Calm and stress: which stones are believed to help, and what science says

Basalt

The rock of the ocean floors and the Moon’s dark plains — the most common volcanic rock on Earth.

Basalt

Today some sellers and crystal-therapy practitioners claim that bracelets of “lava stone” beads, made of porous basalt, calm the wearer and “ground” them.
In Türkiye, sellers of natural-stone bracelets and crystal-therapy sites say that lava stone bracelets balance the root chakra, absorb “negative energy” and rid the wearer of electromagnetic charge.

What science says The only known property of lava stone beads is that they are porous, so they soak up a drop of essential oil or perfume and hold the scent for a while. There is no scientific evidence that they have a calming or “grounding” effect, balance any energy, or cleanse and protect the wearer from electromagnetic waves; an ordinary piece of rock does not “absorb” waves from a phone, Wi-Fi or any other source.

Everyday name

Himalayan salt and salt lamps

Himalayan salt is pink rock salt, the mineral halite, mined in Pakistan’s Salt Range; a salt lamp is a hollowed-out block of it.

Himalayan salt and salt lamps

According to salt lamp sellers, the lamp gives off “negative ions” when it warms up; these ions are said to clean the air and neutralise “harmful radiation” from electronic devices.
The same sources claim that salt lamps relieve allergies and asthma, improve sleep, reduce stress and lift the mood.
In some countries of Central and Eastern Europe, spending time in salt caves (speleotherapy, halotherapy) is believed to help asthma and respiratory diseases.

What science says Claims that salt lamps release health-giving ions or clean the air have no scientific basis; the lamp is simply a block of salt warmed by the bulb inside, and its light can make a room feel cosy. The idea that it “absorbs” radiation from electronic devices also contradicts physics. A Cochrane systematic review of salt-cave therapy concluded that the available evidence does not allow a reliable conclusion as to whether it works for asthma. Salt lamps or salt caves should never replace asthma or allergy medicines.

Talc

The softest mineral on the Mohs scale: scratched by a fingernail, soapy to the touch and used in everything from plastics to ceramics.

Talc

In Türkiye, too, people commonly believe that baby powder containing talc prevents nappy rash and keeps the skin dry.
Crystal-therapy websites claim that soapstone (talc) is calming and balancing, reduces stress, and eases digestion and skin irritation.

What science says Talc has not been shown to prevent nappy rash. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against baby powder: its particles are so small that they hang in the air and can be breathed into a baby’s lungs, and zinc oxide creams are a safer choice for nappy rash. Because talc deposits can lie alongside asbestos, talc products can be contaminated with it, and IARC classes even asbestos-free talc as “probably carcinogenic” (Group 2A). There is no evidence that soapstone reduces stress or improves digestion.

Epidote

Known for its pistachio green, a common, lustrous, prismatic mineral of rocks altered by heat, pressure and hot water.

Epidote

Today some crystal therapy practitioners claim that epidote lifts the mood and dispels negative emotions.
Crystal therapy websites claim that epidote is linked to the “heart chakra”, supports the immune and nervous systems, and gives vitality.

What science says Epidote is an ordinary rock-forming mineral that is very common in metamorphic rocks; no observation or experiment supports the idea that it affects mood or strengthens immunity or nerves. The “heart chakra” is not something that can be measured.

Muscovite

The white mica that peels into paper-thin, clear, flexible sheets; in Russia it was once used instead of window glass.

Muscovite

In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources present fuchsite, the chromium-bearing green variety of muscovite, as a “stone of healing, growth and emotional balance”, saying it calms overactive energy and brings plenty and luck.

What science says Fuchsite's green colour comes from a little chromium in its structure; beyond that colour there is no evidence that the stone has any effect on the body, the emotions or luck.

Olivine

The olive-green mineral that makes up much of Earth’s upper mantle; its clear, gem-quality crystals are called peridot.

Olivine

Ancient and medieval belief held that peridot (chrysolite) set in gold drove away night terrors and nightmares.
Peridot pierced, strung on donkey hair and tied to the left arm was believed to protect against evil spirits and enchantment.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites say that zebercet (peridot, olivine) helps the stomach, bowel, liver and thyroid, cleanses the body of toxins, calms feelings such as jealousy, anger and guilt, and brings abundance.

