Encyclopaedia of crystal virtues

The virtues of stones, as tradition tells them

Our encyclopaedia of virtues gathers twenty-seven detailed entries, from crystal healing's most popular stones to the precious gems. Each entry tells the story of the beliefs attached to the stone — for these virtues have an origin, often ancient, sometimes surprising — then sets out its traditional correspondences and, above all, how to care for it.

Stories, not slogans

Amethyst takes its name from the Greek for “not intoxicated”: the ancients credited it with keeping the mind clear amid excess, and that is where its reputation for calm comes from. Tiger's eye was the amulet of Roman legionaries, engraved before battle: tradition makes it a mirror-shield that returns ill intentions. Garnet, legend says, lit Noah's ark — hence its reputation as the traveller's stone. Rose quartz, which the Romans gave as a token of tenderness, teaches that self-love is not selfishness but a foundation. Lapis lazuli, ground into ultramarine for the cloaks of madonnas, is the stone of true speech.

Each entry gives the associated chakra, the corresponding star sign(s), and the cleansing method tradition recommends.

Cleansing: where tradition meets mineralogy

This is the point on which Lapidem does not compromise. Many sites recommend “cleansing your stones with water” with no further detail — and destroy collections. Selenite literally dissolves in water. Pyrite oxidises and crumbles. Malachite dulls and can release copper compounds. Porous lapis lazuli and turquoise lose their colour when soaked. Amethyst and rose quartz fade in sunlight.

Every entry in our encyclopaedia flags these real, verifiable physical constraints, independent of any belief. One can perfectly well respect a symbolic tradition and refuse to talk nonsense about matter — that is, in our view, the only honest way to speak about stones.

Important reminder: the virtues described here are cultural beliefs and traditions. No physical action of stones on health has been demonstrated, and no stone replaces medical advice or treatment.