TCM Calcite Stone for the balance between emotion and joy

What is Calcite Stone (Han Shui Shi)? As a matter of fact, from the perspective of TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) Han Shui Shi refers to two different mineral stones – calcitum, an ore of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and gypsum, a natural ore mainly containing calcium sulfate (CaSO4). As a result, this herb is also commonly known as glauberitum, gypsum rubrum, and crystalline mirabilite. Since calcite is the most commonly used one, in particular in South China, it is the one we are going to focus on next in this article.

Most of calcite stones are regular massive crystals, often in the shape of rhombic prism, angular, colorless or yellowish-white, transparent, slightly transparent or opaque, and with smooth surface that has a glass-like luster. It is odorless, tasteless, hard and easily smashed. Smashed pieces are square or rectangular.

Main chemical constituents are calcium carbonate (CaCO3). And it also contains magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and other impurities.

Calcite stone health benefits
When it comes to the calcite benefits, as mentioned above it can be used both for decorative and healing purposes. Gem therapists in the West use it according to their colors – they believes that wearing yellow or golden calcite is able to bring in psychological harmony and wisdom; red calcite healing stone can increase energy level; orange calcite is in a position to provide extra ambitious drive for starting a new life; blue calcite is closely associated with positive energy; green calcite is capable of balancing between emotion and joy. In China there is also a similar story about a "longevity village", where the village people are accustomed to polish the calcite rock into a pillow for the elders. As long as old people have slept on that pillow for some time, they will sleep soundly at night and be full of beans during the day. Believe it or not, today this custom still remains in that village.