The magic of amulets through the ages: crystals in ancient cultures
For thousands of years, crystals and gemstones have fascinated people around the world, partly for their beauty, but also for the strong belief in their magical and healing properties.
Ancient cultures used crystals in amulets as symbols of protection, spiritual power and a connection to the divine. From ancient Egypt's shimmering lapis lazuli to the amber of the Vikings, these stones have served as powerful objects to ward off evil, strengthen body and mind, and provide insight into worlds beyond our own.
By exploring how different civilizations integrated crystals into their spirituality, we can gain insight into their beliefs and the deep respect they had for the forces of nature.

Crystals used for amulets in ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt is one of the most prominent civilizations in the use of crystals in spiritual and protective contexts. Crystals and gemstones played a central role in their culture and were used in amulets as a symbol of protection, healing and communication with the gods. The Egyptians' belief in the afterlife and their extensive spiritual system made crystals indispensable objects in both everyday and ceremonial life.
Crystals and their specific roles
- Lapis lazuli was one of the most valuable crystals in Egypt. It was used to make amulets worn by pharaohs and priests.
- This deep blue stone was associated with divinity and wisdom. It was believed to enhance intuition and protect against negative energies.
- Amulets with lapis lazuli, often shaped like a Eye of Horus (Wedjat amulet), worn to protect against evil spirits and provide spiritual insight.
Turquoise:
- Turquoise was often called the 'stone of life' in Egypt and was used in amulets to protect the wearer against diseases and accidents.
- This stone was thought to be associated with the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love and motherhood.
- Carnelian was a common stone in amulets and jewelry. Its deep red color was associated with life force and vitality.
- The Egyptians believed that carnelian gave courage and protected the wearer from evil forces.
- Amethyst was used as a protective stone that warded off intoxication and negative energies.
- This stone was also used in funerary contexts to protect the dead in the afterlife.

Mesopotamia and the role of crystals in amulets
Mesopotamia, known as the 'cradle of civilization', was a place where magic and spirituality were integrated into everyday life. For cultures such as the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians, amulets were powerful objects to protect the wearer from evil spirits, disease and misfortune. Crystals and precious stones were widely used in these amulets and seals and carried both practical and spiritual functions.
Crystals and their specific uses
- agate:
- Agate was one of the most popular stones in Mesopotamia. Its multicolored and striped appearance was thought to symbolize balance and protection.
- The stone was used in small hanging amulets and seals carved with images of gods, demons and magical symbols. These seals were also used as a kind of 'spiritual protection' when printed on clay to seal and protect objects.
- Jade:
- Jade was imported and sometimes used in Mesopotamian amulets. Its green hue was associated with fertility and life.
- Although jade was less common than agate, it was often used to create small statuettes or amulets that were placed in the home for protection.
- Obsidian:
- Obsidian, a black volcanic stone, was used in magical objects to ward off negative energy.
- This stone was considered a protection against evil spirits and was often used in ceremonies and to create blades for ceremonial weapons.

Ancient China: Crystals in amulets and their meaning
In ancient China, crystals and gemstones had a deep connection with philosophy, spirituality and health. Jade in particular, considered the most precious of all stones, was used in amulets and objects to promote balance, harmony and protection. Crystals were considered not only decorative but also part of the cosmos, where their energy was thought to affect human life on many levels.
Crystals and their specific uses
Jade:
- Jade was arguably the most prized stone in China and was considered a symbol of purity, immortality and balance between yin and yang.
- Jade amulets were often shaped like dragons, phoenixes or other symbolic animals and worn to protect the wearer from misfortune and evil forces.
- Jade was also used in ceremonial objects and funeral rituals to protect the soul in the afterlife.
- Clear quartz and rose quartz were used in amulets to promote love, harmony and emotional balance.
- In Chinese medicine and spirituality, quartz was considered a stone that could amplify life energy (qi).
Turquoise:
- Although less common than jade, turquoise was used to represent the energy of the sky and the earth. It was often associated with wisdom and good fortune.
- Turquoise was used in small protective amulets, especially among imperial families.
Amber:
- Amber, called the 'soul of the tiger' in Chinese tradition, was believed to contain the energy of the sun and protect against negative energies and diseases.
- It was often used in children's amulets to protect them from evil spirits.

Viking Age: Crystals in amulets and their use
During the Viking Age, crystals and gemstones played a significant role in spiritual and protective contexts. The Vikings had a deep connection to nature, and their beliefs blended animistic ideas with Norse mythology. Crystals were used in amulets to protect against evil forces, to give the wearer strength and courage, and to strengthen the connection to their gods and ancestors.
Crystals and their specific uses
Amber (amber):
- Amber was one of the most valuable stones during the Viking Age, especially along the Baltic coast where it was abundant.
- The stone was thought to possess the energy of the sun and was used in amulets to protect against evil spirits and curses.
- Amber was also used in funerals to give the dead protection and light in their journey to the afterlife.
- The Vikings valued rock crystal for its clarity and light-refracting properties, leading to the belief that the stone contained magical powers.
- Rock crystals were sometimes formed into small spheres and worn as amulets to give the wearer courage and protection in battle.
- According to some theories, rock crystals were also used as 'sun stones' for navigation, where their properties helped to find the sun in cloudy weather.
Garnet:
- Garnet was used in jewelry and amulets, especially to symbolize courage and strength.
- The red color was associated with blood and life force, making garnet a powerful protective stone.
Smoky quartz:
- Smoky quartz was worn as a protective talisman to ward off evil forces and curses.
- It was also used in ceremonies to strengthen contact with the spirit world.

