Intro to gemstones

Top 2 photos: 2 boxes of my gemstones. The first box contains: jasper, jade, rhodochrosite, rose quartz, selenite, malachite, black tourmaline & two stones whose names escape me at the moment

The second box contains: clear quartz, phantom (rutilated) quartz, blood stone, sun stone, orange citrine, aqua aura, amethyst, angelite, moonstone and a few more whose names escape me.

The bottom book is THE book I recommend for beginning crystal/stone collectors. This book is very resourceful, easy to read and gives astrological info with each stone, what number it vibrates to and the metaphysical uses of each stone. There are no photos, so for those who prefer a book with pictures to reference, I recommend the "Crystal Bible". It is a mini handbook that can easily be put into a bag and it has pictures of each stone as well as a description.

FAQ's that I get:

Why do you use gemstones?

At first, I simply found them to be a nice aesthetic for my room. I was drawn to them and I began to collect them. I love the various textures and colors. Once I started researching them, I began to use them for meditative purposes. I also use them in my full and new moon practices. I fill up the tub with warm water, my favorite oils, rose petals, light candles and place the stones that "call" to me around the tub, turn on my meditative music and just allow myself to BE. 

What is your favorite stone?

Moonstone. There are various types. I have regular moonstone, rainbow, blue and pink moonstone. I've also seen peach colored moonstone. This stone has been my favorite since I was 16 & was the first stone I ever acquired. I got it in a locket ring in an Autumn festival near my hometown. I will cherish it forever. Soon I will post all my moonstone pieces for you to see. I love the pearly, iridescent appearance, it carries a very mysterious intrigue to it. Moonstone, obviously for it's name, is associated with the moon, with feminine energy and is known to aid in balancing ones' emotions, it is a calming stone.

I hope you enjoyed my intro to gemstones. I'm certainly no expert, but I am a lover of stones and love to share what I do know to help others on their spiritual paths.