What science says Peridot's green colour comes from the iron in its structure; there is no evidence that it prevents nightmares or wards off evil. The claims that it helps the stomach, bowel or thyroid, or “cleanses” the body, are equally unproven. If sleep or digestive problems persist, see a doctor.

Orthoclase

The potassium feldspar that defines 6 on the Mohs scale: it gives many granites their pink colour and is a raw material for glass and ceramics.

Orthoclase

In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites say that orthoclase reduces stress, gives confidence and courage, and improves focus and mental clarity.
The same websites claim that orthoclase strengthens immunity, helps stomach and bowel problems and eases insomnia.

What science says No study supports these claims. Orthoclase is potassium feldspar, very common in the Earth's crust; apart from its use in the ceramics and glass industries it is not known to have any effect on the body or mind. Lasting sleep or digestive problems call for a doctor.

Chalcedony

A waxy-lustred stone made of quartz crystals far too small to see: the family name for agate, onyx and many other ornamental stones.

Chalcedony

According to a Greek lapidary thought to date from the 3rd or 4th century AD, an amulet set with chalcedony together with a red stone was believed to protect sailors from drowning.
In earlier centuries in Europe, chalcedony was believed to drive away ghosts and frightening visions of the night.
Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that chalcedony, blue chalcedony in particular, is calming and makes communication easier.
In Türkiye, some news sites and crystal-therapy sites say that chalcedony drives away negative energy and gives energy and motivation.
The same sources claim that chalcedony helps with chronic illness, coughs and sleep problems, and eases stress and depression.

What science says Chalcedony is made of chemically inert silica; there is no scientific evidence that it protects people from drowning, nightmares or anxiety, gives energy, or cures chronic illness, coughs, sleeplessness or depression. Depression and chronic illness need medical treatment; medicines should not be replaced by a stone or stopped without consulting a doctor.

Cinnabar

The main ore of mercury: a blood-red mineral used as paint for thousands of years, but one that demands care because of its mercury.

Cinnabar

In ancient China, Taoist alchemists believed that elixirs prepared from minerals such as cinnabar would bring long life and immortality.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnabar (zhu sha) is believed to calm the mind and to help with palpitations, insomnia and convulsions; some traditional medicines containing cinnabar are still in use today.

What science says Cinnabar is mercury sulfide; when swallowed, the mercury that is absorbed accumulates in the kidneys, and its inclusion in traditional medicines has not been scientifically justified. Never put cinnabar in drinking water (“gem water” or “elixirs”), in the mouth or over heat, and never breathe its dust.

Zoisite

The mineral behind tanzanite, pink thulite and ruby-spotted green carvings: usually plain grey-green, sometimes spectacularly coloured.

Zoisite

Crystal-therapy websites claim that zoisite, and above all ruby zoisite (anyolite), opens the heart chakra, increases love and compassion, heals old emotional wounds and strengthens creativity and self-confidence.
The same sources also say that zoisite boosts immunity and vitality, reduces inflammation, “detoxifies” the body and helps allergies.

What science says None of these claims is backed by measurement or a controlled study. Zoisite does not reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity or cure allergies; allergies and lasting illnesses call for a doctor. For emotional wounds, too, the answer is a mental-health professional when needed, not a stone.

Amethyst

The purple variety of quartz, coloured by traces of iron working together with natural radiation.

Amethyst

The ancient Greeks believed amethyst prevented drunkenness; the stone’s name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk”.
In a book on stones published in 1502, the Italian writer Camillo Leonardi wrote that amethyst kept away evil thoughts and sharpened the intelligence.
Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that amethyst is calming and helps with sleep and with coping with stress.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy sites say that amethyst opens the crown chakra, deepens meditation and shields against “negative energy”.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy sites claim that amethyst relieves headaches and tiredness and strengthens the immune system.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that amethyst prevents drunkenness or improves sleep; there is no evidence either that it relieves headaches, strengthens the immune system or “opens” a chakra; persistent sleeplessness, anxiety or headaches call for a doctor. According to the mineralogist George F. Kunz, the drunkenness belief may have arisen because water poured into a cup carved from a reddish stone looks like wine, yet whoever drinks it stays sober.

