Precious Stones and Crystals:
The vast majority of crystals in nature are formed by heat and preassure and then cooling deep within the Earth however crystals can also form by the evaporation of water, by changes in temperature and via the combination of different chemicals exposed to specific environments. While the vast majority of information available on the Occult use of crystals falls within the pseudoscientific and often misinformed or profit driven new age movement’s scope the use of precious gems, crystals and geological objects in magic is as ancient as human spirituality and is first observed in stone age talismans thought to ward off evil spirits and extends across many different folklores such as the European belief that an adder stone with a natural bored hole in it revealed fairies and other invisible fey-like creatures when looked through. It is also true scientifically that many crystals and stones have interesting properties which could be harnessed towards Occult purposes. Even as you read these words it is important to understand that crystals make modern computer technology possible from LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens to silicon crystals that form components of computer circuitry and therefore the idea that crystals can be harnessed to achieve a power or energetic result holds slightly more merit at least scientifically than it does when viewed through the lense of new age cult distortion. Crystals may also have enhanced qualities based on their sacred geometrical shape and are thought to be chargable through a direct focusing of energy into the crystal which can be achieved via meditative trance, astral projected interaction, by touch, by the projection of emotion and intention towards the crystal or by activating the crystals inate electrical abilities if it has them. Crystals (especially quartz) are great at storing information and responisive to light therefore projections of mental information onto a crystal or of light based information onto a crystal over time can imbue and imprint specific energies and intentions onto that crystal that can be utilised later in ritual, for example a crystal that has been focused around pure loving energy can be utilised to transfer that energy into a practisioner to recieve a recharge of energy and protective properties likewise a crystal imbued with the powers of specific elemental spirits can be used to gain quick access to those powers when they are needed and called upon in ritual through this process of programming crystals to psychic intention it is possible to create magical charms and amulets with specific properties and functions useful in witchcraft and ritual workings. Below are some of the properties of some crystals and precious stones which could be applied to Occult practices:
Adder Stone as previously stated are glassy stones with natural water-bored holes in their centres thought to give a person looking through the stone the perception of faries and other invisible forces. The adder stone has a long history of use in witchcraft and is variously known as hags stone, witch stone, serpents egg, druids egg and druids glass. The adder stone was said in myth to be formed from the venom of spitting serpents and had the ability to cure poisons otherwise it was sometimes said to be taken from within the head of a snake. In folklore an adder stone will always float in water. The druids were said to form adder stones from the venom of three adders twisting a knot into the venom which is dried in summer and tossed into the air to help cool and must be caught in a cloak before it touches the ground, the catcher must then travel quickly across stream from the belief that serpents would persue them until they crossed water, according to the druids the adder stone could only be formed under certain moon phases. In regards to being able to reveal hidden things it is possible that if snake venom really was used to construct adder stones that the small amounts of poison absorbed by handling them could produce psychoactive effects and hallucinations. The adder stone is associated with Beltane and the Summer Solstice.
Agate is a volcanic stone of many colours believed to protect from curses and to prevent people from stumbling and falling, it was often fixed to horses bridles to insure safe travel and bountiful harvests when the horse was used for agriculture. Agate was believed to protect from storms and was carried by sailors to prevent sea sickness and insure safe travel across water. Agate was believed to calm storms and also believed to have a calming effect on enraged persons and animals. Agate worn to bed was believed to insure peaceful dreams and good sleep. The Romans believed that powdered agate mixed with fruit juice was effective relief for insanity, boils and kidney disease.
Alectorius also known as cock stone is a small transparent pink mineral found in the gizzard of cockrels, the best stones were believed to be formed by castrating cockrels at age three and killing the bird at age seven, it was believed that due to the size of the stone in its throat that the bird would refuse to eat or drink signalling that the stone was ripe. The cock stone was believed to bestow the essence of the cockrels fighting spirit and virility and could quench thirst and cause invigoration when held in the mouth the stone was also thought to give the gift of eloquence and had a sedating effect on women the stone was also believed to sometimes confer the power of invisibility.
Alexandrite is a colour changing crystal which appears to be a different hue under different light conditions appearing green or yellow or even pink in full daylight and red in incandescent light this may mean that Alexandrite can be used to channel specific spectrums of light, this may be interesting when worn as a bead over the third-eye area of the forehead for regulating the colour of the light absorbed by the pineal gland which may in turn yield interesting effects. Alexandrite is considered to be the birth stone of June associating it with the star signs Gemini and Cancer although its dualistic coloured nature is more relevant to Gemini.
