Energy and vitality: which stones are believed to help, and what science says

This section reports beliefs; it is not health information. There is no scientific evidence for these claims and no stone replaces medical treatment.

What science says

Conflict with science: Moderate: an unproven claim

The claim that stones give off “energy” or “vibrations” that boost the body cannot be measured and has nothing to do with energy in physics. Quartz does produce electricity (piezoelectricity), but only when the crystal is squeezed, and on a tiny scale.

Stones linked with this area (32)

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.

Apatite

A mineral cousin of our teeth and bones, the source of the phosphorus in fertilisers, and number 5 on the Mohs scale.

Apatite

Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that apatite, blue apatite in particular, suppresses appetite and helps with weight loss.
The same circles also claim that, because it resembles the mineral in bones and teeth, apatite strengthens bones and teeth.
In Türkiye, crystal-therapy sites and some news sites say that apatite improves learning, memory and motivation to work, and makes communication easier.
The same sources claim that apatite drives away negative energies with its “high-vibration energy” and gives spiritual protection.

What science says The appetite claim most likely grew out of the name’s resemblance to the English word “appetite”, whereas the name actually comes from the Greek for “to deceive”. The calcium and phosphorus that bones and teeth need come from food; wearing or carrying apatite contributes nothing to them. There is no evidence either that apatite improves learning, memory or motivation, or that its “energy” protects anyone.

Calcite

The main mineral of limestone, marble and cave stalactites: it fizzes in acid, and its clear crystals show everything double.

Calcite

Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that calcite has different effects depending on its colour, for example that orange calcite brings vitality and creativity.
In Türkiye, some news sites and crystal-therapy sites say that calcite cleanses and balances energy and sets all the chakras in motion.
The same sources claim that calcite strengthens teeth and bones, eases babies' teething and dissolves excess calcium in the body, reducing calcification.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that calcite has different effects depending on its colour; its colour comes from trace elements in the crystal, from inclusions or from dye. Carrying a stone or giving one to a baby does nothing for the health of bones and teeth; calcium comes from food. The claim that calcite “dissolves excess calcium” and reduces calcification is not scientific either; calcification does not go away with a stone, and a doctor should be consulted if complaints persist. Giving small stones and beads to babies also carries a choking risk.

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.

Pyrite

“Fool’s gold”: the most common sulfide mineral on Earth, looking like gold but far harder, more brittle and lighter.

Pyrite

According to George F. Kunz (1913), some Native North American peoples carried pyrite crystals as amulets, and healers used them in their ceremonies.
In Thai folk belief, especially in the south of the country, pyrite is regarded as a sacred object that wards off evil, black magic and demons.
Today crystal sellers and feng shui practitioners claim that pyrite attracts money and abundance, and recommend placing it in shops and next to cash registers.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that “fool's gold” gives confidence and willpower and boosts energy.

What science says There is no evidence that pyrite brings money, luck or protection; these beliefs probably stem from its bright, gold-like colour. Pyrite should not be soaked in water to make “gem water”: as it decays in moisture it forms sulfuric acid and iron sulfates, and some pyrite contains arsenic. Nor is there any evidence that pyrite gives confidence or energy.

Quartz

The common root of sand, glass and amethyst — one of the most abundant minerals in Earth’s crust.

Quartz

Since the Middle Ages, people have believed that gazing into balls of rock crystal can reveal the future and hidden things; this form of divination is called crystal gazing.
Today crystal healing practitioners present clear quartz as a “master healer” and claim that it boosts energy and amplifies the effects of other stones.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that clear quartz (known there as “necef taşı” or mountain crystal) cleans away “negative energy” around you, sharpens focus and memory and balances all the chakras.

What science says The piezoelectric effect of quartz is real, but a crystal only produces a small voltage when it is mechanically squeezed; a stone held in the hand gives off no energy that affects the body. In an experiment reported in 2001, participants holding fake stones they believed to be quartz reported the same sensations as those holding real quartz, showing that the effect comes from suggestion (placebo). There is likewise no evidence that quartz “cleanses” a room, the body or the aura, or improves focus and memory.

Serpentinite

A green rock patterned like snakeskin: mantle rock transformed by water — and sometimes hiding asbestos.

Serpentinite

According to George F. Kunz (1913), Italian peasants believed that pebbles of green serpentine protected them from the bites of venomous creatures and, laid on a bite, drew out the poison; to work, the stone had to be in its natural state, unshaped by human hands.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that serpentine awakens “kundalini energy”, deepens meditation and eases cramps and digestive complaints.

What science says There is no evidence that serpentine draws out venom; snake and scorpion bites need emergency medical care without delay. Fibrous (asbestos-bearing) serpentine should never be rubbed on wounds or skin, and its dust should not be inhaled. No study shows that serpentine helps cramps or digestion either.

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.

Sphalerite

The main ore of zinc: with colours from honey-yellow to coal-black, one of the hardest common minerals to recognise.

Sphalerite

Crystal-therapy websites claim that sphalerite boosts confidence and creativity, restores energy after exhaustion, balances the chakras and helps the digestive organs.

What science says None of these claims is backed by measurement or a controlled study. Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide; it often contains toxic metals such as cadmium, and many specimens are intergrown with the lead mineral galena. It should therefore never be put in drinking water, its dust should not be breathed, and hands should be washed after handling it. Digestive complaints call for a doctor, not a stone.

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.

Azurite

A deep blue copper mineral that was the most important blue pigment of medieval and Renaissance painters.

Azurite

Today crystal-therapy practitioners claim that azurite strengthens intuition and clears the mind.
In Türkiye, crystal-therapy sites and some news sites say that azurite opens the third-eye chakra and develops “psychic abilities”.
The same sources claim that azurite helps with rheumatism and joint pain and eye strain, and strengthens the immune system.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that azurite has any effect on intuition or the mind, opens a chakra, or helps with rheumatism, joint pain, eye strain or immunity; a doctor should be consulted if pain or joint complaints persist. Azurite is a copper mineral: it should not be put in water or drinks to make “gem water”, put in the mouth, or have its dust inhaled; acidic liquids can dissolve it and release copper.

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.

Fluorite

Number 4 on the Mohs hardness scale and the mineral that gave “fluorescence” its name, found in almost every colour from purple to green.

Fluorite

Today crystal therapy practitioners claim that fluorite clears the mind and helps concentration and learning.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal therapy websites claim that fluorite strengthens immunity, raises resistance to infection and, thanks to its fluorine, strengthens bones and teeth.
The same websites say fluorite opens the “crown” and “third eye” chakras and absorbs negative energy from its surroundings.

What science says There is no scientific evidence that fluorite improves attention or learning. The fluorine in the stone is tightly bound in the crystal as calcium fluoride; carrying or touching fluorite does not strengthen immunity, bones or teeth, and the “chakra” and “energy absorbing” claims cannot be measured. Putting the stone in water and drinking it is not advisable: fluorite dissolves slightly and releases fluoride, and in veins it is often found together with lead-bearing minerals such as galena.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emerald

Beryl turned green by chromium and vanadium: the world's most famous green gem, almost always full of inclusions.

Emerald

Pliny wrote that emerald refreshes tired eyes; Roman gem engravers are said to have kept emeralds on their workbenches to rest their eyes.
From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, European and Arab writers believed emerald was an antidote to poison and cured epilepsy and dysentery.
Emerald was believed to reveal the future and expose lies; a magician was thought to be powerless while an emerald was nearby.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that emerald opens the “heart chakra”, strengthens love and fidelity, and benefits the heart and nervous system.
The same sources say emerald brings plenty and prosperity and is lucky for people born in May; emerald really is the modern birthstone for May.

What science says Looking at something green may rest the eyes, but that is not special to emerald; there is no evidence that emerald cures poisoning, epilepsy, heart or nerve disorders or eye disease. The “chakra” and “prosperity” claims cannot be measured; they are a tradition that comes from linking the colour green and the stone’s value with love and plenty. Swallowing powdered emerald, as old remedies prescribed, can be harmful because of its hard, sharp fragments.

Ruby

Corundum coloured red by chromium: one of the world's most famous gems, able to glow red under ultraviolet light.

Ruby

Old Hindu treatises on gems called ruby the “king of precious stones” (ratnaraj), and the owner of a flawless ruby was believed to be safe even among enemies.
A 14th-century text attributed to Sir John Mandeville held that a brilliant ruby protected its owner from all perils and guarded his house and vineyards from storms.
In Myanmar (Burma), a ruby inserted under the skin was believed to make its owner invulnerable to spear, sword and gun.
In Hindu astrology ruby is the stone of the Sun, and it is still recommended as a ring stone in the belief that it strengthens the Sun’s influence.
In Turkey, stone sellers and crystal-therapy websites claim that ruby is good for the heart and blood circulation and gives courage, passion and energy.

What science says There is no evidence that ruby has any protective power or makes anyone invulnerable; these beliefs largely grew out of its fiery, blood-red colour. Practices such as inserting a stone under the skin carry a serious risk of infection. No study shows that ruby helps the heart or circulation or gives anyone courage or energy either.

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.

Kyanite

Blue, blade-shaped crystals whose hardness depends on direction: steel scratches them lengthwise but not across.

Kyanite

Modern crystal-therapy sources claim that kyanite “aligns the chakras” and, because it “does not hold negative energy”, never needs to be cleansed.
In Türkiye, some lifestyle websites and crystal-therapy sources claim that kyanite strengthens communication, makes self-expression easier and clears mental fog for clear thinking, and link this effect to the throat and brow “chakras”.
The same sources say kyanite calms emotional turmoil and brings deep focus in meditation.

What science says None of these claims can be measured or tested. Kyanite's genuinely remarkable traits, its direction-dependent hardness, its use as a marker of high-pressure rock formation and its conversion to mullite when heated, are all physical and chemical properties.

Tektite

Not meteorites: natural glass made from Earth rocks that were melted and flung into the air by giant impacts.

Tektite

Today crystal healing practitioners claim that moldavite is an exceptionally “powerful” stone that speeds up spiritual transformation; some say that people holding it for the first time feel warmth or dizziness.
Crystal-therapy websites also claim that moldavite opens the heart chakra and speeds up the fulfilment of wishes.

What science says Moldavite is a silica-rich glass formed from melted Earth rock; since it did not come from space, claims of “energy from space” have no basis. As interest has grown, glass imitations on the market have multiplied too. Sensations such as warmth or dizziness when holding the stone can come from expectation; if dizziness persists, see a doctor.

Spinel

The gem mistaken for ruby for centuries: even the famous “Black Prince's Ruby” in the British crown is actually a spinel.

Spinel

According to a 17th-century account quoted by Kunz, people in India believed that “lal”, or balas ruby (red spinel), ground to powder and taken in a drink, banished gloomy forebodings and brought joy.
Today crystal-therapy websites claim that spinel shakes off tiredness and renews energy, gives hope and courage, and balances the chakras.

What science says Not every stone called “lal” or “balas ruby” in old records was spinel, because red gems could not yet be told apart reliably. There is no scientific evidence that spinel affects mood, and stone powder should not be swallowed. Today’s claims about energy, courage or balanced chakras cannot be measured either; the cause of lasting tiredness is for a doctor to look into, not a stone.