The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Popular Gemstones

Key Takeaways

• Gemstones are minerals and rocks that are cut and polished to be used in art or accessories.

• Gemstones have different meanings across cultures and traditions.

• Choosing a stone based on symbolism begins with determining the attribute you want to attract into your life.

Why Gemstone Meanings Matter

History is full of stories that center around various gemstones. Egyptians buried their royalty with gems, such as lapis lazuli for protection, tightly wrapped beneath layers of linen. Romans saw gems as gifts from the gods, with sapphires symbolizing wisdom and diamonds equated with celestial blessings.

Stories like these have been part of our culture and traditions for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder that we’re still fascinated with gemstone meanings and symbolism today. Stones transcend time and society, going beyond decoration and into a personal statement. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of gemstones and their symbolism in the modern world.

What Are Gemstones and Why Are They Symbolic?

Those who don’t know any better often lump gemstones into the category of “just a rock.” Yet, there’s a significant difference between ordinary rocks, such as those that would be used in construction, and those classified as gemstones. What sets them apart? 

Definition of Gemstones

Gemstones are minerals and rocks, yes. However, they differ from common stones in that gems are cut and polished for use in art or as accessories. Gemstones obtain their value from factors like rarity, color, cut, and durability. But for millennia, people have associated gemstones with healing and vibrational properties, thereby increasing demand for certain stones over others.

Origins of Gemstone Symbolism Across Civilizations

Skim the hieroglyphics and drawings of Ancient Egyptians. Explore the use of jade in ancient Chinese rituals. See how Native Americans continue to prize turquoise today, a belief passed down from their ancestors. 

It doesn’t take too much digging to recognize that gemstones have unique symbolism, depending on the culture you’re looking at.

Although the specific stones and their meanings vary around the world, they all share a common thread: the gems are used as talismans to attract blessings of health, fortune, success, or other virtues, or to deflect negative energy and danger.

How to Understand Gemstone Meanings and Properties

Once you enter the world of understanding gemstone meanings, you quickly recognize that there’s a mix of knowledge to uncover. Gemstone symbolism isn’t a one-size-fits-all science. It’s a blend of color psychology, physical characteristics, and long-held traditions and cultural associations.

Color Symbolism and Energy

The color of a gem has long determined the stone’s role in a culture. Powerful hues like red rubies are associated with passion and strength, while the blue shades of sapphire and turquoise are interlinked with knowledge and wisdom. Green stones mingle with the earth's energy to promote growth and healing. Each shade is thought to have its own vibration, bringing the person connected to the stone the traits they desire.

Hardness, Rarity, and Formation

Long before we understood the journey stones take to form, ancient humans recognized that harder stones like diamonds were rarer, and thus held more value. However, softer stones like opal were also cherished for their delicate texture and multicolored brilliance. 

Birthstones and Zodiac Associations

As civilizations evolved and the twelve months became traditional, people connected this number to the twelve astrological signs. Each month was given a stone to represent it, and those stones remain part of our culture today. It’s common to see jewelry stores showcasing the month’s stone on display for shoppers, and many people choose their birthstone as their favorite gem to wear daily.

Healing and Metaphysical Beliefs

Crystal healing has its roots in ancient customs, and the belief continues today that certain crystals possess healing properties. These stones are thought to amplify energy that impacts our physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. 

For example, holding or wearing rose quartz amplifies your connection to love, and, therefore, might attract your soul mate to you or improve your relationships. Amethyst is linked to a calm mindset and can be helpful when you’re stressed or facing a major life event. While these beliefs lack scientific proof, many people wear crystals as a form of self-expression.

The Symbolism Behind Popular Gemstones

Some gemstones have more symbolic meaning than others. These are the stones historically associated with a specific attribute, and those links remain strong today. Even in modern times, you’ll recognize the following gemstones and the symbolism associated with them:

• Diamond - The hardest of stones, diamonds have long been connected to love, strength, and eternity.

• Ruby - The powerful red shades bring to mind passion, power, and courage.

• Sapphire - The natural blue of sapphires is still connected to wisdom, loyalty, and truth.

• Emerald - Green shades like emerald promote growth, harmony, and renewal.

• Amethyst - The light purple of an amethyst has a calming effect, offering peace, protection, and clarity to the wearer.

• Opal - Opals are linked to hope, inspiration, and creativity.

• Topaz - No matter what shade, topaz gems are known to offer strength, abundance, and confidence when worn.

• Garnet - Energy, protection, and friendship are the key attributes of a garnet stone.

The stones have symbolism rooted in ancient cultural traditions, but today’s gemstone enthusiasts understand what our ancestors didn’t: there’s a psychology to color that shapes our thinking.