Amber is fossilised tree resin or sap and often contains small insects, animals and plants caught in the sticky substances that bleed out from trees. Amber is often prized for its beauty in jewellery and was used as a healing agent in folk medicine and may produce mild sedative effects. Amber was related to the due to its distinct bright yellow, orange or brown colour and because it is a stone formed from sun dried resin, amber featured in mythology as the tears of the ancient Greek Sun God Helois’s daughter who changed into a poplar tree and wept for her dead brother. Amber is a piezoelectric crystal able to create a static electrical charge powerful enough to attract lightweight objects. Amber can be rubbed or burned to produce a fragrant inscence or oil that has uses in ritual for driving away evil spirits, the scent of amber is a pine wood smell, when burned amber leaves behind a black residue which can be dissolved in turpentine or linseed oil to create varnish. Amber can have different colours when other materials are absorbed into the resin that forms it such as pyrite rich amber which appears blue in hue while other ambers can appear pink to red or even green. In todays world amber is mostly used in the creation of perfumes.
Amethyst takes its name from the ancient Greek “Amethystos” meaning “Intoxicate” referencing the belief that the stone protected the wearer from drunkeness and amethyst was sometimes carved into drinking vessels intended to stave off intoxication. Amethyst is a purple coloured crystal of the quartz family and therefore a piezoelectric crystal capable of producing a static electrical charge and taking on the other aspects of quartz listed further below, due to its colour amethyst is often used in jewellery. Amethyst was believed to offer protection and work as a healing agent in particular it was believed to ward off evil spirits when carved with names of the sun and moon and made into an amulet with swallows feathers, amethyst was often powdered and made into elixirs to heal the soul from the belief that purple hues convey spiritual powers, the ancient Egyptians carved heart-shaped amethysts and placed them on the chests of mummified pharoahs. Amethyst is considered the birth stone of February relating it to both Aquarius and Pisces however its associations with vessels of liquid associate the stone more closely with Aquarius.
Aquamarine is a blue-green beryl crystal gemstone that fades to white when exposed to sunlight. The Romans believed that aquamarine protected against the dangers of travel by sea, improved the catch of fishermen, provided energy and cured laziness, the stone can be mildly toxic to handle however it was believed to provide a tonic cure for poisons when submerged in water and was associated with deities of water. Aquamarine is considered the birth stone of March relating it to both Pisces and Aries however the jewels name and percieved ability to protect those traveling at sea more closely relate the stone to Pisces.
Autunite is a yellow-green phosphate mineral crystal. Due to deposits of uranium within autunite the crystal is radioactive and glows green after exposure to light.
Bezoars are stones recovered from within the bodies of animals and were believed to have powers related to the powers or qualities of the animal they were taken from and were believed to provide effective relief from poison. Bezoars were believed to give youth and vitality, prevent ashthma and when ground into fine powder and made into an elixir or tincture were believed to act as treatment for bladder and kidney diseases.
Biophotonic crystals are small crystals produced in the brain to channel light encoded information across biophotons, in certain bioflourescent, bioluminous and biophosphorent creatures such as fireflies this crystal allows for the generation of bright biological lights. Biophotonic crystals are hard to produce in a useful size but may one day revolutionise light-based technology and information sharing, since these are the crystals used by the brain to send conscious data their use in the Occult practices, particularly those related to light projection and psychic powers are potentially numerous.
Calcite is a white crystal that displays a different glow of colour depending on the type of light passed through it which may be useful in channeling specific light spectrums through the third eye/pineal gland. Calcite crystals display an optical property called birefringence which refers to the ability to refract light that passes through them into two beams, a specific calcite crystal called Iceland Spar was used by Vikings to navigate since when held up to the sky on a cloudy day it would produce two beams of light when in alignment with the sun meaning that the suns location could be known even under intense cloud cover, this same property means that any objects viewed through calcite crystals appear doubled and makes calcite a useful matterial in refracting or bending light meaning that it is a useful component for lenses and shields used in invisibility cloaking technologies, calcite was also used to make lenses for gun sights in world war 2. The ancient Egyptians carved calcite alabaster and related it to the cat Goddess Bast. Calcite can be used to stabalise damaged soil.
Cats Eye also known as “Chrysoberyl” meaning golden-white bar is a crystal that can easily reflect light making it useful in light projection workings. Cats eye was believed to protect from curses and was sometimes believed to confer invisibility.
Citrine is a golden-yellow quartz crystal as such it is piezoelectric and able to produce a charge of electricity as well as having the other properties of quartz described further below. Citrine is known as the “merchants stone” or “money stone” and is superstitiously thought to bring prosperity and because it was valued for jewellery making. Citrine is considered the birth stone of November relating it to both Sagittarius and Scorpio however its association with money relate the stone more strongly to Scorpio which alongside wealth is ruled by the planet Pluto.
