COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
CRYSTAL HEALING and
GEM THERAPY -
“Using energy vibrations to heal and harmonise”
Ilse Truter, Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
C rystals and gemstones have been used for
thousands of years for healing, protection,
decoration, physical adornment, magic and in
religious ceremonies. They are said to be the
most organised and stable examples of
physical matter in the natural world and as
such they represent the lowest state of entropy
(disorder) possible.1 Examples of crystals are
agate, alexandrite, amber, amethyst, aqua-
marine, bloodstone, cat’s eye, chrysolite,
citrine, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, jade,
malachite, onyx, opal, pearl, rhodonite, rose
quartz, ruby, sapphire, sugilite, tiger’s eye,
topaz, tourmaline and turquoise.
Countless magical and medicinal properties
have been attributed to crystals and gemstones
over the centuries. For example, diamonds
gave immunity to poison and revealed
infidelity, amethysts protected against drunken-
ness, and sapphires enabled the wearer to
escape from prison. 2 Crystal balls from high-
quality rock crystal found in the Alps were once
very popular. In Europe, crystal gazing was
used not only as an aid to foreseeing the
future, but also as a stimulus to the mind.
Musicians, authors and even politicians bene-
fited from self-hypnosis induced by crystal
gazing. For many centuries, because the origin
of disease was unknown, its treatment was
linked with magic and superstition.
Definition
Crystal therapy, crystal healing or gem therapy
is defined as the use of crystals, individually
selected for their wavelengths, to influence the
body’s “energy field”.3 Crystal healing is based
54
on tuning in to the natural vibrations of a
mineral from the earth, which has infused it with
its energies.4 Crystals and gems are said to be
an inexhaustible source of energy, as they can
be used to heal, invigorate, balance or tran-
quillise in an all-together natural way.
Historical development
Humans have always searched for ways to
beautify themselves. Carrying crystals as
protective amulets or wearing them as jewellery
were the simplest ways to utilise their natural
potential. Evidence has been found for the use
of gemstones as jewellery as early as the
Palaeolithic Age.1 The first written accounts of
crystal healing came from the ancient Egyp-
tians who gave detailed recipes for using
gemstones such as malachite for healing and
protection.1
Religious and cultural connections
Gemstones have had a place in religion for
thousands of years. The Bible refers to the
twelve stones set in the breastplate of the High
Priest, symbolising the twelve tribes of Israel.2
In the book of Revelations twelve stones are
also mentioned as the foundation stones of the
wall of New Jerusalem. Though the symbolism
of each stone is open to speculation, most of
these stones have been used in churches in
one form or another since the inception of
Christianity. Precious stones adorn the tiara
and mitre of the Pope and bishops as well as
the shrines and icons found in Christian
churches.
While many of the beliefs surrounding
SA Pharmaceutical Journal – September 2006
 COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

