Stones have had a place in different religions for thousands of years. The Bible refers to the twelve stones set in the breastplate of the high priest symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. In the Book of Revelations, there is a mention of twelve stones as the foundation stones of the wall of New Jerusalem. Though the symbolism of each stone is open to speculation, churches use most of these stones in one form or another, since the inception of Christianity. Precious stones adorn the tiara and miter of the Pope and Bishops as well as the shrines and icons found in Christian churches.

Temples and places of worship of all religions were and still are adorned with stones, as signified particularly by Moonstones in India, Malachite and Azurite in Egypt, Agates in Rome, Jade in China, Crystal in Japan, Turquoise in Persia (Iran), Amethyst wherever Christianity developed in Europe, and the Black Stone of al-Ka'bah, the House of Allah on earth, in Makkah. The Prophet, as well as the Infallible embraced the stone and so were the companions advised to do the same. The advice to Muslims is to salute the Black Stone as they pass by, as the sacred stone will register the salutation and witness on the Final Day. The stone is therefore, conscious.

In Islam, a tradition states that Ali (AS) used to wear four rings on his hand - Opal (Yaqut) for beauty and dignity; Turquoise (Feruz) for obtaining divine help and victory; Hadid Thin for strength, and Carnelian (Aqiq) to protect himself from enemies and all types of misfortunes. The religion Islam has strongly recommended its followers to wear rings made from different stones, as a way to increase faith, piety, and endurance. The stones of Aqiq, Feruz and so forth have been specifically recommended by the Prophet (S) himself to wear them at all times, and especially during prayer.

Stones have unlimited practical and medicinal properties. Besides Muslim scholars, many other researchers in other religions wrote of stones as a form of medicine. The ecclesiastical writers compiled the first major treatises on healing with stones. The use of stones for healing was carried out in different ways. At times, the mere presence of the stone was sufficient to affect a cure. At other times, the stone afflicted part of the body and sometimes the stone was powdered and eaten.

In any case, the theory follows that gemstones carry vibrational rates. By placing these higher vibrations of fields of energy within the human energy system - his or her energy's vibrational rate and information within the energy also, change for the better. They are also wonderful resonators. Often the effects are indirect but very potent. Other times, the effects are very specific, direct and repeatable. The vibrational qualities of the gemstones can further help achieve balance and awareness on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels (Morse, 2000), quoting Alice, (1996). Of course, different stones have been reported to have different effects on the person wearing it, and the persons nearby.

The energy of each such element creates an energy exchange when touching or in close proximity to the body. The above therapy and prevention of illness works through two methods. The spherical gemstone is a living container of sound and light energy that can transmit to other living beings by entering the energy field. Each gemstone has a unique rhythm, character, substance and magnetism, and so has different therapeutic properties. Therefore, wearing Aqiq, Feruz rings do not only qualify Muslims as being among the pious group, their physical and spiritual benefits create within us powerful and highly charged energy. Undoubtedly, most of these holy stones have within them pure and unadulterated info-energy as well.

Further, because these gemstones have the ability to assimilate and neutralize all the low-charge energy and unfavorable information within the energy we make contact with; the prescription to Muslims to wear such stones is therefore a medical necessity. We often collect stress and other's emotions throughout the day, and this blocked nature of our energy, if left untreated, can cause pain or chronic illness (Morse, 2000). The stones help one maintain a free flowing field of energy. The powerful beads mentioned later, the ones used in research often contain such stones within them, and people wear them as necklaces. In many instances, during an affliction, the Aqiq stone seems to take in, absorb into itself most of the negative energy in the environment, and even break into pieces. Such stones are not used again as their powerful nature have been utilized.

Finally, and as we shall observe, it is possible that specific gemstones have specific health benefits because each stone has its own definite reaction on the person's specific energy center. For example, the relationship between Turquoise and fertility is explored later. As noted in earlier sections, Allah, the Most High Himself, may have also established this healthy relationship. For instance: This means that the stone recognizes a Shia of Ali and produces strong energy fields that block adulterated nearby sources of energy. This is why Muslims have been advised to keep their rings in one place at all times when they are not wearing the stones - this way the energy that is absorbed and released from such stones surround themselves within the stone.