Diamond is the strongest known naturally forming Earthly mineral surpassed only by diamond variants arriving from space on meteorites, diamond owes its hardness to tight bonds between its atomic make-up which form a latice of interlinking tetrahedrons. Diamond is the most thermal conductive natural material and is formed from carbon crushed under heat and preassure deep within the earth. Diamond comes in a variety of colours and is able to disperse light of different colours which can be useful in the channeling, focusing and projection of light based energy. Diamonds are prized in jewellery and also in cutting and smashing tools owing to their hardness. Diamond is biologically compatible (meaning it is not usually rejected by the body when implanted), non-reactive to most corrosive substances, has high electrical resistance, has the highest sound velocity (meaning sound travels faster through diamond than any other material) and low adhesive and friction properties. Diamonds are also associated with engagement for marriage since the jewel is often sought as a traditional engagement ring. Diamond is considered to be the birth stone of April relating it to the star signs of Aries and Taurus being a hard armoured substance with great thermal conductive qualities diamond seems to equate better with Aries however the stone is also symbolic of wealth which is interesting since the star sign of Taurus are often highly materialistic.
Eagle stone also known as an Aquileus or Pragneus was a stone said to be found in the nests of eagles or within the body of an eagle it was a hollow stone with another stone rattling around inside it that was believed to promote pregnancy and childbirth when strapped to the thigh.
Emerald is a green beryl crystal and precious gemstone. Emerald was believed to grow or diminish along with the phases of the moon. Emerald was used by the Hellenistic alchemist and magician Hermes Trismegistus to record the Arcanum Operation of the Emerald tablet of Thoth associating the stone with knowledge and wisdom. The ancient Egyptians placed emerald carvings on the throats of mummified corpses believing that the emerald revitalised the body due to its green health giving hue. Emerald talismans were used to exorcise demons as it was believed the stone warded off evil spirits. Emerald was believed to be a symbol of a long happy life when given as a gift between lovers but would diminish in brilliance if either partner was unfaithful meaning the stone represented truth. Emerald was believed to cure poison and venom and ward against epileptic attacks. Emerald is considered the birth stone of May relating it to the star signs Taurus and Gemini its association with the emerald tablet of thoth relates emerald to Gemini since Thoth in ancient Greece became known as Mercury - the ruling planet of Gemini also its association with the throat as a means of communication and with lovers further emphasise this connection, however its associations of wealth, relationships and the throat also tie the precious stone into the symbology of Taurus.
Flint is a hard stone used as a tool in the stone age for crafting and as knives and arrow heads, the stone can be struck to create sparks and was used to light fires thus flint became symbolic of fire and lightning. In the Middle Ages flint talismans were believed to ward off malicious spirits and was believed to protect against fire and lightning storms. Flint soaked in water was believed to cure illnesses and wet flint thrown over the shoulder was believed to encourage and evoke storms.
Flourite is a crystal which comes in a variety of colours and which under ultra violet light displays a bright blue glow of excited energy the material is carved into ornaments or used to create low light dispersing glass lenses.
Fulgurite takes its name from the Latin “Fulgur” meaning “Lightning”. Fulgurite is formed when lightning strikes sand or other lose earthly matterials causing it to bind into long tubular twisted shapes of crystal in the intense heat which are usually white, brown, yellow or golden in colour. Fulgurite is associated with storms, lightning and deities of storms and lightning and could be used as a charm to prevent or evoke storms.
Garnet is an abrasive gemstone that comes in a variety of colours most commonly dark red, the colour and transparency of the stone effects its ability to transmit light although it is generally believed to be great at reflecting light when the underside of the gem is carved into a curve, when the stone is made this way it is refered to as a “Carbuncle”. Garnet can be magnetised by strong magnets. Garnet was often used in jewellery. Due to its usual red hue Garnet is often associated with blood and believed to treat wounds and blood disease which made it a protective talisman of soldiers during the Crusades. Garnet was also believed to be used in curses to inflict physical wounds or blood disease. Garnet takes its name from the pomegranate and shares its association with the womb and fertility. Garnet was considered to have a stimulating effect on the heart and senses. Garnet is considered the birth stone of January relating it to the star signs Aquarius and Capricorn however due to its association with passions, fertility, hardness, war and its dark hues Garnet resonates much better with the symbologies of Capricorn.
Glass is a transparent crystal formed from heated sand, glass has many industrial uses especially in the field of optical effects and focusing light energy. Glass can also be molded to form shapes which make it useful in a wide variety of ways including as decoration or in the making of vessels.
