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GIA’s Gem Encyclopedia is a virtual journey through the science and lore of gemstones from across the globe. Each precious stone page features additional detailed gemological information, a buyer’s guide, photos, videos & research.


ALEXANDRITE

AMBER

AMETHYST

AMETRINE

AQUAMARINE

CITRINE

DIAMOND

FANCY COLOR DIAMOND

EMERALD

GARNET

IOLITE

JADE

KUNZITE

LAPIS LAZULI

MOONSTONE

MORGANITE

OPAL

PEARL

PERIDOT

ROSE QUARTZ

RUBY

SAPPHIRE

SPINEL

SUNSTONE

TANZANITE

TOPAZ

TOURMALINE

TURQUOISEThe most common types of quartz crystals include clear quartz, amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and smoky quartz. The properties of these crystals are not limited solely to the metaphysical. Quartz is used in the electronics industry to both resonate and filter electronic frequencies.

A beginner's guide to crystals
In uncertain times, individuals are turning to the practice of crystal healing. Here's what you need to know

In times of uncertainty, many of us look for ways to be more mindful, to calm anxiety stress, so alternative therapies like crystal healing are coming to the fore. The concept of using crystals to heal has been around for centuries but, with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham speaking openly about their belief in the practice, it's had a more mainstream resurgence in recent years.

Crystal healing is a type of alternative therapy that involves using gemstones to bring balance to an individual's life and mind. Crystals are said to "have a stable and unchanging energy pattern, each with a unique frequency and energy field, or resonance" that gives them special properties, explains Judy Hall, in her work, The Little Book of Crystals. As a result, "they act like tuning forks," helping bring "harmony" to the "very unstable energy field of the human body".

The benefits of crystals
The proposed healing benefits of crystals predominantly surround areas of mental wellbeing; including feelings of increased tranquility, positivity and focus, as well as enhanced immunity and pain relief.

Individual crystals are also known to have their own special energies that align to different areas of your life, with their shape and colour - as well as their type - affecting their influence.

ADELE
The singer has been open with her battle with stage fright before shows and is frequently quoted talking about her use of crystals to calm her nerves.

MIRANDA KERR
Miranda Kerr quite literally keeps her crystals close to heart. In an interview with us, she revealed she keeps a rose quartz in her handbag and in her bra.

JENNA DEWAN
The actor and dancer embraces a wide range of alternative therapies calling herself 'a hippie at heart'. She has previously posted photos on Instagram showing her massive collection of crystals, as well as of her experimenting with the Chinese practice of cupping (said to encourage blood flow).

NAOMI CAMPBELL
When travelling, the supermodel is said to keep black tourmaline and a rose quartz in her bag as symbols of protection and love.

Victoria Beckham told Allure that she travels with her crystals because she's "quite a superstitious person", and reportedly uses them backstage at her shows. "I've got all different colours," she said.

JADE : FOR HEALTH
Properties: longevity, purity, fertility, wisdom, peace

Jade has long been used to purify the body and has been employed as a healing tool for centuries. Using it both physically on your body - for example in the form of the ESPA Aventurine Jade Facial Massage Tool or as part of a meditative practice, it is said to help rid the body of toxins by stimulating the filtration system.

Properties: prosperity, creativity, digestion, confidence

Citrine is ideal for entrepreneurs with its power to stimulate the brain, increasing self-esteem, motivation and creativity.

ROSE QUARTZ : FOR LOVE
Properties:love, relationships, friendship, fertility, recovery

For those seeking feelings of unconditional love, both for others and themselves, rose quartz is a well-known and popular crystal. It is seen to replace negativity with loving energies, opening individuals up to self-forgiveness and trust, while additionally being used with the view to help increase fertility.

TURQUOISE : FOR THE CITY
Properties: protection, friendship, love, balance, wisdom, purification

Turquoise is used to protect against surrounding pollutants or external influences, by enhancing your immune system, and it is meant to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, making it particularly appealing for individuals working in cities. It can stabilise mood swings by aligning the chakras as well, meaning that it's a popular crystal for calming fears and exhaustion in daunting situations.

Crystal Quartz is a strong crystal for healing, due to the belief that it is 'the energetic bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds'. It is said to hold and regulate negative energies to allow for a balanced and revitalised self, boosting one's internal strength.