Islamic Gemstones
Carnelian, Aqiq is the most important stone in Islam and the most favorite stone of the Prophet, the Infallible and his followers. Besides the stone being the first stone to affirm the existence and unity of Allah (SWT), it also confessed the Prophethood of Muhammad (S), the caliphate of Ali (AS), and confirmed Paradise for the friends and followers of Ali (AS). There are also mountains made of carnelian in Paradise that shed the palaces of the Prophet (S). The carnelian, Aqiq stone has a sincere love for Allah and the Ahlul-Bayt (AS). As we now know, Carnelian and all other stones constantly glorify Allah and recite the formula - There is no God, but Allah! As we now are fully aware, stones are living and they conversed with the Prophet (S).

Carnelian has a sincere love of Ali because the creation of this stone was from the energy of Ali emanating from his blessed face. The Prophet has said that Allah once remarked: This stone has several healing properties in relation to the human energy. In Islam, whosoever wears the Aqiq stone signifies and finalizes his belief in Islam and is amongst the groups of pious people. Moreover, the info-energy of Aqiq also includes, besides others, its confession and confirmation of divine unity and relationship with Allah (SWT), the Most High, and Most Sublime.

The Carnelian stone balances creativity and mental processes. Historically, people used the stone to pull excess fever out through the feet. According to gemstone science, its color allows one to relax and helps to adopt a more positive outlook at life. This stone protects one from evil and unsteady energy, elevates the spirit, grounds low-charge and blocked fields of energy, thus assisting concentration and mental focus by clearing the mind and focusing one's thoughts - no wonder why the stone has been recommended to be worn during prayer.

Carnelian enhances mental clarity and positive emotions, promoting a brighter outlook and an appreciation for life lessons by teaching the individual to balance his or her higher and lower energy. According to the Gemisphere Luminary Therapy Guide (Katz and Hall, 1997), because of Carnelian's stirring and dislodging action, the stone is an excellent gemstone to use in preparation for and during an energycleansing program. The stone also releases sorrow, envy, fear, apathy, and rage, all at the info-energy level, which then translates in physical results.

Jewelry Mae (jewelrymae.com) writes the following in her description of the Carnelian stone: A worthy note - the faithful believers are identified from wearing this stone and in ones prayer. He, the Almighty has said to Muhammad (S): The Messenger of Allah (S) once told Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) to wear an Aqiq (agate) ring on his right hand because those who wear it have a quality that Allah has given to those who are close to Him.

In reports, Ali (AS) once asked the Prophet (S) as to who are those who are close to Allah? The Prophet (S) replied, Jibraeel, Mikaeel, and the angels between them. Ali (AS) asked, what kind of Aqiq should I wear? The Prophet (S) replied: Opal, Yaqut is another stone that Muslims have been wearing throughout centuries. Gemstone therapists use Opal to see all the possibilities in a situation and find it very freeing when blocked in a situation. Gemstone science has even attributed Opal stone for protection against anger and for calming one's nerves. The stone also aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. During the middle ages, Opals helped women to relax during childbirth. Once again, it is highly possible that the info-energy and vibrant nature of this energy within the stone helps stabilize and balance the blocked, unstable and painful info-energy produced during childbirth because of pain. Suffice to say that menstruating women should wear this stone to relieve the pain and sufferings of menstruation.

Turquoise, Feruz is a stone favored by many Muslims, and native people around the world have used it for centuries. People have used it for protection, healing, good luck, and longevity. It is enormously absorptive. The Turquoise stone will grow pale on a sickly person and recover its color when returned to a healthy person. This is clear evidence that the stone, amongst other things, does play a major role in the health and spiritual growth of a person, in particular balancing one's energy fields, neutralizing blocked energy, and makes it difficult the entry of adulterated energy from nearby sources.

Ancient people have employed this stone to promote meditation. According to Poole (1999), this stone is highly valuable for its ability to dissipate negativity from outside sources and aids in friendship, mental relaxation, and the respiratory system.