Hematite is also known as “Heliotrope” and “Blood Stone” and is a dark mineral which bleeds droplets of red liquid when its outter shell is pierced, it was associated with the Sun and with blood. This material likely coined the term “getting blood from a stone” and is often associated with health and the blood since it takes its redish hue from iron within it rusting in contact with air similar to blood this red liquid was also used in the production of dyes and also used to create red chalk in early cave paintings, the iron in hematite also renders it to attraction by magnets and can allow it to become a magnetic stone although its magnetic field is often very weak. Hematite is sometimes worn in an effort to heal joint pains although this seems largely ineffective it was also known as “Lapis Sanguinarius” and was used to alleviate blood diseases. The ancient Egyptians called the stone the “Blood of Isis” and believed it could help with menstrual problems. Hematite was also believed to be able to reflect the suns light to dazzle and blind people.
Ice is a crystal form of water that is created by freezing water at temperatures of 0 °C and below. Ice is useful in preventing the decay of flesh and plant matter and also in freezing and cooling materials exposed to it. Ice crystals often form interesting unique patterns such as snowflakes and can be used to demonstrate how water takes on intention by the way that different patterns of snowflakes form under different stimulations such as words or projections of emotion and intent. Ice crystals are also slightly piezoelectric and can generate a static charge when passing in clouds causing lightning, ice crystals forming on the ground or around the sun and moon indicate cold weather and impending snow or rain. Ice can be employed in cursing where the intent is to freeze water that is imbued with the intended curse allowing the curse to release its victim only when the ice has melted.
Jacinth is an orange-red zircon crystal believed to insure safe travel and protect against lightning. Jacinth was also used in antimagic to remove spells and curses where the stone would be used to make markings in bread which once eaten would cure the victim of bewitchments. Jacinth is said to change colour as an omen or warning and was said to turn red when storms were approaching since it actually dose turn cloudy in damp air and resumes its brilliance in hot sunny weather. Jacinth promoted good sleep and happiness but was also said to cause miscarriages when worn by pregnant women.
Jade is a mineral stone often green which features heavily in oriental carvings. Jade is sometimes refered to as the “loin stone” and was believed to cure ailments of the loins, stomach and kidneys. Jade was considered a sign of royalty around the world but especially in China, jade is also used by the Maori tribes of New Zealand in creation of ceremonial tools, ornaments and weapons and was also used by Mesoamerican tribes in their rituals and as a sign of wealth. Jade is associated with midwives and jade talismans were used as an aid in giving birth which probably relates to the Sumerian story of the Goddess Ishtars descent into the underworld where she was forced to remove her clothing including a Jade girdle believed to help with birth. In China powdered jade was also made into a tonic for the nerves.
Jasper is a form of easily carved quartz crystal meaning that it is piezoelectric and able to generate electricity and has the other capabilities of quartz crystals such as a high propensity for storing information this especially interesting since Jasper was favoured in the making of magic amulets and talismans where it was thought that the stone somehow had the ability to understand the engraved image, this is likely due to the projection of intention by the person carving the image being absorbed by the crystal and eminating outward the same resonant energy/information making Jasper ideal for magical workings. The ancient Egyptians used red Jasper to make the Tyet or “Knot of Isis” relating the amulet to cures for menstrual problems and as an aid in childbirth.
Jet is a form of long since decayed and petrified wood crystal in a deep black colour often associated with death, burial rites and mourning. Jets association with death make it an excellent tool in necromancy and mediumship. Jet was believed to repel serpents when burned as incense. Jet could be disolved and boiled in wine and then used as a treatment for toothache. Jet can become statically charged when rubbed and generate static electricity and when rubbed briskley gave off a smoke that was believed to have properties of driving away demons and evil spirits in exorcisms.
Lapis Lazuli meaning “stone of blue” is a blue stone flecked with gold thought to reprisent the sky and the stars. Lapis lazuli was prized for its vibrant colour and often crushed to powder to make deep blue pigments, make-up, dyes and hues the stone was also used for the creation of jewellery, vessels, weapons and magical amulets used in Mesopotamian rituals and ancient Egypt. Amulets of lapis lazuli were believed to encourage miscarriages and so it was also known as the “stop stone”. Lapis lazuli was believed to be potent in treating disorders of the eye when applied as make-up and was thus associated with seeing clearly and the truth making the stone associated with the Goddess of truth, Ma’at.
