The Healing Benefits of Fossils

Most fossils form when a plant or animal dies in a watery environment and is buried. Soft tissue decomposes, leaving hard bones or shells behind, and over time sediment builds up and hardens into rock around them. In crystal lore, fossils stand for balance and a connection to the past, and here are five popular ones.

Here are five fossils and what each one means in lore:

1. Ammonite

Ammonite is a body of an extinct shelled cephalopod with a coiled, spiral structure that much resembles that of a ram's horn. At present, these can be seen as fossils in marine rocks and is commonly collected in Nepal.

In lore, ammonite is placed on the third eye chakra and linked with harmony, dignity, beauty, charm and charisma. It is also associated with letting go of mental obsessions. See our ammonite fossils.

2. Dinosaur Bone

Dinosaur bone, as the name implies, is a fossil from one of the world's earliest inhabitants, the dinosaur. It is associated with wisdom, the wisdom of who we are and where we came from, and with the history of our past lives. It is used as a calming stone during memory meditation.

3. Jet

A coal-converted fossilized wood that was derived from tall evergreen trees is called Jet. Jet is chemically similar to brown coal but is more tough and sturdy.

Historically, jet has been used as a talisman or jewelry for over thousands of years since it was believed to release negative energy and eliminate fear. It is regarded as the stone of protection during a spiritual journey that is said to protect you from harm. People that are attracted to its energy are said to be old souls that have been reincarnated on this earth. Since jet becomes one with the owner, it carries with it the energy of the previous person to hold or wear it. Because of this, it is recommended that jet is cleansed thoroughly after every use.

Other meanings of jet include:

• Stability in finances

• Balance and harmony in life

• Reassurance and calm in hard times

• Petoskey Stone

Petoskey stones are fossilized corals of the species Hexagonaria percarinata. The stone has a distinctive six-sided pattern made of calcite or silica.

The stone's abilities include:

• Enhancing or weakening the third eye

• Bridge to spiritual and earthly realms

4. Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is the most common fossil to be collected. It is an ancient piece of wood replaced by chalcedony, agate, opal, or other minerals. In lore, this stone is linked with focus, decisiveness and achieving your goals. Browse trilobite fossils too.

5. Sponge Fossil

Sponge fossil holds the history of the sea. These are used to promote connection and understanding with the sea and all it holds. Mainly, it is used to support people that work with marine and aquatic life.