Gemstones and the Elements

Both ancient eastern and western cultures developed the idea of elements which could explain the mysteries of nature. The western version was conceived by the ancient Greeks and refined by philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle.

While the eastern equivalent had 5 elements, the Greek had 4 elements, air, fire, water and earth. These four elements not only described the physical world but also the personalities and characteristics of human nature too.

Earth represented the solid ground we walk on as well as physical and sensual aspects of life.

Water flowing and moving all the time in rivers, lakes and seas implied the emotions and feelings of man.

Air was the atmosphere and the breath of life but could also represent intellect, thoughts and inspiration.

Fire was the sun and heat as well as our passion, zeal and occasionally destructive drive.

From this, you can easily discover which one is your element.

They also had their own seasons, days, planets, colors and, as we shall discover, gemstones. Over the centuries almost all the well known, and some less well known, gemstones were assigned to each element.

I have narrowed them down and chosen what I feel are the finest and most fundamental gemstones.

Let us start on earth and move on from there, shall we?

Earth Element Gemstones

Agate (except Blue Agate)

Agate is a diverse gemstone with a variety of colors, patterns and bands. It has a long history stretching back to the Ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Romans who all prized it for its beauty and spiritual power.

Malachite

A deep green, highly polished gemstone with swirls and patterns of light and dark shades and circles that resemble the all-seeing eye.

Rutile Quartz

A transparent quartz with red, gold, orange or silver inclusions which can look like straw, hair or grass.

Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eyes are a very organic looking gemstone with a honey brown color and stripes and swirls that can be yellow, orange, red and black.

Other gemstones linked with the Earth element include:

• Aventurine
• Fluorite
• Jade
• Black Tourmaline

Water Element Gemstones

Opal

The appearance of opals is so eccentric that we had to invent new words for them – opalescent, iridescent, play-of-color, opaline and many more. Not only does this exotic gemstone contain every color of the rainbow but it can be up to 20% water!

Moonstone

Moonstones come in white, gray, pink, yellow, orange, brown and red colors, with a gloss or shimmer that appears to be almost liquid, floating on the surface.

Aquamarine

This gemstone conjures up cool images of crystal clear ocean waters which can bring calm and peaceful thoughts in an instant.

Chrysoprase

This lovely opaque quartz has a delightful minty or apple green coloring and was called the stone of Venus by the ancient Romans. It was used to make seals, amulets and talismans.

Other water gemstones include:

• Emerald
• Pearl
• Kunzite
• Pink Tourmaline

Air Element Gemstones

Amethyst

Amethyst is a classic air gemstone which was once as valuable as sapphires and rubies and comes in deep purple colors that evoke images of royalty and riches.

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz suggests clear blue skies on a warm day with a cool breeze. It is thought to calm angry tempers and break wicked spells.

Labradorite

Labradorite is said to be the northern lights trapped in a stone such are its dazzling colors. The northern lights are a spectacular light show caused by solar winds.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli was used to decorate the death masks of Egyptian pharaohs such as the famous Tutankhamun and is a symbol of truth and wisdom.

Other air gemstones include:

• Sapphire
• Blue Tourmaline
• Sodalite
• Kyanite

Fire Element Gemstones

Fire Agate

Fire Agate is a gemstone known for stimulating increased sexual stamina and physical energy and is a reddish brown color with flashes of red, gold and orange.

Peridot

Peridot is a lime green gemstone with a golden sparkle which represents money, prosperity and abundance and brings happiness and joy to all.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a historic gemstone which elevates courage, confidence and vitality. It is also thought to boost sexuality and stimulate fertility.

Citrine

Citrine will chase away negativity and rejuvenate body, soul and mind. This sunny yellow or orange gemstone is known as the Merchant’s Stone for its ability to bring prosperity.

Other well-known fire gemstones are:

• Red Garnet
• Fire Opal
• Ruby
• Sunstone

There we have a pretty comprehensive list of the best gemstones for each of the elements.

How to use these crystals in relation to our particular element is a very specialized subject best left to the experts but in the simplest terms the crystals are a link to the energies of each of the elements.

• Use Earth gemstones for personal growth
• Use Water gemstones to increase love and friendships
• Use Air gemstones to boost the intellect
• Use Fire gemstones to increase energy

And remember you do not have to stick to the element you were born under, feel free to use any crystal to enhance your life in any way that you feel is necessary.