Beryl

The mineral behind emerald and aquamarine: a gem family running from colourless to green, blue and pink, and an ore of beryllium.

Beryl

The medieval writer Arnoldus Saxo (13th century) records the belief that beryl made its wearer unconquerable by enemies in battle and in lawsuits, quickened the intellect and cured laziness.
Konrad von Megenberg’s 14th-century “Book of Nature” claims that beryl reawakens the love of married couples.
Fortune-tellers who claimed to see the future by gazing into crystals often preferred polished spheres of beryl to rock crystal, believing beryl showed more “visions”.
In Türkiye, stone sites and some news sites say that beryl, especially blue-green beryl, brings calm, strengthens communication and improves performance if carried before an oral exam.
The same sources claim that beryl is in tune with the throat chakra and supports thyroid problems.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that beryl has any of these powers, improves exam results, is in tune with a chakra or helps with thyroid problems; a doctor should be consulted for thyroid complaints. The “visions” seen by someone staring at a shiny sphere for a long time come not from the stone but from the viewer’s own mind.

Citrine

The yellow to orange variety of quartz: rare in nature, so most of what is sold is heated amethyst.

Citrine

Citrine was once believed to share the powers of topaz, with which it was long confused, and to soothe anger and calm the wearer.
Today crystal-healing practitioners claim that citrine brings abundance, success and money; some shopkeepers keep it in the till, and it is nicknamed the “merchant’s stone”.
The same circles claim that citrine does not hold on to negative energy and therefore never needs “cleansing”.
Some news and crystal-therapy websites in Türkiye claim that citrine helps internal organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and digestive system, as well as headaches and muscle pain, and makes it easier to give up bad habits and addictions.
The same sites claim that citrine protects against the radiation given off by electronic devices, drives out fears and gives courage, prevents nightmares when placed under a child’s pillow, and balances the energy of the home.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that citrine calms people, brings abundance or money, helps internal organs, protects against radiation or prevents nightmares; for a lasting complaint, see a doctor rather than relying on a stone. Moreover, most stones sold as citrine are amethyst heated in a furnace, so the “sunny colour” these beliefs rest on is usually man-made.

Garnet

Not one mineral but a large family: best known for its reds, garnet turns up everywhere from sandpaper to fine jewellery.

Garnet

Red stones such as garnet, whose colour recalls blood, were believed to protect the wearer from wounds.
In the Middle Ages, the red stones called “carbuncles” (garnet and ruby) were believed to shine in the dark with their own light.
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is believed to bring constancy and friendship to those born in that month.
In Turkey, stone sellers and some news websites write that garnet gives energy, eases stress and pain, and helps heart conditions and hormone balance.
The same sources say garnet strengthens memory, helps in exams and gives self-confidence.

What science says Garnet does not shine with its own light; it only reflects the light that falls on it, and tales of “carbuncles glowing in the dark” are legend. There is no evidence that garnet protects against wounds, brings constancy, or helps the heart, hormones or memory; someone with a heart condition should not leave treatment to a stone.

Labradorite

A dark grey feldspar that, seen from the right angle, flashes blue, green and gold all at once.

Labradorite

Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that labradorite “protects the aura”, strengthens intuition and offers support through times of change.
In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources claim that labradorite helps eyesight and night vision, joint pain, rheumatism and high blood pressure.
The same sources say labradorite calms the mind, reduces anxiety and stress, and boosts self-confidence.

What science says Labradorite's mysterious-looking flash is a physical effect: light interfering in extremely thin feldspar layers inside the stone. There is no scientific evidence that it strengthens intuition or protects anyone. The claimed benefits for eyes, joints or blood pressure are equally unproven; trusting the stone and putting off a visit to the doctor is the real risk.

Malachite

A copper mineral known for its light and dark green rings, used for thousands of years as a pigment, ornamental and jewellery stone.

