Crystals and Colour
The Colouration of a Crystal results from how it interacts with light, and this is dependant upon the atomic structure of the mineral. There are two main types of mineral colours. Ideochromatic minerals are those such as copper or chromium, who’s chemical composition directly affects their colour. Allochromatic minerals, on the other hand, are coloured by small amounts of impurities, usually no more than a few atoms of some other element, that create anomalies within the crystal lattice.
In opaque stones the colours we see are those frequencies of light that are not absorbed into the crystal lattice. Where a stone absorbs all frequencies of light, it appears black. White stones reflect the full colour spectrum and absorb no light. With a Crystal that is transparent or translucent, light rays enter the Crystal Structure and are actually slowed and bent or refracted from their paths by the arrangement of atoms. Depending on how the atoms modify the photons of light, the crystal will shift a full sunlight spectrum toward the slower frequencies, thus appearing Red, or towards the faster frequencies of blue and violet.
In Allochromatic stones, the minute anomalies in the crystal structure carry different energy charges that capture proton particles and forms centres or colouration. When a Crystal’s colour changes according to the angle at which it is viewed, this process is known as Pleochromism. The internal structures and symmetry of the mineral break up separate rays of light in different ways depending on where the light enters the crystal. Diffraction is where the light becomes polarized, shifting speed and frequency, and emerges from the Crystals at different angles.
The Psychology of Colour
The Human Body is intimately keyed to colour through its very evolution and colour therapy is an important method of treatment. Colour affects your personality, whether because of cultural conditioning or your initial experience of a particular colour. We are influenced by the distinctive vibrations that each colour possesses. Each colour in the spectrum vibrates at its own rate and these vibrations correspond with the body’s inner vibrations. Each part of the body resonates to a different colour. When we are ill or troubled we can use the appropriate colour to harmonize our vibrations and restore equilibrium.
There are psychological associations with each colour, and colours can be linked with moods. Reds, Oranges and Yellows are warm and expansive and give a feeling of energy , excitement and joy. Blues, Indigos and Purples are calming and cooler. They quieten the temperature and induce relaxation.
Crystals and Colour ~ Colour in More Detail
Red –
Red is the spirit of physical life, full of power, fire and drive. It is courage and liberation, passion and excitement. Red has a burning desire to get somewhere but tends to act without thinking. “Red” people are reformers and fighters, and at best are fine leaders. They are builders of great things from very little. They are explorers, with the energy of the life force at their command. Pioneers, Military and Entrepreneurial people relate to Red. At its best, red will ensure a satisfying and passionate love life. Associated Chakra – Root Chakra.
Indications of Red Energy Imbalances:
- Cold, inactive or congested conditions
- Difficulty with physical movement, co-ordination or circulation problems
- Inability to sustain energy levels, physical weakness and exhaustion
- Being emotionally and mentally unable to experience life as it is, lacking in drive and enthusiasm, lethargic or uncomfortable with physical activity.
- Feelings of vulnerability and alienation, inability to maintain personal boundaries and easily drained by company.
Crystals to balance Red Energy or the Root Chakra are Red Jasper, Agate, Snowflake Obsidian, Hematite, Black Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Pyrite, Smokey Quartz.
Orange –
Orange is self-reliance and practical knowledge. In its role of assimilator, orange is the intestinal laboratory. It tests, then accepts or rejects. It has impetus, and it extremely persistent. But where red bullies, orange bides its time. Orange is genial, optimistic, tolerant, benign, warm hearted. It is friendship, the life and soul of the party. The unkind practical joker is the negative orange. Orange shatters: it breaks down barriers. Orange can eradicate. It brings up the energy of a past event that needs to be assimilated. Orange strength is subtle, It stimulates gently. It broadens life and is very purposeful. Orange moves on: it is the colour of divorce! Orange gives the courage to face the consequences. It accepts what is – and then changes it. Orange will not let sleeping dogs lie. It believes in the community. “Orange” people are usually skilled cooks or good at sport. Associated Chakra – Sacral Chakra.
Indications of Orange Energy Imbalances:
- Physical rigidity
- Restricted feelings
- Digestive disorders
- Lack of focus
- Lack of vitality
- Being stuck in the past or holding onto memories.
Crystals to balance Orange Energy or the Sacral Chakra are Red Jasper, Carnelian, Amber, Smokey Quartz, Tigers Eye.
Yellow –
Yellow is the mind, precise and optimistic, clear and in control through intellect. It is the colour of the scientist. It unravels and reveals, leaving no stone unturned. It focuses attention, loves new ideas and is flexible and adaptable. Yellow has no hesitation; it decides quickly and acts immediately. Yellow smartens the reflexes. It is a great communicator: the journalist, the entertainer. It has no shortage of words. Yellow unifies and connects – a favourite pastime is networking, When something is revealed to Yellow it immediately thinks of editing it for the public rather than feeling it for itself. Yellow is financial ambition – holding onto it may be more difficult. It is at the executive level of business and has the ability to get things done. Yellow despises pettiness. It has self control, style and sophistication. Yellow always broadcasts a feeling of well being. People feel good around those under the yellow ray. They are sunny and willing, unless they are upset, when they can become acid and sharp tongued. Yellow is connected to the seat of self confidence and self esteem in the body. There is no fat on yellow – it is so quick that excess has no time to gather. Associated Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra.
Indications of Yellow Energy Imbalances:
- Stress related ailments such as indigestion, insomnia, panic attacks, headaches and muscle tension.
- Skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis
- Nervous disorders
- Allergic reactions, food intolerance or arthritis
- Tension, worry and confusion.
Crystals to balance Yellow Energy or the Solar Plexus Chakra are Yellow Jasper, Citrine, Golden Quartz, Goldstone, Honey Calcite, Pyrite.
Green –
Green is harmony; it stabilizes. Green is midway between red and purple: it is the bridge, the gateway in the spectrum – as the heart is in the body. The lesson of love needs to be learnt in order to cross green’s bridge. Green is idealistic, socially aware, helpful and selfless. Doctors and nurses are on the green ray. It is dependable and diplomatic. Green can see both sides but can be moralistic. Green is clarity and understanding. It helps you to do the best you can. Green is about finding ones niche. It is self acceptance. Green is prosperous, especially in business. Green is the “good life” and the love of collecting possessions. It is wanting the best. Positive green is the giver. It is generous and loves to share what it accumulates. It is love of working outdoors. Green can indicate difficulty in finding a settled way of life. There may be a conflict if ideas and emotions that causes commotion and upheaval. But with green’s ability to discriminate and balance, this conflict can lead to correct judgement and action. Associated Chakra – Heart Chakra.
Indications of Green Energy Imbalances:
- Invasive illness
- Abnormal growths
- Lack of control at any level
- Sense of Claustrophobia, being trapped, unfulfilled, restricted or dominated
- A need to be in control or to be controlled
- Lack of self-discipline
- Confusion as to who one is and what direction should be taken.
- Isolation
Crystals to balance Green Energy or the Heart Chakra are Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Amazonite, Aquamarine, Emerald, Fuschite, Jade, Lepidolite, Mookite, Peridot, Rhodonite.
Blue/Indigo –
Blue is the spirit of truth and the higher order of intelligence. The head and the heart speak directly through the blue throat. Blue brings rest; it cools and calms; it slows down, and even retards growth. Blue is the tranquil spirit, the colour of contemplation. Its thinking is quiet and discriminating. “Still waters run deep” is a blue motto. Blue is peace with a purpose. Blue values integrity, honour and sincerity. It has a poised quality and will not easily draw attention to itself. Although honesty is a blue keyword, its negative side is a master of manipulation, so skilled that you do not even know you have been manipulated. Blue does not like upsets or arguments – yet if often causes them. Blue always advises caution. It is highly inventive. Poetry, Philosophy and writing are all blue professions. Associated Chakra – Throat Chakra.
Indications of Blue/Indigo Energy Imbalances:
- Throat problems, laryngitis, sore throats, tonsillitis
- Blocks to creativity and inspiration
- Difficulty with communication
- Being agitated
Crystal to balance Blue/Indigo Energy or the Throat Chakra are Sodalite, Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Amazonite, Apatite, Kyanite, Labradorite.
Purple/Violet –
Purple is the royal ray, the ruler, the spiritual master. It is also the protector and the spirit of mercy. Purple is the aristocracy of the spirit, it strives for enlightened perfection. Purple is the visionary; it works with the highest levels of thought, seeing and hearing without using the physical senses. Purple uses its psychic perception on an everyday basis. Purple comes to understand that the price you must pay for its royal attributes is sacrifice. Humility is a key aspect. But it can sacrifice itself for the benefit of all without being a victim or a martyr. Negative purple can be belligerent and treacherous. Purple is the great teacher who realizes that the pupil has to understand – facts alone are not. Associated Chakra – Third Eye Chakra.
Indications of Purple/Violet Energy Imbalances:
- An exaggerated need to sacrifice for others, that often disguises guilt or poor self-worth
- A tendency to live in a world of illusory value judgements or to escape into fantasy and day dreaming
- Delusional states and reinterpretation of reality based on personal fanaticism.
- Headaches, problems with eyes and ears
- Deep-seated glandular imbalances
- Lack of mental and spiritual focus
- Inability to concentrate
- Failure to understand what is happening in life or to a change.
Crystals to balance Purple/Violet Energy or the Third Eye Chakra are Amethyst, Fluorite, Labradorite, Lepidolite.
Other Colours
White – White is next to the cosmic intelligence of brilliance, a denser brilliance. White has just stepped down from the ultimate purity of brilliance. Its fundamental quality is that all colours are equal in white, White has supreme faith, which it derives from reason. It conjures up hope, but on the negative side white is its own worst enemy. White travels light , so it’s drawn to professions that are streamlined and precise. The civil service, banking and ergonomics suit it well. Associated Chakra – Crown Chakra.
Crystals to balance White Energy or the Crown Chakra are Clear Quartz, Selenite, Golden Quartz, Opalite, White Howlite.
Black –
Black is the colour of the person who keeps control by not giving information to others. Black indicates that something is lying dormant or buried. It is connected to philosophical thoughts and ideas. Someone wearing black continuously may be saying that there is something absent from his or her life. Negative black believes that all has ended, there is nothing to look forward to. It is afraid of what is coming next. But at the heart of black is discipline; this brings about freedom which is very liberating. Any cause that gives genuine support and works towards the light is working with the magic of black. Black can complete the incomplete. The mystic arts relate to black. Associated Chakra – Root Chakra.
Crystals to balance Red Energy or the Root Chakra are Red Jasper, Agate, Snowflake Obsidian, Hematite, Black Onyx, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Pyrite, Smokey Quartz.
