IS whole business of lucky stones just a silly superstition? This is an interesting question. People have been using lucky gem stones for hundreds of thousands of years. A belief that is this deep-rooted is not easy to dismiss.

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between rocks and crystals. Rocks are made up of mineral matter pressed together. Crystals grow cell by cell in an orderly three dimensional arrangement of molecules and atoms. That is why crystals have smooth edges and flat surfaces.

So what are these amazing powers that crystals are meant to have? The main powers people of ancient times believed crystals had, was to heal illnesses.

To keep a gem working it is necessary to clean it frequently and then leave it in the sunlight so that it can renew its energy. Another method of discharging negative energy and recharging your crystals is to bury them in a box of no-iodized sea salt overnight. According to crystal experts, all stones need discharging at least every two weeks or more often if they come in contact with negativity. To charge a crystal with your own energy, you need to hold it in one hand for about five minutes and then in the other hand for other five minutes. this charge will last up to two weeks.

Possibly the reason a particular crystal has worked for people because they believe it will. We don't know enough about the powers of our minds, but there is a scientific evidence to show that we can influence our immense system by mind control. So it could be possible to heal ourselves if we were able to gain control of our mind.

Those who believe in the power of crystals say that there are many different ways you can use your special stones. People have used crystals to help them find lost items, overcome addictive habits, increase their self-esteem, become more successful and happier. Another useful application of a crystal is to help you understand your dreams.

Let us discuss the uses of some well known crystals and gems...

Amber is not really a stone. It's fossilized sap of ancient pine trees, and it was used to make jewellery thousands of years ago. It was thought to have magical properties, and was used in the late 1800s to purify air.

Amazonite is a light blue-green stone. It helps align the solar plexus and heart chakras and is good for keeping you calm.

Amethyst is great for days when you feel tired and have a headache. It's also meant for calming anger and relieving frustration. Wear it to enhance your awareness and increase the potential of mind.

Aquamarine is said to keep you young. Aquamarine was thought to calm nerves. It was the sailor's stone. They used to wear it because they hoped it would calm the sea and allow them a safe journey. Wear it to help clear your mind especially if you are feeling afraid or have any phobias.

Aventurine is a dark green stone with sparkles in it. Wear it if you want to be independent and original, and is said to help when wanting to be adventurous.

Bloodstone was used to strengthen the body, increase vitality and correct iron deficiencies. In years gone by it was the warriors stone. They wore it to give them courage during battles. Wear it to make yourself brace and more successful.

Carnelian is an orange- red stone. This stone can be used to help you console you when things are not going well.

Citrine is a type of quartz crystal, and it was thought to be good for organs and tissue regeneration and to lower stress. Wear it when you are feeling down because it raises self-esteem.

Coral was used for amulets to protect children and to keep enemies away. Red coral was used to treat blood problems. White coral was used to relieve stomach problems. It was one of the first stones used to make jewellery. Wear it if you need protecting from anything.

Diamond is the symbol of purity and love. It was thought diamonds could protect a wearer against fire, sickness and thieves. Some people believe that dark diamonds are male and light ones are female. Wear a diamond if you want to win -- at anything!

Emerald was used to stop bleeding and prevent epilepsy, and was said to be good for helping forecast the future. Wear it at exam time, because it is said t improve the memory and can stop you panicking.

Garnets are a symbol of faith and truth. The stone is said to improve imagination, drive away nightmares and to banish evil thoughts. It was used to prevent blood diseases. Give it to someone or wear it to show you are faithful.

Jade is good to wear if you want to be successful and happy. It was believed that jade could strengthen muscles, harden bones, calm the mind and purify the blood. Use it to radiate love, peace and nurturing.

Lapis Lazuli was used to heal fevers and was said to get rid of any bad thoughts. Wear it enhance your psychic abilities.

Malachite with its swirling green bands was used to relieve cramps, heal ulcers and to protect the wearer from lightning. Wear it if you have trouble sleeping, because it will balance your body and mind.

Moonstone was used to foretell the future, but you have to put it in your mouth at the time of the full moon. Wear it if you've had a fight with someone you love.

Opals are the symbols of hope and love. Years ago people thought that wearing one would make them invisible. Wear one if you need guiding towards love and need some good luck.

Pearls are symbols of wealth of wealth, honour and long life. Many different cultures have believed pearls were for tears. Wear a pearl to make you more sympathetic towards people.

Quartz was used to improve the blood, stop bleeding, stimulate the glands and prevent dizziness. Wear a quartz if you're feeling negative, because it will make you feel more positive about everything and maybe even improve your brain power.

Rhodonite is a pink stone with black veins. It relieves stress and anxiety and is good to wear if you're sensitive because it can help improve your self esteem and self confidence.

Rose Quartz is a translucent pink. Wear it when you feel to get rid sorrows, fears and resentments. It also good for enhancing your imagination and creativity.

Snow Quartz is a white form and it promotes clarity of mind. It can stop negativity and make you love truthfulness.

Ruby was thought to have an inner fire that couldn't be put out unless something terrible was about to happen. Then it became dull or dark. It used to help settle arguments. Wear it to stop thinking evil thoughts.

Sapphire is a symbol of purity and was said to prevent poverty. It was used for any eye ailments and to purify the blood. Wear a sapphire if you want to become smarter and better natured.

Sardonyx is the stone used to make cameos. It believed to cure snake bites and poisoning. Wear it if you never know what to say, because it will help you feel less shy.

Tiger Eye is thought to help turn away evil influences. Wear it if you want to see your own faults and problems, or are worries that you have bad luck . It will turn bad fortune away.

Topaz was believed to help cure bad eyesight and prevent mental problems. Wear it if you need a dose of wisdom.

Tourmaline should be worn to help you become more psychic.

Turquoise is a symbol of concentration, peace of mind and emotional balance. It was used to bring love, success and good fortune. Wear it when you need to concentrate on anything.

Zircon used to be worn to protect a person from plaque. It was also thought to help travellers and business people. Wear it if need to deal with anybody on financial basis.

Thank you for that posting, it contains information a lot of people would like to know though it still behoves the crystal wearer/user to believe in self.

Crystals or stones/rocks act as the focus for meditation assisting one to concentrate and communicate with one's inner being, thence the self-healing begins.

But beware of gemstones sold in man-made crystal forms that aren't true to their natural shape. It's better to obtain tumble polished gemstones, that way you know only the surface has been polished and no one has tampered with the shape of it. Rose Quartz is often facetted to look like a quartz crystal but it rarely forms natural crystals, as are many other gemstones used for crystal healing. Think "crystalline" not "crystal".

Gillian