Ancient India: Crystals and their role in amulets
In ancient India, crystals and gemstones had a prominent place in both spirituality and medicine. Their use was deeply rooted in the Vedic scriptures, astrology and Ayurvedic tradition. Crystals were considered to be physical manifestations of the energies of the planets and were used in amulets to balance these energies, protect the wearer and promote well-being.
Crystals and their specific roles
- Sapphires, especially blue sapphires, were thought to have links to the planet Saturn (Shani) and were used in amulets to mitigate its negative influence.
- The sapphire was worn by those who sought protection from misfortune and who wished to strengthen their resolve and mental clarity.
ruby:
- Rubies were associated with the sun and worn as amulets to increase vitality, confidence and power.
- The ruby was also used as a protective stone against diseases and negative energies.
Quartz:
- Clear quartz and smoky quartz were common in amulets and were used to balance energies and provide protection against evil spirits.
- Quartz was also used in ritual contexts to amplify spiritual energy.
Turquoise:
- Turquoise, known as "Feroza" in India, was considered a lucky stone that protected against misfortune and promoted harmony in relationships.
- The stone was often worn in jewelry or amulets to strengthen both physical and emotional health.

Pre-Columbian America: Crystals in amulets and their role
In pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, such as the Aztecs, Maya and Inca, crystals and gemstones played a central role in spiritual and ceremonial contexts. Crystals were used not only to make amulets but also in ritual objects such as masks, knives and sculptures. They were considered to have divine powers and were used to communicate with the gods, protect against evil forces and ensure balance in nature.
Crystals and their specific uses
Turquoise:
- Turquoise was one of the most valued stones and symbolized sky and water.
- Used in amulets to provide protection, especially for warriors, and to strengthen the link with the gods.
- Many turquoise inlays have been found in ceremonial objects such as Aztec mosaic masks and jewelry.
- Obsidian, a black volcanic glass stone, was thought to have protective and transformative properties.
- It was used in amulets and ceremonial knives to ward off negative energies and to cut away spiritual blockages.
- Obsidian was also linked to Tezcatlipoca, one of the most important Aztec gods.
Jade:
- Jade was highly valued by both the Maya and the Olmec and symbolized life, fertility and balance.
- It was used in amulets to protect the soul and to ensure balance between body and spirit.
- Jade objects were often placed in graves to accompany the dead to the afterlife.
Quartz:
- Clear quartz was used as a channel to communicate with the gods and spirits.
- The energy of the quartz amulet was believed to enhance the wearer's spiritual power and protect against disease.
Source reference
- Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt - Includes details of how different crystals were associated with deities and their functions in Egyptian beliefs.
- Andrews, C. (1994). Amulets of Ancient Egypt - A comprehensive book on the different types of amulets and their specific purposes.
- The British Museum Online - Has a large collection of Egyptian artifacts, including crystal amulets, which can provide both visual and historical detail.
- Collon, D. (1987). First Impressions: Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East - Describes the use of agate and other stones in seals and their symbolic meaning.
- Black, J., & Green, A. (1992). Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary - Provides insight into how crystals and symbols were used in magical and religious contexts.
- British Museum: Mesopotamian Artifacts - Online catalogs showing seals and amulets from Mesopotamia, including their materials and engravings.
- Rawson, J. (1995). Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing - A detailed study of jade and its importance in Chinese culture.
- Sickman, L., & Soper, A. (1956). The Art and Architecture of China - Explores Chinese art, including the use of crystals in jewelry and amulets.
- Asian Art Museum Online - Features a collection of jade artifacts and information on their use and significance in ancient China.
- Price, N. (2002). The Viking Way: Religion and War in Late Iron Age Scandinavia - Discusses Viking spirituality and the use of protective objects such as amulets.
- Williams, G. (2019). Viking Britain: A History - Includes examples of amulet findings and their significance.
- National Museum of Denmark - Has a large collection of Viking artifacts, including amulets and crystal jewelry.
- Kochhar, R. (2005). The Vedic People: Their History and Geography - Explores Vedic traditions and the role of crystals in ancient India.
- Subramaniam, R. (1997). Gem Therapy in Vedic Astrology - A guide to how crystals and gemstones were used in astrology and spirituality.
- Indian Museum Kolkata - Has a collection of antique jewelry and amulets, including crystals, from India's ancient period.
- Miller, M. E., & Taube, K. (1993). The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya - A guide to the symbolic meanings of crystals and other materials in pre-Columbian cultures.
- Finamore, D., & Houston, S. (2013). The Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea - Explores the Mayan use of turquoise and jade in ritual contexts.
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian - Features a collection of artifacts, including crystal amulets, from pre-Columbian cultures.