Jewelry Mae (jewelrymae.com) writes the following in her description of the Turquoise stone: al-Sadiq (AS.) reportedly advised Mufaddhal about wearing a ring encrusted with the Feruz stone and said: Many such stones are linked to good health. The Infallible (AS) further prescribed such stones as the Feruz to solve the problems of infertility. It is probable that the stone may lead to normalization of proceedings that result in fertility in men and women. The first Chakra (energy center) is in the sexual organs at the base of the spine and the energy released from this stone may have a direct effect on this energy center that is associated with increased sexual performance and reproduction.

It is said that reciting blessings on Muhammad and his Pure Infallible progeny alleviates anger episodes, stimulates memory and one should recite these blessings whenever in a situation he has forgotten something. The scholars of Islam have used this technique for centuries. Reciting Adhan and Iqamah - a Muslims call to prayer, where the glorification of Allah and the leadership of the Prophet and Ali is testified - recited on the ears of a newly born baby.

A case in point, it is said (based on the following tradition by the Prophet (S) that whatever stone Ali walks on become Durre Najaf - the Stone of Najaf al-Ashraf, and is infused with healing energy. The Prophet once said to Ali: Further, Ali (AS) wore Hadid-Theen on his finger during all the wars. This is why his followers wear such a stone when nearing an oppressive ruler.

Similar explanations can be given to the relationship between trimming facial hair and good teeth hygiene, or improvement in eyesight from looking at the Carnelian stone or greenery, and so forth These aspects have yet to be scientifically studied, but the power and ability exists through normalization of energy centers (and information within these energy centers) surrounding a specific area. Moreover, these specific stones (with specific verses and invocations engraved) eliminate satanic possessions, evil eye, and ease of baby delivery for the mother.

Select your Gemstone
As we have observed, gemstones have within themselves an electrical reality that have the ability to interact with both the universal and the human energy system. These stones may act as a solid barrier and protect the individual's energy from harmful, unstable fields of energy. One can wear an Amethyst, for example, to strengthen the energy centers and make it less permeable. Several others soak up the dead and unfavorable energy.

However, research into gemstones has revealed vital information that not all gemstones are created equal (Brennan, 1987). Because each stone has its own vibratory rate, one should investigate and make sure the stone is the right one for him or her. If the stone is too strong, it will increase your vibrations and eventually deplete your field. On the other hand, a slightly stronger electrical field from the stone may enhance one's energy system. If you wear a stone that vibrates slower than your field, it will put a drag force on your energy and slow your vibrations down.

Purify your Gemstones
One of the most vital aspects of a therapeutic gemstone is its cleanliness and purity. Gemstones must be cleansed frequently to maintain their effectiveness because they tend to accumulate the negative energy you release in the process of healing or from nearby sources. This kind of accumulated energy with lower vibrations burdens the gemstone gradually inhibiting it, until it stops functioning completely. Daily cleansing of your gemstones and wearing the gemstones during prayer and other rituals will maintain their efficacy while providing you with the opportunity to complete the process of release (of the blocked and adulterated info-energy within your system). Storing these stones in one place has been noted.

Looking at your Gemstones Improves Eyesight
For centuries, healers and therapists have employed color to affect moods and influence action. Because colors are powerful vibrations of energy, one can hardly ignore their influence and interaction with the human energy. According to the Infallible (AS), looking at the Aqiq stone improves eyesight. Similarly, science has recommended looking at other stones of different colors as they have different effects and science has noted such affects.

For example, the color orange in some Aqiq stones energizes the body. It also helps build energy and gives strength and endurance. The color green in some Turquoise stones balances the mind and nerves. Finally, the color red in some Yaqut stones increases energy and vitality (Lindgren et. al. (1997). Putting all this together, if one were to constantly look at such colors for a period of few minutes, the energy centers surrounding his eyes would undoubtedly increase their rates of vibration as more steady and free flowing energy is absorbed from the specific color vibrations. Looking at greenery has also been associated with similar fascinating results (Margo von Phul, 2000).