the gendered uses of crystals

For ages, stone has aided humans in their everyday life. But for some, a.k.a. hippies or the open minded, these stones are more than just an ancient tool to crush berries or spear a feed. Crystals are held by new age spiritualists as holding healing powers for matters of body and soul. Just as gender is constructed, these sacred stones have come to possess their own gendered meanings. Whether you’re a hardcore sceptic or a bit of a spook yourself, I took a look at the historical uses of a few crystals to alleviate problems associated with constructed femininities and to an extent biological sex.

Rose Quartz:

Best known as the “love stone”, it is often hailed as a woman’s stone – particularly touted as a lovely gift for a young woman – for strengthening relationships. Rose quartz is moreover believed to encourage self-love and feelings of worth within the person who works with it. It is said to substitute for skin lotions and potions when placed under a pillow during sleep, which perhaps sends a mixed message about loving the skin you’re in.

Moonstone:

Moonstone is a fertility stone, so don’t wear it or have it in the bedroom if there’s a chance you can get pregnant… especially during a full moon. Playing up to the “full moon effect,” this crystal is said to regulate hormonal cycles. Again, moonstone is said to strengthen relationships and self-worth. But it’s not just women who are benefited by moonstone. Moonstone makes apparent the emotions within and as such can help men with their emotions (assuming they have been striving towards portraying stoic, hegemonic masculinity.)

Yellow Aventurine:

As with other crystals, such as quartz, the colour of a stone is believed to bring unique powers. Yellow aventurine differs from its siblings in its use to abolish power struggles, particularly those between yin and yang – or masculine and feminine energies. In this case, all open-minded feminists should keep one close by when they feel the need to take down the patriarchy.

Red Coral:

Though not strictly a crystal, red coral is described by Karen Ryan in her book A Guide to Gem and Crystal Therapy as THE “woman’s stone” for encouraging tissue renewal in the female reproductive system. Red Coral reportedly helps women by working against depression and protecting against widowhood. Furthermore, it is rumoured to ease the nerves of parents who worry about their daughter being left on the shelf as it is allegedly able to help find a suitor.

Moss Agate:

Moss Agate is a fertility stone of noted use to midwives for its ability to provide pain relief during births. Its pain relief goes beyond those physical, supposedly ailing from a broken heart by luring in a new partner or allowing you to rekindle an old flame.

Smoky Quartz:

Perhaps a pseudo-saviour for insensitive partners, Smoky Quartz is hailed for its ability to transmute negative energy with many sources citing it as aiding PMS. Interesting. It is another fertility stone said to aid reproductive ails.

Garnet:

Garnet is a sex stone and is said to rev up a libido, therefore helping out partners where their level of desire is mismatched. More interestingly, the healing powers of garnet are alleged to help victims of sexual violence overcome trauma and assert their rights or personal power.

Rhodonite:

On the flipside, rhodonite is said to decrease lust and increase love in a person’s life. Rhodonite is believed to be another stone which can help with the aftermath of abuse with its ability to increase self-worth, purportedly best working in conjunction with rhodochrosite.

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