Gemstone Colors and Their Meanings

Color psychology explains why certain gemstones grew more popular than others. In short, color matters. We now understand, using scientific methods like MRIs and CT scans, the effects that certain colors have on our brains. Varied shades trigger consistent brain activity in specific regions, and gemstones reflect this impact. 

Red Gemstones

Reds are used in marketing and psychology to evoke feelings of passion and vitality. Gemstones of this shade are worn to give a person confidence, courage, and motivation.

Blue Gemstones

Gemstones with blue hues range from light pastels to deep, royal shades. Softer stones like aquamarine and light blue topaz are worn for peace, calm, and reflection, while sapphires and lapus lazuli are symbols of wisdom and honesty.

Green Gemstones

Similar to blue, greens have a spectrum of shades that determine the emotions connected to them. Light greens, like peridot, bring youth, energy, and freshness. Dark greens, like emeralds, are linked with sophistication and wealth.

Purple Gemstones

The color of royalty, purple is also the shade that brings out creativity and intuition. Deep purples were difficult and expensive to come by in ancient times, so only the very wealthy and royalty could afford to wear this shade. Purple gemstones were also less common, with amethyst and zircon among the most well-known. 

Yellow Gemstones

Joy and optimism are the emotions we often link with yellow, but it can also symbolize intellect. Today’s gemologists choose stones like citrine and amber to attract confidence and success.

Black Gemstones

The color of mystery, black stones have a strong presence in ancient history. Prized for their protective properties, gems such as obsidian and onyx were highly valued and sought after. Black is thought to repel negative energy and promote resilience in the wearer.

Gemstones in Jewelry: Choosing Based on Meaning

When you choose to wear gemstones in your jewelry because of the symbolism behind them, you turn personal preferences into an act of intention. This is particularly important when you’re giving jewelry as a gift — the wrong gem could be perceived as an insult, while the right stone becomes a cherished reminder of your thoughtfulness. This section explains the general meaning behind common gemstones to help you as you choose your next jewelry piece.

Birthstones and Their Symbolism

Wearing birthstone jewelry has long been linked with good luck and protection. The belief is that the stone’s metaphysical properties align with your birth date, infusing you with positive energy when you wear it. Here are the gems by birth month and gemstone meanings.

Myths vs Facts About Gemstone Symbolism

The topic of what different gemstones symbolize brings different reactions, depending on your beliefs. There are gemologists who strongly believe in the gemstone meanings and properties for healing and success, while others look at the subject as a fun conversation piece. 

Regardless of your thoughts on the subject, the symbolism of gemstones, we still lack scientific evidence that proves wearing a gem can alter physical health. However, studies in color psychology do remind us that intention matters, and choosing certain gems for their color properties can influence our mood and mindset.

How to Care for Symbolic Gemstone Jewelry

Each gem has its own level of care, so it is important to follow the jeweler’s recommendations for upkeep and maintenance. For instance, diamonds are the hardest and most durable gems, ideal for daily wear and tear. Opals, on the other hand, are very soft and fragile, and shouldn’t be worn regularly if you have an active lifestyle or are frequently in water. 

No matter the gem’s standard of care, symbolic gemstone jewelry relies on the jewel to be shiny and free from oils and lotions that dull the energy. To keep your stone vibrant, use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to clean it regularly. Some people choose to cleanse their stones and recharge them under moonlight or sunlight, or through smudging rituals.

Final Thoughts: The Personal Meaning of Gemstones

Society chooses which pieces of ancient tradition to let go of and which to hold on to. Gemstones continue to captivate us thousands of years later because they blend human attributes with art and personal intention. 

Whether you wear your gemstone as an energy conduit, a historic symbol, or for beauty, the connection remains. Your stone symbolizes what you value and your preferences. Valerie Madison’s unique fine jewelry designs offer a vast selection of gemstones to match your personality and style, making them the perfect centerpieces for all your symbolic intentions.

FAQs

What do different gemstones symbolize?

Each gemstone has its own meaning. Gemstones like diamonds symbolize strength and longevity, while amethysts are linked with clear thinking and a calm mindset. 

Do gemstone meanings differ by culture?

Gemstones can often change their meanings depending on the culture. However, they generally carry a common human element. As an example, jade represents purity and harmony in Chinese culture, but in Mesoamerican cultures, it symbolizes life and fertility.

How do I choose a gemstone based on symbolism?

Choose the attribute that you want to attract into your life, such as love, wealth, success, or confidence. Once you’ve determined that theme, select the gemstone connected to that meaning.

Are gemstone meanings scientifically proven?

There is no scientific evidence that connects gemstones to healing or other physical changes. The meaning of gemstones is symbolic and psychological, rooted in cultural beliefs and personal traditions.