Lapis Philosophorum - The philosophers stone was the goal of Alchemists to create this stone through alchemical process and purify it through colour changing stages where upon it gifted the abilities of eternal life and transmutation as well as wisdom, it refers to the pineal gland/third eye once empowered since it was also known as the “power of projection”.
Lodestone is a black or dark brown magnetic material known as magnetite natutally it displays magnetic properties in attracting certain metals and suspended pieces of the material was used in the creation of the first compasses leading them to be used in navigation and gaining the loadstone the alternative names “leading stone” and “course stone”. Lodestones were sometimes used for divinition where a carved piece might point to the North or South pole with either direction being predetermined to mean yes or no in answer to a question. Lodestone was symbolic of attraction due to its magnetic quality and was believed to attract business and lovers and helped to harmonise oppositions it was not to be worn in storms however as it was believed to attract lightning.
Malachite is a copper crystal of verdigris and so has a green-blue colour that was crushed to make green pigments and dyes. Malachite was believed to ward off evil spirits and promote good sleep. Malachite is believed to have protective qualities from lightning and disease and attracted success. During the Middle Ages malachite was engraved with symbols of the sun to work as a health giving talisman. In ancient Egypt due to its green colour malachite was considered symbolic of fertility, death and resurrection making it a useful tool in necromancy and mediumship. Due to its association with copper, malachite is symbolically related to Venus, this is especially true if the malachites natural markings resemble a peacocks tail known as “peacock malachite”. Malachite powdered and drunk in milk was also believed to ease the pain of heart attacks.
Moon Stone is so named because it emits a slight pallid glow and as such is associated with lunar powers and properties. The Romans believed moon stone was from solidified moon rays and it was often used in jewellery and believed that it waxed and wayned in shine along with the moon. When held in the mouth the moonstone inspired greater intuition and was believed to enhanced psychic powers. The moon stone was believed to protect travelers and to attract lovers if worn on a full moon.
Obsidian is a naturally occuring black volcanic glass that was used as early as the stonage to make tools and weapons but also later to make vessels and even polished to make mirrors. Black obsidian mirrors can be used for scrying, divination, necromancy and in the invocation of demons. Obsidian can also be related to volcanic deities due to its formation by lava.
Onyx meaning “nail” or “claw” is a black stone sometimes with white bands giving it the apperance of an eye, onyx also comes in a red variety known as sardonyx which was used by the Romans who carved it into seals for sealing wax since wax never stuck to the stone. Onyx was considered a protective stone however it was also used in rituals intended to conjour up and evoke demons. When worn at night onyx was believed to encourage nightmares and the stone in some cultures was believed to drain energy which may actually be true since black colours absorb and retain light and heat. Onyx could be soaked in wine for three days and used to touch the eyes to promote clear sightedness. Onyx was believed by both the ancient Indians and Egyptians to cause lovers to break up and part when worn by either one of them. Onyx was worn by Roman soldiers in amulets depicting the war God Mars or his symbols to bestow courage and protection in battle. In Europe sardonyx was believed to bestow eloquence and was also used by midwives who placed it between the breasts of a mother in labour to help ease childbirth. Although not a birth stone onyx is associated with the star sign of Capricorn due to its dark colour and symbology surrounding demonology and the eyes.
Opal comes in two varieties, common and precious the difference being that precious opal is flecked with many different sparkling colours while common opal is plain, precious opal also defracts light into a display of many colours associating it closely with light projection practices. Opal comes in a variety of colours and can be transparent however it is rarest in its black form. Opal is often believed to attract luck and was believed to graunt invisibility if wrapped in a fresh bay leaf and held in hand. Opal is associated with water since it retains a lot of water and is particularly sensitive to heat, since water is a good element for retaining intention and emotion this quality is passed to the opal. Changes in temperature can cause opals to change colour and they were often employed in mood rings designed to show a relation between body temperature and emotional state. Opal is believed to glow brighter around a person who is soon to die and therefore can act as an omen or warning of death and may have uses in necromancy however this may be related to fever in the unwell whose temperatures change the sheen of the stone. The opal is also associated with vision and clear-sightedness and also to the concept of second sight and enhancement of psychic powers. The opal was believed to bestow protection. Opal is considered the birth stone of October relating it to Libra and Scorpio while the associations with death, change and water tie the opal to the symbology of Scorpio, its associations with clear sight, protection and light link the opal to Libra.
