energy focus: communication, expression, divine guidance

Gemstone suggestions: turquoise, aquamarine

6th Chakra

Third Eye, centered above eyebrows

Color: dark blue

Energy focus: spiritual awareness, intuition, psychic power

Gemstone suggestions: