The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Diamond
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon that is usually colorless but can also be yellow, blue, brown, or pink. It is the hardest of the gemstones, rating a 10 on the Mohs scale, and not nearly as rare as the jewelry industry suggests. Diamonds are found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Russia, and the United States. The word diamond comes from the Greek adamas, meaning “hard” or “unconquerable,” which evolved into the word adamant.

HISTORY/LORE

Diamond was first mined in India as early as the fourth century B.C.E., and the stone eventually made its way to European markets. By the 1400s, members of Europe’s elite were donning diamond accessories. In the early 1700s, Brazil established itself as a major diamond source, and in the late 1800s large diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa. In 1888, British businessman Cecil Rhodes founded De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited with mines in South Africa, and by 1900 De Beers controlled 90 percent of the world’s rough diamond production. It was De Beers that introduced the idea of the diamond engagement ring, with the slogan “a diamond is forever” appearing in the 1940s.

USES

Healing Uses: Diamond detoxifies and purifies the body, balances the metabolism, and aids in the treatment of allergies and chronic conditions. It is also beneficial for eye-related conditions, especially glaucoma, as well as dizziness and vertigo. Use diamond to improve the function of the brain, nerves, and sensory organs, or to combat aging and boost energy levels.

Magical Uses: Diamond is one of the few crystals that never need to be recharged; instead, it can be used as a support stone, amplifying the powers of other minerals. This stone increases the energy of everything it comes in contact with, but beware; it can also increase negative energy. Use a diamond to shine a light on anything negative that requires transformation.

Feng Shui Uses: Diamond is an ideal prism, both colorless and containing all the colors of the rainbow. Hang a diamond crystal in any window of your home to harness the sun’s power and disperse light and energy freely throughout the space. Diamond is especially powerful in the Marriage/Relationships sector of the home.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. This stone clears fear and pain and encourages fortitude. It is especially useful for creative individuals, as it stimulates the imagination and inspires inventiveness. Diamond also cleanses and stimulates the crown chakra, which is the connection to the divine. Meditate with diamond to clear any debris from around your inner light, allowing it to shine outward.