Pearls are produced within sea and lake dwelling mollusks who chew grit into malluable balls that become beautiful pearls in various colours naturally this origin connects the pearl to the element of water and it is associated with the star sign Cancer which rules over mollusks and is associated with water and the moon - another symbology that the pearl as a round white orb adopts. Pearl is sensitive to temperature and dull pearls are said to signify sickness of their wearer. Due to its whiteness pearls are associated with brides, virgins, marriage and purity however since the pearl is formed within a mollusk which symbolically represents the vagina the pearl is also associated with pregnancy, fertility and motherhood, especially large pearls are thus also known as “mother of pearl” due to these associations ground pearl was often used as an aphrodisiac ingredient in love potions.
Peridot is a transparent olive green crystal. The peridot was used to make amulets by both the Romans and the ancient Egyptians, Egyptian variants often featured carved vultures designed to ward off evil spirits. The name peridot may come from the ancient Greek “peridona” meaning “to gain wealth” and such peridot amulets with a carved burning torch on them were thought to attract riches. Wearing peridot jewellery was believed to lighten the wearers mood and protect against jealousy it could also stave off nightmares and aid with good sleep. During the Middle Ages peridot was believed to ease liver problems and muscular aches. Peridot is considered the birth stone of August relating it to the star signs Leo and Virgo although few parallels can be drawn it is interesting that peridot was carved with the torch fire symbol and at least in Hawaiian culture related to the volcanic Goddess pele, these factors may help to tie the stone into the fire element of Leo while peridots protective qualities and its association to the mother vulture Goddess of Egypt, Nekhbet may tie it more strongly to Virgo.
Piropholos is a stone believed to formed in the heart of a man killed by poisons it is a bright read material which is impervious to fire and thought to guard against lightning and storms and sudden death. It is possible that certain poisons and venoms would create a hard material substance within the heart that if fire proof could be regarded as a piropholos.
Pyrite is a golden coloured metallic stone also known as “fools gold” is a common sulphuric mineral which takes its name from its ability to be struck like flint to produce fire from its sparks thus pyrite was known as “fire stone”. Pyrite likely takes its title fools gold from misguided and failed Alchemical attempts to produce gold from sulphur, an endevour that could be both dangerous and costly meaning that a would-be Alchemist would feel foolish wasting time and resources to end up creating common pyrite.
Quartz is often clear or rose coloured crystal which is piezoelectric meaning it can produce an electrical charge when stimulated it is thus used in batteries and watches and can be used to recharge battery cells through kinetic motion. Quartz has incredible capacity to store information and attempts by modern computer scientists have demonstrated how quartz crystal data banks vastly out preform existing rival technologies which is interesting in Occult practices since it means quartz crystals will be very susceptible to absorbing and storing intention and projected energies. One theory about quartz suggests that it may be able to record visual information through light absorption and play back those recordings as projections of light this may explain some ghost sightings as visual projections of an event captured in the past. Quartz also features heavily in the make-up of the sacred blue stones used to construct sacred Celtic monuments such as stone henge. Rose quartz in particular is associated with love and attraction due to its pink hue and its electro-staric attraction properties. Quartz is also able to split light into its rainbow colour spectrum being often used in light prisms this is useful in practices that utilise the projection of light and energy.
Ruby is a hard red gemstone that can be used with mirrors and the projection of light to create high intensity ruby laser beams of a bright red colour this means that ruby is obviously useful in practices involving the psychic projection of light also and the ruby specifically in myth is thought to generate its own internal light further emphasising this ability. Ruby is a stone often connected to royalty. Rubies are connected symbolically to fire and believed to make water boil they were also associated with passion and vitality it was also thought to protect against storms and promote good harvests. Due to the rubies colour it is symbolically connected to the heart and circulatory blood systems and so it was believed to promote good health if worn on the left side and was believed to protect a person from harm when imbedded into their skin. The ruby is considered the birth stone of July relating it to the star signs Cancer and Leo, as a force of protection it relates rather weakly to Cancer and finde symbolic connection to royalty in the symbolism of both Cancer and Leo however its association with the colour red and fire and the heart the ruby more strongly resonates with Leo.
Salt is one of the most common minerals on the planet impregnating oceans and lakes with crystals associated with purity and obviously also water but also with earth due to its mineral form, salt is known for its distinct flavour and is often used to prevent the decay of flesh and for cleaning the skin and cleansing wounds but was also gathered by early Alchemists in the form of Natron/Saltpeter found in evaporated lakebeds from which by adding water nitric acid could be created, a useful step in the purification of metals and other materials. Salt was believed by Alchemists to be a sacred material that was essential to all forms of matter and life on Earth, they believed that over the course of time all elemental materials would convert into crystal form based on experiments with the elements which when brought to their ultimate conclusion often yielded crystals, salt was so important to Alchemists it became the third of their principle regeants alongside mercury and sulphur. Salt crystals are hallucinogenic at certain doses since they cause dehydration which is dangerous however certain Native Americans tribes were known to drink salt water to embark on vision quests to meet their spirit guides in coming of age rituals. Due to its protective and cleansing qualities salt can be employed to create a spiritual barrier by using it to draw a line across thresholds such as doorways or in the creation of magical circles used to bind spirits within the circle or to prevent external spirits from entering it.