Malachite

According to an old belief, malachite was a talisman especially suited to children: a piece tied to the cradle was thought to keep evil spirits away and let the baby sleep soundly.
In parts of Italy, malachite with eye-like markings was set in silver and carried as a “peacock stone” against the evil eye.
In some parts of Germany, malachite was believed to protect its wearer from falling and to warn of approaching disaster by breaking into pieces.
Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that malachite absorbs negative energy and the “radiation” from electronic devices.
In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources claim that malachite eases pain, muscle spasms, rheumatism, migraine, dizziness, and car and sea sickness.
The same sources say malachite calms the person, helps sleep, drives away feelings of guilt and fear and strengthens memory; it is also called the “joy stone”.

What science says Malachite is a copper mineral: do not put it in water to make “gem water” or an “elixir”, never soak it in acidic drinks such as lemon water or vinegar, and do not put it in your mouth; acid dissolves malachite and releases copper into the liquid. There is no evidence that malachite absorbs electromagnetic waves from devices, and the claims that it relieves pain or migraine, cures insomnia or improves memory are equally unproven.

Moonstone

A feldspar with a bluish glow that drifts across its surface like moonlight, scattered from thin layers inside the stone.

Moonstone

In Hindu mythology moonstone is believed to be made of solidified moonbeams; in India it is considered sacred and is believed to bring good fortune.
According to an old belief, lovers who held a moonstone in their mouths at full moon could see their future.
Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that moonstone supports women's health, fertility and emotional balance.
In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources say moonstone brings restful sleep, prevents nightmares and sleepwalking, and helps you remember dreams.
The same sources claim that moonstone balances oestrogen, regulates the menstrual cycle, eases menopause complaints, makes childbirth easier and helps sudden cramps.

What science says Moonstone's glow comes from light scattering in thin feldspar layers inside the stone; it has nothing to do with the Moon or its phases. There is no evidence that moonstone affects fertility or hormone balance. The same goes for sleep, nightmares and dream recall. Problems such as irregular periods, menopause complaints, childbirth or difficulty conceiving call for a doctor.

Onyx

Chalcedony with straight black and white bands. Most souvenirs sold as “onyx” in Türkiye, however, are really banded calcite.

Onyx

In the Middle Ages and in Arabic tradition onyx was believed to bring sadness, frightening dreams and quarrels; its Arabic name was also said to mean “sadness”.
In India, onyx worn around the neck was reportedly believed to cool the passions of love, and onyx was accordingly thought to drive lovers apart.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that onyx eases pain and migraine, speeds up the healing of broken bones, strengthens immunity and helps sleep, and reduces stress and depression.
The same websites say onyx protects against the evil eye and negative energy, gives confidence and patience and brings balance to relationships, the opposite of the bad-luck belief in the old sources.

What science says There is no basis for the idea that onyx brings bad luck or affects the emotions; the belief may have arisen from the stark contrast between its black and white layers. Onyx is a chemically resistant member of the quartz family with no known toxicity. There is also no evidence that it affects pain, migraine, immunity or the healing of a fracture; broken bones and lasting pain need a doctor.

Rose quartz

The cloudy pink variety of quartz, coloured by fibres far too fine to see.

Rose quartz

Today crystal healing practitioners present rose quartz as the “love stone”, claiming that it attracts love, soothes hurt feelings and helps people love themselves.
Face rollers and gua sha stones made of rose quartz are claimed to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that rose quartz opens the heart chakra and is good for the heart and blood circulation.

What science says Rose quartz is ordinary quartz coloured by microscopic fibrous inclusions; no scientific study shows that it affects emotions or relationships. Any short-lived relief a face massage brings comes from the massage itself, not from the kind of stone. No study shows that rose quartz helps the heart, circulation or any other organ either; heart and vascular disease belong in a doctor's hands.

Smoky quartz

The brown-to-black variety of quartz, which owes its colour to natural radiation from the surrounding rocks.

