Diamond
Description: Diamonds have a clarity that is unparalleled in the gem world. They are considered by some people to be the purest expression of gemstones, mostly because of their ability to refract the entire light spectrum. They will phosphoresce when exposed to radium, polonium, or actinum, and are without question the hardest substance produced by nature. They are composed of pure carbon and are formed by thousands of years of intense pressure and heat.
Location: Diamonds can be found world-wide, in Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Russia, South America, Canada, and Tanzania. Most of the world’s supply of diamonds are controlled by the massive jewelry company, DeBeer’s, who’s main operation outpost is in South Africa.
Astrological Sign: The Sun
Spiritual Uses: Diamond is frequently combined with other gems or crystals for its ability to amplify the energy of whatever it comes in contact with. If not combined, but worn alone, Diamond will amplify the energy of the wearer, positive or negative. If one has a positive attitude, one can learn a great deal from Diamonds, including balance and the ability to blend all the aspects of life into a pure and cohesive unit, that can, in turn, amplify the energy state surrounding you. When worn, Diamond promotes spirituality, even ecstasy, the shaman’s ritual state of consciousness. In meditation and spiritual purposes, it is often used. One such spiritual use for the Diamond is to increase one’s physical strength. This is because of the Diamond’s hardness and associations with the Sun.
Physical Uses: Because of their hardness and purity, diamonds are as much in demand for industrial uses as for jewelry and gemstone healing. They are a symbol of power and wealth and are highly coveted. It has been said that the blue light within the color spectrum of a Diamond is beneficial for glaucoma, and this being because of Diamond’s ability to refract all colors without diluting or filtering them. Diamonds are also said to be beneficial to the brain. When worn or carried, the Diamond promotes self-confidence in relations with the opposite sex, and is said to be potent for relieving or eliminating the causes of sexual dysfunction. The diamond is a cleansing, purifying, and releasing stone in sexual matters, and it can help remove cultural blockages that have kept women from experiencing a truly orgasmic state. Another physical use of the Diamond is for protection, this quality owing to its flashing nature. For best results, the diamond should be faceted into a six-sided cut. The Diamond is a stone of peace when worn, relieving nightmares and encouraging sleep at bedtime. Diamonds are, even to this day, used in engagement rings, and are said to enhance the love of a husband for his wife, and vice versa. Diamond is the commonly assigned birthstone of those born in the month of April.
History: In India, women who can afford to wear an unblemished white diamond with a slightly black hue do so to ensure male children. It was also worn to conquer infertility. In Rome, it was set in steel rings and worn with the stone touching the skin, this producing bravery, daring, and victory. In India, also, a diamond set in a platinum or silver ring was worn for victory in battles and conflicts. In other Diamond folklore, the powers of the stone were thought to be ruined if it were acquired by purchase; it could only be received as a gift. (The spirit dwelling in the stone was thought to be offended at being bought and sold). Diamonds were claimed by St. Hildegard to be enemies of the devil, resisting his power day and night. Associated with lightning, Diamond was also believed to owe its origin to the thunderbolt, and it is in some folklore, said to be consumed or melted by thunder. A fact not known in Europe in the 14th century was that Diamond can, in fact, be entirely consumed at a high temperature. Arabians, Persians, and modern Egyptians attribute the Diamond to a wonderful power of bringing good fortune. Rabbi Benoni (a 14th century mystic) asserted that the Diamond powerfully attracted the planetary influences, rendering the wearer invincible. It was also said to provoke a state of spiritual ecstasy.