gemstones are regarded in the scien-
tifically influenced Western (and mainly
Christian) thinking as perhaps primarily
of historic interest, the Eastern religions
have a far greater reverence for gem-
stones. The Chinese believed that all
natural things have an animate spirit of
their own. 2 Jade is, for example, the
symbol of the virtues of mercy, modes-
ty, courage, justice and wisdom.
The Greeks made ornaments of plain
gold until around 400 BC when a
variety of gems and cameos (precious
and semi-precious gemstones carved
in relief on one layer with another con-
trasting layer as background) were
used. 2 Gemstones were also widely
used in the production of seals, carved
dies or stamps to mark documents or
objects with a sign of official origin or
ownership.
Magical and healing properties
Although the healing properties of
certain gemstones were first recorded
in the early Egyptian days, it was not
until Roman times that scholars such
as Pliny wrote of gemstones as a form
of medicine. 2 It was the ecclesiastical
writers who compiled the first major
treatises on healing with gems.2
The use of gemstones for healing was
carried out in different ways. At times,
the mere presence of the stone was
thought to be sufficient to effect a cure.
At other times the gem was placed on
the affected body part and sometimes
the stone was powdered and eaten.
Successes achieved by the various
applications of gemstones may not
have been due to the gems directly, but
to the effect of suggestion on the
sufferer. Failures were then often ex-
cused by the explanation that the stone
was not “genuine”.
crystal’s properties, including its hard-
ness, colour and type of symmetry.
Various types of crystals are used,
namely natural, raw or tumbled
crystals, terminations, wands or
fashioned crystals (as in jewellery).
Clear quartz is known as the “master
healer” or “cure all” because it contains
the full spectrum of visible white light –
a broad spectrum healing energy which
clears disease from all levels. Clear
quartz crystals are said to stabilise,
focus and amplify the vital life-force,
which heightens natural healing power
and healing potential as well as
stimulating personal growth and
spiritual development. Imitation or syn-
thetic crystals are not suitable for
healing.
Some people choose crystals
intuitively, while others select crystals
on the basis of therapeutic qualities.
Crystals are usually purified before and
after use to ensure that any residual
disharmonies are removed and that the
crystals are filled with positive energy.
Different cleansing techniques exist
depending on the specific crystal, for
example some crystals can be cleaned
with water, some with salt, others with
smudging, sound or specialist cleaning
products. When a crystal is not in use it
should be wrapped in a soft cloth.
Conditions frequently treated
A wide range of mental and physical
conditions are claimed to benefit from
crystal or gem therapy.3 Table 1 gives
a list of some of the healing properties
that have been attributed to various
gemstones over the years.
Table 1: Healing properties attributed to gemstones over the years2
Types of treatment
Crystals are used in various ways for
treatment. Many people also use
crystals in combination with other
healing methods.
Wearing of jewellery
Crystals or gems can be set in
jewellery and kept close to the body. A
particularly popular jewellery item for
many years was, for example, the
signet ring.
Feng shui
Feng shui, the ancient Oriental art, has
nine “cures”, all designed to repel,
dispel or dissipate stagnant or harmful
energy (or chi) – of these, crystals are
probably the most popular. 1 Large
amethyst geodes or quartz clusters are
said to be effective room cleansers,
while quartz obelisks are said to be
potent energy enhancers that mag-
netise or pull positive chi towards them.
Crystals are therefore often used in
homes and offices to improve the
quality of everyday life, and to absorb
any bad vibrations that are caused by
common pollutants and machinery
(including computers).
Electrocrystal therapy
In electrocrystal therapy, the body is
initially scanned with a specially adap-
ted video camera that relays a coloured
picture of the auric field onto a com-
puter screen. 5 The therapist marks
those areas where the colour of the
aura is inappropriate, indicating stress
or dysfunction. Electrocrystal therapy
uses quartz crystals in saline solution
that are enclosed in a sealed, glass
electrode connected to a battery.5 Up

Crystal healing today Condition Gemstones

The majority of crystals used today for
healing are minerals.1 The rocks where Circulation problems Coral, rhodochrisite
these crystals are found are aggre- Epilepsy Jasper
gates of minerals and are described as Headache Sugilite
igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic, Infertility Coral
depending on how they were formed. Insomnia Amethyst, haematite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, topaz
For a mineral to qualify as a crystal, the Muscle spasms Amazonite
atoms that make it up must normally be Nervousness Sapphire, topaz, tourmaline
arranged in a systematic, orderly and Pain Rock crystal, ruby, sardonyx
repeating three-dimensional structure. Rheumatism Amber, carnelian, malachite, turquoise, magnetite
These arrangements determine the Wounds Carnelian