Smoky quartz

Today crystal healing practitioners claim that smoky quartz absorbs “negative energy”, “grounds” people and eases stress, and protects against radiation from electronic devices.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that smoky quartz eases depression and fear, balances the root chakra and helps back and kidney pain.

What science says The colour of smoky quartz is a trace left by natural radiation the crystal was exposed to over millions of years; it does not mean that the stone absorbs radiation around it or waves from devices. No measurement has shown that it gives any such protection. Depression and lasting pain are medical problems: a stone does not treat them, and anyone with such complaints should see a doctor.

Amber

Tree resin fossilised over millions of years: a light, warm organic gem that sometimes holds prehistoric insects.

Amber

The Roman writer Pliny (1st century AD) reports that peasant women in northern Italy wore amber necklaces both as ornaments and because amber was believed to be good for disorders of the throat and tonsils.
According to Pliny, amber was also believed to benefit babies when hung on them as an amulet.
Today some sellers and parents believe that teething necklaces made of Baltic amber release succinic acid into the skin and ease babies’ teething pain.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy sites claim that an amber necklace worn at the neck helps with goitre, thyroid inflammation, asthma and bronchitis.
In Türkiye, sellers of amber prayer beads and jewellery say that amber gives off “negative ions” when it touches the skin and soothes stress and anxiety.

What science says A laboratory study published in 2019 showed that amber beads do not release succinic acid at body temperature in amounts that could be absorbed through the skin, and that succinic acid has no anti-inflammatory effect at such levels. Teething necklaces, meanwhile, carry serious risks of choking and strangulation for babies; the FDA recommends not using them. There is likewise no evidence that amber cures goitre, thyroid disease, asthma or bronchitis; delaying treatment for these conditions can make them worse, so a doctor should be consulted. There is no measurable evidence either that amber gives off “negative ions”.

Aquamarine

The blue member of the beryl family, named after seawater: often found as large, clear, nearly flawless crystals.

Aquamarine

A Greek lapidary thought to date from the 3rd or 4th century AD records the belief that a sea-green beryl (most likely aquamarine), set in one of the amulets worn by sailors, banished fear.
Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that aquamarine is calming and makes it easier to express oneself.
In Türkiye, crystal-therapy sites and some news sites say that aquamarine is in tune with the throat chakra and helps with thyroid problems and sore throats.
The same sources treat aquamarine as a symbol of fidelity and trust in relationships and recommend it as an engagement or anniversary gift for a happy marriage.

What science says These beliefs draw largely on the stone’s seawater colour and its name; there is no scientific evidence that aquamarine reduces fear or anxiety, helps with throat or thyroid complaints or strengthens a chakra; a doctor should be consulted if a sore throat or thyroid symptoms persist. Its role as a symbol of fidelity comes from the tradition of giving gifts, not from the stone.

Meteorite

Chondrite

A leftover from the birth of the Solar System, full of tiny once-molten droplets, and the commonest kind of meteorite to fall to Earth.

Chondrite

The LL6 chondrite that fell at Ensisheim in Alsace (now France) in 1492 was taken by the Habsburg ruler Maximilian and his advisers as a good omen of victory in his war against France; on his orders it was kept in the town church, hung from a chain.
Today some crystal-healing practitioners and sellers claim that meteorites such as chondrites carry a “cosmic” energy that clears negative energy and eases fears.

What science says Chondrites are stones made of the Solar System’s earliest material; their olivine, pyroxene and iron–nickel grains give off no “energy” different from minerals on Earth, and there is no scientific evidence that they affect the wearer. Moreover, many stones sold as “meteor stones” are not meteorites at all.

Coral

The red limestone skeleton of tiny deep-sea animals: an organic gem that grows so slowly it needs protecting.

Coral

In ancient Rome, branches of coral hung around children’s necks were believed to protect them from dangers from outside.
In Italy, red coral is believed to protect against the evil eye and spells; for this it was thought that the coral should be unworked and worn where it would be clearly seen.
In medieval and Renaissance Europe, red coral was believed to turn pale when its wearer fell ill or was about to.
Some news and stone-selling websites in Türkiye claim that coral eases anxiety, strengthens love and communication, activates life energy and protects against bad energy.

