There is such a diverse range of natural crystals and rock minerals that it is mind-boggling. Crystals, gemstones and raw rocks are mineral specimens used in the manufacturing of jewelry and fashion accessories. They are usually found in their raw form. The crystals and gemstones look like clusters of rocks before they are cut and polished.
Some rocks and crystals are sold in their original forms without cutting them into different shapes and smaller sizes. Amethyst and citrine are being sought after in their original forms as large geodes or crystal clusters. Each crystal geode is different from another, and that makes each individual specimen rare and highly prized.
Like many crystal stones used in holistic healing, amethyst is a meditative and calming stone. Amethyst can be bought in stores and online websites.
A popular crystal to own due to its powerful positive energy. Many believe citrine can enhance their wellbeing and financial status in a positive way.
This light pink crystal has a pleasant aura that signifies happiness, love and relationships. A great gift for people you love.
A mysterious stone that has a glow that is almost as magical and beautiful as the moon. Like the moon, it is the light in the darkness.
As the name suggests, bloodstone has an abundance of energy that gets your blood pumping. Bloodstone enhances positive energy, courage and self-esteem.
Since ancient times, jade has been used for good luck and properity. It promotes peace and tranquility, that is why jade is popular in jewelry making.
Clear quartz has its own beauty that resonates with clarity and peace. A common crystal used in crystal healing, it is a great piece of crystal to have at home.
Tumbled stones (also called tumblestones or tumble stones) are rocks, crystals or mineral that have been put through a commercial rock tumbler to have their rough edges removed. During the process of tumbling, the rough looking raw crystals are subject to grinding and polishing with grit, water and vibration in a rock tumbler.
Home versions of rock tumblers are also available for sale if you want to do your own polishing of rocks and other raw specimens.
The rock specimens come out of the tumbler looking different from their original state. Some rocks come out looking better than other rock specimens. The longer the tumbling process, the smoother the rocks will be. Some rocks come out all shiny, beautiful and smooth, while there are others that have little or no shine after the tumbling process. The smooth tumbled stones will reveal in their true, natural colours.
A collection of crystal stones can be made up of a variety of stones and crystals, each with their own mineral compositions and colour variations. Crystal gemstones are very versatile. These stones are especially popular in crystal healing and as decorations in the home. Other common uses of the polished crystals are in jewelry and meditation.
Crystal gemstones are also ideal for birthday gifts, like a polished birthstone makes a great gift for someone special.
Various crystals used in holistic medicine can enhance the body, mind and soul.
| Amethyst | Rose Quartz | Lapis Lazuli |
| Jade | Citrine | Green Aventurine |
| Amazonite | Fluorite | Agate |
| Carnelian | Quartz | Sodalite |
It’s a great way to learn about Mother Nature’s colourful creation of crystals and rocks. Tumbled stones are beautiful and affordable for the beginner collector. A collector can afford tumbled stones to start a small collection of his/her own favourite stones. Tumbled stones can be used as healing stones that easily fit in your pocket or bag.
There are so many types of tumbled stones available that it is very confusing where to begin. Some of the things to consider before starting your crystal tumbled stones collection:
Size of the tumbled stones
Good-sized tumbled stones are 1-3cm though they are also available in smaller or bigger sizes. Smaller stones are lighter to carry around. Larger ones are heavier and better for displays.
You can also have a mixed collection of polished stones, raw specimens, clusters, gemstone chips and geodes.
Theme based collection
You might want to collect stones of one particular theme, colour or unusual shapes.
There are many types of jaspers and agates. Some people like to collect only quartz stones. A set of all the birthstones or your own favourite stones makes a nice collection.
Rare stones are beautiful, they are hard to find but that’s the challenging and fun part of collecting them.
Where to put your collection
Some people display crystals and tumbled stones around the house for healing and soul cleansing reasons. You can display the stones in each room as decorations or you can store them in pouches or containers. By storing them in pouches, you can bring your collection with you when you go out or when you travel.
| Agate | Amazonite | Amber |
| Amethyst | Aventurine | Black Tourmaline |
| Bloodstone | Bronzite | Orange Calcite |
| Carnelian | Chrysoprase | Citrine |
| Fluorite | Garnet | Hematite |
| Howlite | Jade | Picture Jasper |
| Leopard Skin Jasper | Mookaite Jasper | Moss Agate |
| Red Jasper | Zebra Jasper | Lapis Lazuli |
| Labradorite | Lepidolite | Moonstone |
| Obsidian | Mahogany Obsidian | Snowflake Obsidian |
| Petrified Wood | Pink Opal | Prasiolite |
| Prehnite | Rose Quartz | Golden Rutilated Quartz |
| Smokey Quartz | Rhodonite | Rhyolite |
| Sodalite | Sunstone | Tektite |
| Tiger Eye | Tiger Iron | Tourmalated Quartz |
| Turquoise | Unakite | Emerald |
| Turritella Agate | Tree Agate | Crystal Quartz |
| Month | Stone | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Constancy |
| February | Amethyst | Sincerity |
| March | Bloodstone | Courage |
| April | Diamond | Innocence |
| May | Emerald | Success in Love |
| June | Pearl | Health |
| July | Ruby | Contented Mind |
| August | Sardonyx | Conjugal Felicity |
| September | Sapphire | Love |
| October | Opal | Hope |
| November | Topaz | Fidelity |
| December | Turquoise | Prosperity |
© 2014 lady rain
About the author
Lady Rain lives in Australia and enjoys writing about travels, paper quilling crafts and historical events.
