“Color which, like music, is a matter of vibrations, reaches what is most general and therefore most indefinable in nature: its inner power” Paul Gauguin
Mother Nature extensively uses the language of colour and gemstones are definitely a great outlet to express its artistic nature. Our Planet designed over 300 types of minerals that have been used as gemstones for jewellery. 300 varieties of colourful treasures of all possible shapes, shades, patterns and properties! It’s rather generous!
How gemstones get their mesmerising colours we’ve discussed in the previous article Miracle Explained – Get to Know What Causes Gemstone Colour. You may want to revisit it to get some insights into Mother's Nature secret kitchen rules.
Now let’s explore how colour affects our perception and our relationship with particular gemstones.
I will explain why colour to a great extent defines the properties of each gemstone. At the end of this article you will find an explicit Gemstone Colour Guide.
It will help you choose the right gemstone jewellery for yourself or as a gift while being guided just by the color.
To help me prove my point I want to refer to Colour Psychology first...
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe, an American artist (1887 – 1986)
Colour psychology studies how different hues impact our moods, behaviors and feelings, influencing our subtle perceptions. While colour preferences may differ from person to person there are definitely some commonalities in how we perceive and react to certain hues...
Yellow flowers will instantly cheer you up. A woman in a red dress will grab everyone's attention fast. A blush pink gemstone will land a delicate and heartwarming sensation…
Colours evoke particular feelings and emotions and subliminally influence our behaviour, decision and attitude. Colour is one of the most expressive and magical languages that doesn’t require translation – it sends us an instant subconscious message in a matter of seconds.
As per colour psychology, red creates a sense of urgency, power and passion (look at Garnet and Ruby!); blue is associated with trust, logic and loyalty (just like Lapis Lazuli). Purple is related to wisdom and luxury (that’s Amethyst!); orange brings energy and warmth (like Citrine crystal), and so on…
If you are familiar with the properties assigned to your favourite gemstone most likely they will match with the emotions attributed to its colour (please find in the chart below).
It is not a random coincidence but rather a consistent and proven correspondence between the colour of the gems and what kind of qualities and energies it is able to connect us with.
Just like your favorite music has subtle yet instant impact on your mood, gemstone colour facilitates a particular resonance with your energy. Colour represents personality, defines gemstone properties and passes particular vibrations that interact with your chakras (energy centres).
So how do you choose what is right for you?
First of all, it’s always a good idea to trust your intuition – you like what you like for a reason. Choose what speaks to you the most and only then find out what is the meaning of the colour and gemstone properties. It will help you learn more not just about the stone of your intuitive choice, but first of all about yourself. I’ve explained why and how it works here.
However, if, let’s say, you are working on bringing up more of your feminine side – you may consciously choose blush pink gemstones like Pink Opal or Rose Quartz. Throughout their nurturing and delicate vibrations these crystals will evoke corresponding parts of your personality that facilitate the process for you.
Or for instance, if you feel you want to improve your ability to focus and bring mental clarity – go for dark blue gems like Lapis Lazuli.
The chart below may help you navigate the world of coloured gemstones, learning how to choose and what to expect from each of them.
Colour Symbolism: Colourless clear gems symbolise Wholeness and Clarity.
Gemstone Properties: Cleanses your energy, promotes clarity, facilitates new beginnings.
Use them to program with your intentions and amplify your vibrations.
Chakra: Activate all chakras
Examples: Clear Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Selenite, Diamond
Shop jewellery with clear gemstones
Colour Symbolism: White gems symbolise Purity and Balance.
Gemstone Properties: Harmonising, soothing and balancing. Associated with light, freshness and innocence.
Use them to de-stresses and calm down your overactive mind and emotions.
Examples: Howlite, Pearl
Chakra: Crown
Shop jewellery with white gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Black gems symbolise Power and Mystery. Represent authority and confidence. Associated with elegance and sophistication.
Gemstone Properties: Absorbs negative energies. Related to everything secretive and hidden. Helps to ground and shield your energy from negative vibrations. Boosts confidence and strength.
Use them for protection, stabilisation and grounding.
Chakra: Root
Examples: Onyx, Black Obsidian, Jet, Shungite
Shop jewellery with black gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Red gems symbolise Strength and Passion. Colour of blood, fire and leadership.
Gemstone Properties: Stimulates action and boosts courage. Helps to express passion and sexuality.
Use them to support your endurance, strengthen and ground your energy.
Chakra: Root
Examples: Garnet, Ruby, Fire Agate, Red Jasper
Colour Symbolism: Yellow and Orange gems are associated with Joy and Energy. Colour of sunshine.
Gemstone Properties: Energises, brings joy and optimism, stimulates self-expression and creativity.
Use them to manifest, boost your energy level and optimism.
Charka: Solar Plexus and Sacral chakras
Examples: Citrine, Fire Opal, Carnelian, Sunstone
Shop jewellery with golden-yellow gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Pink gems are associated with Love and Hope. Represent nurturing unconditional love, kindness and forgiveness.
Gemstone Properties: Brings tangible heart soothing effect. Blush pink gems are believed to attract love and resolve disagreements. Activate the energy of renewal and hope. Support physical recovery and regeneration.
Use them to open up your heart, facilitate self-acceptance and generally to raise the vibrations of your heart chakra.
Chakra: Heart
Examples: Pink Opal, Rose Quartz, Mangano Calcite, Rhodochrosite
Shop jewellery with pink gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Green gems symbolise Balance and Healing. Colour of Nature.
Gemstone Properties: Brings sense of well-being and freshness. Stimulates creativity, growth and transformation. Considered to attract luck, abundance and prosperity.
Use them to facilitate healing, rejuvenation and cultivate positive thinking.
Chakra: Heart
Examples: Emerald, Peridot, Malachite, Aventurine, Jade, Moldavite
Shop jewellery with green gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Dark blue gems are associated with Knowledge and Mental Clarity, depth and stability.
Gemstone Properties: Evokes a sense of trust and loyalty. Facilitates self-expression and communication, brings mental clarity and total focus. Helps to see things in perspective.
Use them if you study or are involved with demanding intellectual or strategic business activities.
Chakra: Throat
Examples: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Azurite, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Hauyne
Shop jewellery with blue gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Blue and Green-to-Blue gems symbolise Harmony & Peace. Associated with idealistic values and inspiration.
Gemstone Properties: Brings sense of tranquility and harmony. Uplifts your spirit and balances your emotions. Helps to communicate your values and speak from your heart.
Use them to recharge during times of mental stress and tiredness and connect to your inner truth.
Chakra: Throat
Examples: Larimar, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Amazonite, Topaz
Shop jewellery with blue gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Purple gems symbolise Spirituality and Wisdom. Also associated with royalty, nobility and sophistication. Purple is relatively rare in nature.
Gemstone Properties: Facilitates meditation and spiritual awakening. May help overcome anxiety and addiction. Believed to improve sleep and migraines.
Use to awaken your third eye – an organ of your non-physical sight, a gate to your intuition and inner vision.
Charka: Third Eye
Examples: Amethyst, Charoite
Shop jewellery with purple gemstones
Colour Symbolism: Brown earthy gems bring Grounding and Protection
Gemstone Properties: Comforting down-to-earth brown gemstones ground and stabilise your energy and encourage to act with confidence. Helps to overcome fears and be practical.
Use to boost your confidence and cultivate a sense of ownership in your life. Great as talismans.
Chakra: Base
Examples: Tiger Eye, Smoky Quartz, Agate, Jasper
Shop jewellery with brown gemstones
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Lara Gems
Author
Gemstone Strategist and Founder of Gems In Style Jewellery