What science says Coral does not change colour with the wearer’s health; its red and pink colours come from carotenoid pigments in the skeleton. Being calcite, coral can lose its polish through contact with acids and cosmetics, and there is no scientific evidence that it protects against the evil eye or danger, eases anxiety or boosts love and energy.

Jade

Really a shared name for two stones: nephrite and jadeite, extremely tough materials used for tools, jewellery and art for thousands of years.

Jade

In the 16th century the Spaniards reported to Europe that the peoples of Central America used jade against pains in the side and kidneys; the names “jade” (from the Spanish piedra de ijada, “stone of the side”) and “nephrite” (from the Greek nephros, “kidney”) come from this belief.
In China, carrying jade and handling it was believed to pass the stone’s virtue into the body; padlock-shaped jade amulets hung around children’s necks were thought to protect them from illness.
In ancient China, tomb jades such as the “mouth jade” placed in the mouths of the dead were believed to protect the deceased.
Today jade rollers used for facial massage are claimed to firm and rejuvenate the skin.
In Turkey some newspapers and news websites write that jade has beneficial effects on the kidneys (citing Chinese medicine), brings physical balance and increases patience and tolerance.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that jade cures kidney disease, rejuvenates the skin, gives physical balance or increases patience, and someone with kidney trouble should not leave treatment to a stone. According to Kunz, the Spaniards who spread the kidney belief in Europe may even have invented it to raise the value of the stone. The brief cooling effect of a roller massage can be had from any cold, smooth surface, and some rollers sold as “jade” are not real jade at all.

Lapis lazuli

A midnight-blue rock flecked with gold, used for thousands of years in seals, jewellery and painters' ultramarine.

Lapis lazuli

In ancient Egypt, amulets believed to protect the heart were made of lapis lazuli and engraved with particular chapters of the Book of the Dead; lapis amulets in the form of an eye, decorated with gold, were also thought to be very powerful.
Old books on stones held that lapis cured melancholy and fevers that returned every few days.
Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that lapis is linked to the “throat chakra” and strengthens communication and wisdom.
In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources claim that lapis lazuli strengthens memory and brings mental clarity for better decisions.
The same sources say lapis reduces stress, boosts self-confidence, helps kidney and bone pain and, when carried against the skin, helps anxiety-related insomnia.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that lapis has any effect on melancholy, fevers, communication, memory, kidney and bone pain, stress or insomnia. Lasting anxiety or sleeplessness is a medical problem; do not put off seeing a doctor because of a stone. Because some lapis on the market is dyed, the dye can leach out when the stone is left in water; do not make “gem water” with it, and do not put the stone or its powder in your mouth.

Oltu stone

Erzurum’s black treasure: a kind of jet made from coalified wood, famous for its prayer beads.

Oltu stone

In Türkiye, people who tell Oltu stone prayer beads are believed to discharge the static electricity built up in their bodies and so get rid of stress.
In Roman times jet was used in amulets and pendants believed to protect against the evil eye.
The Roman writer Pliny wrote that the smoke of burning jet drove snakes away.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and some lifestyle websites say that Oltu stone reduces stress and anger, eases symptoms of depression, gives confidence and courage, and helps forgetfulness.
The same sources claim that the stone helps migraine, throat and thyroid complaints and hair loss, and acts as an “antiseptic” that prevents infections.

What science says Oltu stone is an electrical insulator, which is exactly why it becomes charged when rubbed; it cannot “draw off” static electricity from the body. If telling prayer beads has a calming effect, it does not depend on what the beads are made of. No study shows that Oltu stone helps depression, migraine, the thyroid or infections either; see a doctor for these.

Mineraloid

Opal

Water-bearing silica with no crystal structure: in precious opal, tiny stacked spheres split light into flashes of rainbow colour.

Opal

In the Middle Ages opal was believed to cure eye diseases and to make its wearer invisible, which is why it was also called the “patron of thieves”.
The ancient Greeks are said to have believed that opal gave its owner the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease.
Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that opal intensifies emotions and boosts creativity.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites say that opal helps eyesight, joint pain and kidney complaints, strengthens immunity and flushes heavy metals and poisons out of the body; it is also popularly known there as the “antidote stone”.
The same websites claim that opal reduces stress, gives self-confidence and creativity, and instils hope and love.

