Crystals and gemstones have been used as amulets and talismans for thousands of years. In fact, it is believed that people wore earrings and necklaces before they started wearing clothes. During the Crusades, many soldiers carried talismanic stones carved with runic messages. They also carried bloodstones because this type of stone was associated with Mars, the god of war. The soldiers felt that bloodstones would make them brave in battle and protect them from harm.

I often get e-mails from customers asking my opinion of which amulet or talisman they should purchase from my eBay store.  My answer to these clients is simple:  the best crystal or gemstone to use is one that appeals to you.  You might like the color, shape, size, or texture of a particular piece. It might be your astrological birthstone. If you sense that it is the right piece for you, you should bid on it.

I choose most of my gemstones by psychometry. I hold the stone in a loosely clenched fist, or between my cupped palms, and experience the sensations the stone provides. Some stones produce feelings of comfort and peace, while others seem angry and aggressive. Many stones appear to be filled with fun and laughter, but a few appear sad. I choose the amulet or talisman I need by finding a stone that has the right feeling for the purpose I have in mind.

There are many other ways of choosing the correct gemstone, including one derived from your date of birth. You need to create a sum of your month, day and year of birth, and then reduce it down to a single digit. Unfortunately, there is an exception. If you come across an 11 or a 22 as you reduce down to a single digit, stop at that point, as they are called Master numbers. Here is an example for someone born on December 9, 1946

12 + 9 +1946 = 1967

We then add up the 1967: 1 + 9 + 6 + 7 = 23. Finally, we add the 2 and 3 together, which gives us 5.

Here is an example that gives us a Master number: February 29, 1944:
2 + 29 + 1944 = 1975

When we add up 1 + 9 + 7 + 5, we get 22. Because 22 is a Master number, we stop at that point, and do not reduce it any further.

Each number relates to a color.

1. RED: Red stones relate to passion, enthusiasm, and energy. Examples are ruby, garnet, and red jasper.

2. ORANGE: Orange stones relate to close relationships and personal satisfaction. Examples are citrine, carnelian, and orange sapphire.

3. YELLOW: Yellow stones relate to expressing the fun-filled, joyful aspects of life. Examples are yellow beryl and topaz.

4. GREEN: Green stones relate to hard work and accomplishment. Examples are emerald, peridot, and tourmaline.

5. BLUE: Blue stones enhance clarity and perception, and aid in goal-setting. Examples are lapis lazuli, sapphire, and blue tourmaline.

6. INDIGO: Indigo stones relate to caring for others. Examples are sodalite and iolite.

7. VIOLET: Violet stones relate to spiritual truth and the higher consciousness. Examples are amethyst, garnet, and purple ruby.

8. PINK: Pink stones are stimulating and energizing. They enable progress to occur. Examples are rubellite tourmaline, rose beryl, and rose quartz.

9. CLEAR: Clear stones symbolize pure energy. They are nurturing, loving, and ultimately successful. Examples are clear quartz and diamond.

11. SILVER: Silver stones are peaceful and gentle. However, they also possess great power, and provide enormous potential. Hematite is a good example.

22. GOLD: You should use gold when you are aiming high. Gold knows no limits. Examples are pyrite, pyrite-sun, and tiger’s-eye.