SA Pharmaceutical Journal – September 2006 55

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
to five electrodes are placed against
the affected area or over a chakra
point. The crystals are electrically
stimulated, which amplifies their natural
healing vibrations until they vibrate and
resonate at a desired frequency. This
treatment is thought to bring the en-
dogenous fields back to a harmonious
state.
Crystal cards
Crystal cards, created to be worn on
the body, were developed as a result of
the NASA space programme. 5 Astro-
nauts travel into space with a number
of pyramid-shaped quartz crystals,
electronically charged to vibrate at the
frequency of the earth’s geomagnetic
field, to combat the negative effects of
spending time outside the earth’s
magnetic field.
Electronic gem therapy
Electronic gem therapy blends modern
technology with traditional Ayurvedic
medicine by combining gemstones or
crystals, coloured light and electronic
amplification. 5 Depending on the con-
dition, patients either require cooling
gems such as emerald, topaz or car-
nelian, or warming gems such as ruby,
chrysoberyl or citrine. 5 During treat-
ment the gemstone is electronically
vibrated at a frequency set for a specific
condition. The energy from the gem-
stone is focused via special coloured
lamps called gem transducers onto the
part of the body requiring treatment. It
is believed the treatment provides
additional energy needed to bring
about self-healing. The seven chakras
are assigned different gemstones
corresponding to their vibratory rates.
Gem essences
Gem essences are bottled essences of
gemstones that are made by immersing
the stones in pure water and leaving
them in natural sunlight. 1 The sun’s
energy percolates through the stones
into the water taking the gem’s
vibrations with it (transferring their
“vibratory signature” into the water). It
is believed that they are more effective
when taken in a relaxed state and at
least half an hour before or after eating.
Normally seven drops are taken three
times a day under the tongue, but it can
also be dissolved and sipped slowly,
placed on a meridian, added to bath-
56
water or massage oil, or sprayed
around the body.
Meditating with a crystal
Crystals of the quartz family, such as
clear quartz, amethyst and rose quartz,
are the crystals used most frequently in
healing. Amethyst is the “stone of
meditation”, creating a state of en-
hanced spirituality and contentment.
Clear quartz represents the clarity of
mind that people hope to achieve
through meditation. Maintaining a focus
on a crystal helps quiet thoughts during
meditation. The crystal is held or
placed in front of the person on the
floor or on a small table. Some people
use three similar crystals and position
them in an equilateral triangle, forming
a charged energy field in which to sit.
Chakra cleansing and revitalisation
In crystal bodywork, people place crys-
tals on the chakras as they meditate.
Illnesses are treated with certain gems
and crystals by laying them on or
around the body or even on the
meridian points of the body.
In a previous article on colour therapy,
the seven main chakras were
identified. 6 It is said that the chakras
control the organs and glands of the
body and each of the seven main
chakras relate to a specific area of the
body. The flow of energy between the
chakras can affect physical health as
well as emotional feelings of well-
being. When the chakras are clear and
vitalised, each resembling a whirling
centre of energy, the body is at its
healthiest. However, when one of the
chakras is not in harmony or a block-
age occurs, this will hinder the flow of
energy.
The Seven Chakras
Crown Chakra
Brow Chakra
Throat Chakra
Heart Chakra
Solar Plexus Chakra
Sacral Chakra
Base Chakra
Adapted from
http //www.naturaltherapypages com.au/therapy/
Colour_Therapy
SA Pharmaceutical Journal – September 2006
It is thought that the positive vibration of
gemstones can harmonise the chakras
and allow the energy to flow freely.
Different stones are thought to be more
effective with each chakra, usually
associated with the colour of the stones
(see Table 2). Some stones, such as
rock crystal, diamonds and sugilite, are
considered to be helpful in clearing
blockages in all the chakras.
The method that is used to clean or
revitalise the chakras is to lie down and
place a suitable stone on each chakra
and relax in this way for about 10
minutes. It is best to treat all seven
chakras at the same time, but if a
crystal is used start with the root chakra
and move the crystal up the body,
allowing about three minutes on each
chakra. When placed on each chakra
the point of the crystal should be
upwards, pointing towards the crown
chakra.
Precautions and adverse effects
There are no known safety concerns.3
Gemstone Links
Other related applications of crystal or
gem therapy are summarised below.
Signs of the Zodiac
Astrology is based on the supposed
influences of the stars and planets on
human affairs and terrestrial events by
their positions and aspects. It is
believed that there is a relationship
between each planet and each sign of
the zodiac and every person and every
object (including gemstones) on the
earth. It is thus thought by many that the
influence of the planets over human
fortunes is enhanced by wearing the
gem appropriate to the planet or zodiac
sign concerned. For example2:
Taurus (20 April to 20 May):
Sapphire
“… If on your hand this stone you bind,
you in Taurus born will find
‘twill cure diseases of the mind
the sapphire.”
Birthstones
Certain gemstones are associated with
particular months of the year and con-
sidered lucky to people born in those
months. Some people attribute the
origin of the tradition of birthstones to