What science says Opal's colours come from tiny silica spheres diffracting light; there is no evidence that it heals the eyes or protects against disease. Eye complaints call for an eye doctor. The claims that opal helps kidney or joint problems or removes heavy metals and poisons from the body are equally unproven; against real poisoning the stone offers no protection, and medical help must be sought at once. Because some opals absorb water, soaking them to make “gem water” can also damage the stone.

Peridot

A green gem from deep inside the Earth, and very rarely from space: the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine.

Peridot

Old beliefs that linked peridot with light and the sun held that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night”, meaning nightmares and fears, especially when set in gold.
According to an old belief, to guard against evil spirits a peridot was pierced, strung on the hair of a donkey and tied to the left arm.
Today crystal healing practitioners claim that peridot soothes emotions such as jealousy and anger and brings abundance and good luck.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that peridot, sold there as “zebercet”, balances the heart chakra, cleanses the body and eases stomach and digestive problems.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that peridot prevents nightmares or affects emotions. According to George F. Kunz, these beliefs grew out of the stone’s association with the sun, which drives away darkness. There is no evidence that peridot helps the stomach, digestion or heart, or that it “cleanses” the body.

Topaz

The reference mineral for 8 on the Mohs scale: a hard, brilliant gem whose blue colour is almost always added by people.

Topaz

In the 12th century, Hildegard of Bingen wrote that gently moistening the eyes with a topaz that had been steeped in wine for three days would cure dim vision.
In Renaissance Europe people believed that topaz could break magic spells and calm anger.
According to GIA, many people in India have long believed that topaz worn above the heart brings long life, beauty and intelligence.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that topaz brings luck, plenty and money and strengthens creativity and self-expression.
The same sources also say that blue topaz opens the throat chakra, reduces stress and regulates digestion and metabolism.

What science says In old texts the name “topaz” often referred not to today's topaz but to greenish peridot or other yellow stones, so it is unclear which stone these beliefs even belong to. Never put stones, or a liquid a stone has soaked in, on the eyes; anyone with vision problems should see an eye doctor. Topaz has not been shown to bring luck or money or to regulate digestion and metabolism, and it is worth remembering that the colour of most blue topaz on the market is produced by irradiation and heat treatment.

Tourmaline

A gem family that comes in almost every colour of the rainbow, sometimes several in one crystal, and becomes electrically charged when heated.

Tourmaline

Today crystal healing practitioners claim that black tourmaline (schorl) protects people by absorbing “negative energy” and the waves given off by devices such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers.
Hair dryers, combs and bracelets containing powdered tourmaline are sold with claims that they give off “negative ions” and infrared rays that are good for health.
In Türkiye, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that tourmaline strengthens circulation and immunity and eases tiredness and stress; those selling tourmaline back and knee bands and bracelets claim that these speed up blood flow and reduce pain.
Crystal-therapy websites claim that pink tourmaline (rubellite) opens the heart and increases love and compassion.

What science says The electric charge that builds up at the ends of a heated or squeezed tourmaline crystal is a real physical effect, but it is tiny and quickly dissipates. It has not been shown that a stone “absorbs” phone signals or produces enough negative ions to affect health. Nor has it been shown that tourmaline bands relieve pain or improve circulation, and some “negative ion” products have been measured to contain radioactive material. Lasting pain and circulation problems call for a doctor.

Diaspore

A rare mineral that looks greenish in daylight and pinkish under incandescent light; gem-quality material comes almost only from Muğla.

Diaspore

In Türkiye, some sellers and websites claim that sultanit relieves muscle tension and pain, clears the mind, eases anxiety and drives away negative energy.

What science says Sultanit’s colour change is a physical effect, caused by the stone transmitting the colours of different light sources in different proportions, and there is no scientific evidence that it affects pain, anxiety or thinking. Moreover, some stones sold as “sultanit” are colour-change glass or synthetic material.