Sapphire is a hard precious gemstone commonly blue in colour although a variety of different coloured sapphires also exist. The word sapphire actually translates as “of Saturn” relating the stone to the Roman God of time this is also held true by the Indians who believe wearing sapphire bestow Saturns blessings. Sapphires blue colour connects it to the sky and water symbolically. Pastes made from powdered sapphire were believed to cure ulcers and boils when applied to the skin, it was also said to be good for the eyes and vision, sapphire paste was also considered to be a cure for poison and to promote clear thought and good sleep. Those seeking the advice of the powerful Delphic oracle were advised to wear sapphires to gain her favour and amulets of sapphire were said to be used by witches to regulate and seal their energies in spellcraft. Sapphires also relate to virtue most especially faith. Sapphire is considered to be the birth stone of September relating it to the star signs Virgo and Libra, the supposed curative, protective and virtuous properties of Sapphire, particularly its relation to faith and its association with the sky tie it in well with both Virgo and Libra who also share its clear sightedness, regulation of energy and clear thought properties.
Selenite is a milk white crystal named after the ancient Greek moon Goddess Selene and as such is associated with lunar powers and properties. Selenite feels warm to the touch having natural thermal insulation properties. Selenite is capable of absorbing light and emitting light after absorbing it this means that it is a great material to project intention and light based information or visualisations onto as it will store the information and radiate it. Selenite is soft and slightly flexible and breakable when bent.
Serpentinite is a green rock mineral with a slippery texture and pattern similar to snake skin. Serpentinite is believed to cure snake bites of their venom and can in itself be toxic to plants as when placed into soil it seems to exude chromium and nickel which plants find toxic while robbing the soil of calciums and other nutrients therefore in large enough amounts it can be used to kill crops and leave soil barren. Serpentinite can provide good shielding from radioactive materials.
Sulphur is one of the most common materials in the world produced in volcanic rocks and ore deposites, sulphur smells strongly of rotten eggs when burned and when weathered with water forms sulphuric acids. Sulphur was prized by Alchemists as a masculine firey elemental which alongside mercury and salt was the first of their three principle regeants which was considered vital to life on Earth. Sulphur is a yellow crystal or powder and was once known as “Brimstone” or “burning stone” due to its corrosive properties.
Time crystals were manufactured in 2017 and are crystals which do not maintain a solid structure but continue to change shape over time, their uses remain theoretical.
Topaz is a crystal which usually appears transparent but can come in a variety of colours it also displays golden yellow or cream glowing under UV light. In English folk medicine Topaz was believed to cure insanity. Topaz due to its usual yellow-gold colour was often associated with fire, the sun and solar deities. Topaz cools rapidly after exposure to heat and so is thought to have the same effect in cooling flared tempers and fevers, it was also believed to cure ulcers and blisters when touched to the afflicted area. Topaz was also believed to cure visual imparement by soaking it in wine for three days and then applying the liquid to the eyeball. Topaz is considered the birth stone of December relating it to the star signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, the associations between topaz and the element of fire and to the sun mildly link the stone to the symbollogy of Sagittarius while its proported ability to cure the vision somewhat connects it to the symbology of Capricorn.
Tourmaline is a crystal which comes in a variety of colours they are pyroelectric meaning that they can generate electrical fields when heated and cooled and can display magnetic properties, tourmalines can also polarise light that passes through its cut and polished surface, all of these inate abilities suggest that tournaline has potent uses in Occult practices involving the working of energy and the projection of light. Tourmaline was considered sacred to the sun in ancient Egypt where a belief was held that it absorbed its many colours from rainbows. When magnetically charged tourmaline has dualistic magnetic poles at either end making it symbolic of opposition, harmony and balance. Tourmaline forms a natural wand shape making it an ideal candidate for a crystal wand and it is also associated with protective abilities.
Turquoise is a blue stone mineral which can change under stimulation from chemicals or heat. Turquoise is said to pale when its wearer dies until a new wearer revitalises it the same was true for if the wearer was sick as the stone would appear to pale with their health. The Aztecs elevated turquoise to sacred statues claiming that only the deities own the stones which were used to make death masks. Turquoise was believed to act as a protective power against curses and poisons, particularly the venom of snakes and scorpions. Turquoise symbolised generosity and affection and was thought to reconcile fueds.
