Worry stones are polished, smooth gem-stones, most commonly formed into the shape of an oval. Typically a small thumb-sized indent is forged into the stone. Some believe these stones help induce relaxation and eliminate stress.
Traditionally they were held in-between the index finger and thumb, carefully moving their thumb in a horizontal motion against the stone. Many considered them to to be, in form, a good-luck charm.
These stones may also be referred to as the following:
Fidget Stones, Palm Stones, Sensory Stones, Soothing stones, and Thumb Stones.
History
The idea of a worry-stone was not necessarily unique. Variations on the concept have been seen in ancient cultures across Greece, Tibet, Ireland, as well as numerous Native American tribes.
It’s recorded that ancient Greeks found natural worry-stones formed and polished by sea water.
Native tribes in North America often used worry-stones as a sort of heirloom, and gifted them from generation to generation to help their young form a connection to their ancestors, in which they deeply respected.
These worry-stones were considered sacred, although quartz was considered to be most powerful.
In Irish folklore it’s thought that rubbing a worry stone formed from connemara marble will help to relieve worries and bring good luck.
Today, you’ll find all sorts of worry-stones made out of all sorts of gems or minerals. Some even have messages or meaningful words engraved upon them.
This article was last revised on 02/28/2020.
