Metaphysical Elements in Writing – Gemstones

/ Jan Sikes

Hello, SE’ers! It’s Jan again with the first part of the new series that’s all about including metaphysical elements in fiction writing.

Today, I’m going to explore the use of gemstones in stories.

If you follow my personal blog, you know I did a fairly extensive series of posts on various gemstones I own, along with their metaphysical properties. And while all gemstones carry some monetary value, the esoteric value far outweighs the physical value, in my humble opinion.

It’s easy to include stones with magic powers or healing properties in fantasy or even sci-fi. J.R.R. Tolkien introduced magical gemstones in his stories, as did JK Rowling with the Harry Potter series. Shakespeare is still the most famous and revered of English writers, with his work living on centuries after his death. He used jewels and gemstones as a symbolic reflection of his character’s feelings and the themes of his plays.

If Shakespeare could do it, why couldn’t we incorporate gemstones into mystery, suspense, thrillers, or even romance novels?

That’s what I want to focus on today.

Let’s take the example of a suspense novel. What if you give the story an added layer of a hidden gemstone that someone is trying to find, but the gemstone itself has the ability to be invisible? In that case, the gemstone could potentially play the role of a character. Or let’s say a character comes into possession of a gemstone that gives him/her a leg up against the antagonist and evens the odds. Maybe they don’t realize what they have when they first find it or doubt it has any magical properties. That would be believable. It’s normal for humans to question the unknown or anything different.

Kristin Hannah, Nora Roberts, and even Clive Cussler have written thrillers that include some magic and gemstones. Knowing the properties of the stones is key to including them in any story. Often in thrillers, the stone is the target of thieves or ill-doers looking for personal gain. A killer could wear a dark stone around his neck on a strap of leather. Perhaps he would think it made him invisible as he walked among people.

Romance novels would be a great place to include amethysts or rose quartz. Perhaps they are given as a gift or passed down from an ancestor who believed they would help the owner find true love.

There are so many different scenarios where you can insert gemstones. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used stones:

  • Rose Quartz – The love stone
  • Tiger’s Eye – Brings about good luck, courage, confidence, and emotional centeredness.
  • Amythest – Is said to bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual realms.
  • Sodalite – Brings order and calmness to the mind.
  • Flourite – Absorbs negative energy and transmutes it into positive energy,
  • Lapis Lazuli – One of the oldest stones known to man. Encourages honesty of the spirit and in the spoken and written word.
  • Quartz Crystal – A shield against negative energy, and infused with potent positive vibes. Is believed to amplify other stones.
  • Aventurine –  A confidence booster. Nicknamed the stone of opportunity.
  • Obsidian – There are several varieties of this volcanic glass. It is said to be powerfully protective. Some weapons were crafted from Obsidian. My favorite of this stone is the Snowflake Obsidian which provides balance for the body, mind and spirit.

There are so many more stones I could list, but I’ll stop there.

Any of these could show up in the form of an amulet that gives the characters special gifts of insight.

Or how about a ring or bracelet?

Do you see the potential?

I would be more than happy to help you discover different gemstones to use in your stories, should you be so inclined. Feel free to message me.

I’d love it if you’d share your thoughts on gemstones and fiction writing.

71 thoughts on “Metaphysical Elements in Writing – Gemstones”

  1. Pingback: Metaphysical elements in writing – tarot cards oracle cards | Story Empire

  2. Maybe my most romantic and treasured possession deserves a book – It’s a right handed twin smoky quartz crystal – given instead of a
    traditional engagement ring.
    On amethysts, have always agreed with Anne Shirley – love them so much .
    Diamonds ? Boring…. –

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  3. That sounds like a very interesting idea, Jan. You are the expert, so I am sure that most readers will return to your blog and specialist knowledge.realized that Shakespeare also used gemstones. The old English literature is largely a mystery to me anyway. 🙂 Best wishes, Michael

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  10. Although I’ve only used minor threads with gemstones in a few stories, I’ve read a number of books where they take center stage.
    I’ve always been a fan of stones, and have quite a few jewelry pieces with stones. My personal favorite is amethyst (even though it’s not my birthstone). Fun post, Jan!

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    • Amethyst is such a beautiful stone, Mae. It’s definitely one of my favorites and especially because of the way my piece came to me. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

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  14. I like using gemstones in writing, Jan. My book Myths of the MIrror is loaded with stones :-). But I don’t include them often lately except as a unique word for a color (a topaz sky, for example), or as a unique element in a setting that says something about the character. You just gave me an idea of how I can use them in the next book! Lol. Thanks.

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    • That’s awesome, Diana. Your use of and knowledge of metaphysical elements do show up in your stories. And I can’t believe I haven’t yet read Myths of the Mirror. I’m off to add it to my TBR list. So glad you got a new idea for using gemstones in your next book! Thanks so much for adding to the conversation.

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  16. Very interesting, Jan. I’d never thought about stones in quite this light, but I’m sure thinking about them right this minute! Now, if I can just get my brain into gear and finish my two WIPs, maybe I can put your suggestions to work. I’ve got an idea ………… 😀 ❤

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    • Magical stones are easy to include in fantasy and even in sci-fi, Judi. I hoped to trigger ideas for other genres with this post. Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for leaving a comment!

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  20. I was obsessed with stones when I was a child. While I’m not as invested as I used to be, I still manage to use them in my fiction. Once (in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow) in a tangential way. And once (in the Medici Protectorate series) as a crucial part of the saga. They’re fun to play with. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Jan.

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  22. I’ve never used gemstones but now you have me thinking. After seeing Sue’s comment, I had to look up the story behind Apache Tears. Heartbreaking. I have a Tiger’s eye bracelet that was given to me when I was a teenager. It’s a beautiful stone.

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    • The story behind the Apache Tears is truly heartbreaking, and when I hold one, I feel deep sadness. Tiger’s Eye is one of my favorite stones. I have bracelets that I wear almost all the time. I’m glad the post has you thinking about ways to include gemstones in stories. Thank you for leaving a comment today, Joan!

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    • Yes, I am familiar with Apache Tears and have a few in my collection of stones. You are right in that they carry a heartbreaking story. I love that you are including them in your new book! Thank you for chiming in and I’ll keep an eye out for the release!

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  26. Since I was a child, I’ve loved beautiful stones found in caves and other sites. I knew nothing of the metaphysical qualities until much, much later. I simply was in awe of the fact that crystals lay just out of sight under the surface of our beautiful earth. My home has several clusters resting on shelves–a constant reminder of their Creator. Thank you for sharing, Jan, and suggesting ways to bring these beautiful gifts into story. ❤️

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  28. This post is very timely for me! I’m writing a novel – “The Stone Keeper’s Error” that a set of stones (not gems though) take on a character role and influence the main character causing strife and trouble. Your post lets me know there’s hope the story is marketable. Thanks!

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    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, CGraith. I absolutely love the title of your book! And I think the idea of a stone or set of stones becoming a character in a story is fascinating. And, my dear, I’m convinced that any story is marketable so long as it’s well-written. There is an audience for everything. Best wishes and thanks for stopping by.

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  29. Pingback: Metaphysical Elements in Writing – Gemstones | Legends of Windemere

  33. There’s definitely an allure to gemstones with magical properties, Jan. I added an emerald ring to one of my books. Of course it had to appear in other books in the series, sometimes making plots harder to work out. One must indeed be careful with magical gems!

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    • I love that, Audrey. And yes, I relate to your comment about making plots harder to work out in subsequent books. That’s what I did with The White Rune Series. In my books, the rune was passed from book to book. I agree. One must indeed be careful with magical gems. Thanks for stopping by!

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