Alongside these natural crystals certain mind altering substances come in crystal form further emphasising the power a crystal can have on the human body, mind, emotional and spiritual states, for example some well known mind altering crystal substances are listed as follows:
Cocaine is a white crystalline powder which delivers a numbing sensation when touched, because of this it has uses in surgery for anesthesia, when ingested via being snorted it induces a dangerous stimulant effect on the mind and body promoting movement and communication however it is also well known to promote aggressive, violent behaviour and egocentricity. Cocaine is highly addictive, especially when mixed with alcohol and also very damaging to the body to the point of having a high record of fatalities. Cocaine is a synthetic product of the coca plant and an indigenous Mesoamerican sacrement used to sharpen the senses and vigour.
Crystal Methamphetamine is a crystalline variant of amphetamines which is very addictive and a cause for severe disorders of both the mind and body with a high rate of fatality, it was first synthasised and utilised by the Nazi’s during world war 2 in an attempt to create super soldier who didnt need to sleep or eat and had exponential energy. Methamphetamine does cause alertness and supress apetite and need for sleep and does indeed provide additional energy however it is also highly psychologically damaging and causes deterioration of weight and physical health practically eating its host user alive.
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occuring white or cream tryptamine crystal produce in the pineal gland and bodies of animals and humans it is also found in a majority of plant species from which it can be extracted as a crystal freebase. Dimethyltryptamine is not physically harmful nor addictive but does create short incredibly intense hallucinations often similar to near death and out of body experiences and often featuring contact with other worldly entities when smoke or ingested with an MAOI. DMT can be richly rewarding, ecstatically enjoyable and enlightening and is a powerful tool of spiritual exploration not to be disrespected or underestimated. The DMT journey can be incredibly frightening and may distabilise a persons perception of reality in the long term particularly if their journey on the substance was traumatic.
Ketamine is a white crystal horse tranquiliser used by vets for surgery on horses and used recreationally by drug users as a dissacociative and sedative. Ketamine can make movement difficult and lead to vomiting and all manner of intense dissasociative hallucinations. Ketamine can be thoroughly unpleasant and can lead to a feeling of temporary paralysis for which it is used by rapists to overcome their victims. Ketamine is enjoyable to some who find the sensation it offers plesant while others experience deeply disturbing effects. As a sedative ketamine can be dangerous as it can shut down bodily functions, damage internal organs and stupify the brain.
Lithium is a sedative white crystal developed for use in psychiatry where it acts as an antidepressant and antipsychotic having a somewhat zombifying effect on the brain. Lithium can have serious toxic side effects however it is nether-the-less still produced as a medicinal drug to treat mental disorders.
Lysergic Acid Diethlymide-25 (LSD) is an intensely long lasting hallucinogenic compount derived from ergot infected rhy and wheat. LSD is non-harmful to the body and non-addictive however it can exhasibate or cause mental disorders. LSD is currently undergoing clinical trials to treat memory and mental illnesses. LSD is first synthesised into an exponentially potent crystal form that can come in a variety of colours before being diluted down into a more common liquid variety used to initiate a powerful hallucination that can last over 12 hours a drop. LSD hallucinations tend to be vivid and colourful and often revolve around deep mental realisations, again LSD is a useful spiritual tool that is to be respected and should only be used in moderation.
Methyldioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine based white, pink or purple crystal derived from the sassafras plant, the more purple MDMA appears the better quality i is. MDMA is non-addictive and non-harmful but can result in death if users develop an allergic reaction. MDMA promotes a breakdown of barriers and feelings of invigorated energy, ecstatic happiness and loving openess. MDMA is a beautiful experience which is not to be abused and has uses in treating relationship difficulties and certain mental disorders such as depression.
Meacaline is the psychoactive ingredient of psychedelic cacti it can be synthasised into a powerful white crystal variety. Mescaline is sacred to Native American and Mesoamerican peoples and enduces a bodily purging experience followed by a floating sensation and powerful vibrant hallucinogenic experience and enlightenment that is a useful tool to be respected and not abused.
Psilocybin is the active psychedelic compound of magic mushrooms and can be crystallised into a blue crystal in a laboratory. Psilocybin induces euphoria, bright visual hallucinations and interesting abnormal bodily feeling, the substance is non-toxic provided the correct mushroom species are used and non-addictive it is currently undergoing clinical trials to test its use in improving memory and treating mental disorders however it can trigger and worsen such disorders if the resulting trip is traumatic in nature, psilocybin is a power tool to be respected and not to be abused.
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