Pearl

An organic gem that grows layer by layer inside oysters and mussels and glows without any cutting or polishing.

Pearl

In traditional Chinese medicine, ground pearl powder is used as a medicine and beauty product and is believed to improve the skin and calm the mind.
In Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicine, pearl powder is claimed to stimulate digestion and to treat mental ailments.
In some folk beliefs pearls stand for tears, and a bride who wears pearls on her wedding day is believed to bring tears into her marriage.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that pearl is tied to the moon, brings emotional balance, strengthens the nervous system and reduces stress and anxiety.

What science says Pearl is mostly calcium carbonate, chemically the same substance as chalk and limestone; there is no scientific evidence that pearl powder does anything an ordinary calcium source does not. Nor is there any basis for the belief that pearls bring tears or bad luck. No study supports the sellers' claim that pearl strengthens the nervous system or reduces stress; the good feeling a pearl necklace gives comes from wearing a beautiful object.

Tanzanite

Zoisite that looks blue or violet depending on the viewing direction, mined commercially in just one small area of Tanzania.

Tanzanite

Today crystal healing practitioners claim that tanzanite strengthens intuition and raises “spiritual awareness”.
Crystal-therapy websites claim that tanzanite opens the throat, third-eye and crown chakras, makes communication easier and helps overcome fear.
Crystal-therapy websites also claim that tanzanite strengthens the immune system, “purifies” the blood and eases migraines and stress.

What science says Tanzanite was only found in 1967, so it has no traditional lore; all these claims are recent and none has any scientific basis. It is also worth remembering that the colour of most stones on the market is produced by heat treatment. Tanzanite does not strengthen immunity, purify the blood or treat migraines; recurring headaches call for a doctor.

Sapphire

Corundum in almost any colour except red; the most famous is the blue sapphire, coloured by iron and titanium.

Sapphire

According to the ancient writer Damigeron, kings wore sapphire around their necks in the belief that it guarded them from harm and envy and won them divine favour.
In the Middle Ages sapphire was believed to neutralise poison, cleanse the eyes and protect the sight.
In Hindu astrology blue sapphire is the stone of Saturn; because it is believed to bring great fortune to some and disaster to others, people are advised to wear it on trial for a few days first.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that sapphire calms the mind, sharpens focus and wisdom and helps with insomnia.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that sapphire neutralises poison or improves eyesight; corundum is extremely resistant chemically and releases nothing into water or the body. Eye complaints call for an eye doctor. No study shows that sapphire calms the mind, improves focus or cures insomnia either; lasting insomnia calls for a doctor.

Everyday name

Lava stone

The “lava stone” in bead bracelets is a basaltic volcanic rock riddled with gas bubbles; it is often dyed black.

Lava stone

According to today’s crystal sellers and crystal therapy writers, lava stone, born of the fire deep inside the Earth, “grounds” the wearer, calms them and soothes anger.
The same sources claim that lava stone gives the wearer strength, courage and vitality.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that lava stone calms people or gives them strength or courage; it is an ordinary volcanic rock riddled with gas bubbles. The only real property of the beads is their porosity: they soak up a drop of essential oil and give off its scent for a while. Bear in mind that essential oils can cause skin irritation and allergies.

Pumice

The stone that floats: volcanic glass frothed up by gas in an eruption and frozen full of holes.

Pumice

In ancient Chinese medicine, ground pumice added to teas together with ground mica and fossil bones was believed to calm the spirit.

What science says There is no evidence that pumice powder has a calming effect; pumice is volcanic glass, and its fine dust irritates the airways when inhaled. Its only real effect on the skin is mechanical: its rough surface scrubs away dead skin.

Celestine

A strontium mineral named after the sky, often forming pale blue crystals; the source of the red in fireworks.

Celestine

Today crystal-therapy practitioners call celestine an “angel stone” and claim that it is calming and helps bring peaceful sleep.

What science says Celestine’s name comes from the Latin word for “heavenly” and refers only to its sky-blue colour; there is no scientific evidence that it calms people or improves sleep.