the 12-jewelled breastplate of Aaron,
the brother of Moses. 2 The first record
of wearing stones of the month was in
Poland in the 18 th century when they
were worn to keep illness away. 2 The
varied interpretations of the identity of
the original 12 stones and substitutions
by different cultures and races over the
centuries have resulted in a number of
versions of the stones assigned to each
month. As an example2:
Month: May
Ancient: Agate
Modern: Emerald (love, success)
Days-of-the-week gems
For example, the gem for Sunday is
sunstone, for Tuesday is the star
sapphire, and for Friday is alexandrite.2
Wedding anniversary gems
The traditional articles for wedding
anniversaries go back many years, and
it is considered proper to present the
married couple with gifts made of these
or related products on these anniver-
saries, for example2:
• 12th anniversary – Agate
• 15th anniversary – Rock Crystal
• 40th anniversary – Ruby
• 45th anniversary – Alexandrite,
Sapphire
• 55th anniversary – Emerald
• 60th anniversary – Diamond (yellow)
Gems of countries
The diamond is the gem linked to
South Africa (also to Holland), the rock
crystal is linked to Switzerland, and the
sapphire to the United States.2
Dreams
Gemstones are also frequently men-
tioned in the interpretation of dreams.
The following are some examples of
interpretations that are given to
gemstones that appear in dreams2:
• Agate – a journey
• Aquamarine – new friends
• Coral – recovery from illness
• Diamond – victory over enemies
• Emerald – much to look forward to
• Moonstone – impending danger
• Onyx – a happy marriage
• Pearl – faithful friends
• Sapphire – escape from danger
• Turquoise – prosperity
SA Pharmaceutical Journal – September 2006
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Table 2: Crystals, gemstones and chakras2,4
Nr Chakra Colour Stones used
1 Root Red Garnets, rubies, agate, bloodstone, tiger’s eye, hematite
2 Sacral Orange Carnelian, moonstone, tiger’s eye, citrine
3 Solar Yellow Citrine, yellow topaz, amber, rose quartz, aventurine quartz,
plexus malachite
4 Heart Green and Emeralds, green and pink tourmaline, rhodochrosite, jade,
pink aventurine quartz, rose quartz
5 Throat Light blue Chalcedony, blue topaz, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, turquoise,
6 Forehead Dark blue celestite
or brow Lapis lazuli, amethyst, fluorite, sodalite
(third eye)
7 Crown Violet, white Amethyst, celestite, jade, rock crystal (clear quartz)
and gold
A gemstone: Sapphire2,7 today that in many cases the mind does
A transparent, rich blue form of play a vital role in the ability of the body
corundum, the blue colour caused by to recover from illness … the healing
the presence of ferric iron or titanium. It power of positive thought is accepted
is a jewel of truth, beauty, clarity and by both traditional and alternative
wisdom.7 medical practitioners. The belief in the
powers of a certain therapy, therefore,
could indeed contribute to the cure of
the illness.
If the virtues attributed to each crystal or
gemstone are considered, it may be
concluded that any stone can cure any
disease. It appears, however, that in
In antiquity, the robes of important many cases of duplicate healing
Indian priests were adorned with powers, either the colour or the
sapphires. It is also said to have been constitution of the stone has indicated
the stone of “kings”, worn to protect its appropriateness for a particular
them against harm, and to have been disease and that most of this has
one of the stones used in the breast- evolved over many centuries. The fact
plate of the ancient high priest. that crystal therapy has survived over
Sapphire is said to be helpful in freeing so many centuries, is practised in so
a person of unpleasant or unwanted many countries, and that there is a
thoughts and in bringing joy and peace renewed interest in it, makes one
of mind by making one more receptive wonder whether it only has a placebo
to beauty and intuition. It has been effect.

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