Some time ago I discovered Squidoo (now Hub Pages) and went little mad creating lenses on various topics. One of them was about these amazing stones found in North America and I have removed that lens / Hub and reproduced the information here. Known variously as Shaman Stones, Mochi Marbles, Moqui Balls or Boji Stones, they can be found in two places in the western areas of the United States, although more commonly at the Navajo Sandstone Formations. For this article, I will refer to them as Shaman Stones in support of their spiritual and energetic nature.

These stones are believed to be among the most energetic on earth. The major properties claimed for them are: cleansing, relaxation, and being able to provide a great boost to meditation and astral journeying. Each stone is said to have a distinct energy which depends on its size and gender. The gender of the stone is linked to the motion of a pendulum when it is held directly above the stones. If it moves in a linear direction the stone is male while a circular motion indicates the stone is female. Small stones are believed to have faster, more vibrant energy while the larger ones have slower, deeper energy.
Metaphysical Properties of Shaman Stones
Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources believe that Shaman Stones are deeply connected with the Earth. The stones are both grounding and energizing. Shaman Stones may be useful in connecting with one’s animal guides, and in providing psychic protection. They may also help with the purification of negative energies. Use on the third eye is said to enhance psychic abilities. Shaman stones have been used for centuries by spiritual tribal members (Shaman) and other mystics. They are considered sacred among the sages of many ancient tribes. The stones have been used in rituals to contact extra-terrestrials, spirit vision quests, and astral journeying.

Unlike most crystals, Shaman stones don’t need any special treatment or care such as energising in the light of the full moon. They are thought to be able to realign the energy centres, relieve energy blockage, stimulate Chi energy, ground, and centre and protect a person who wears one on their body or carries one or more on themselves. The stones are said to be equally balanced between grounding and energizing and may act as a connector to the Earth’s energies.
As indicated above, Shaman stones have metaphysical properties. These properties can be used for or related to the following:
- aligning the energy centres;
- stimulating the Chi;
- bringing knowledge of both the ancient and future ways to the user;
- a preventive shield against numerous forms of negative energy, working on the physical, etheric, and emotional plains;
- for grounding, centring and protecting oneself;
- allowing for and understanding Earth healing;
- used for treating emotional and physical rigidity, instability, constrictions and restrictions; and finally, though not exhaustively
- it has been used to teach a person that the bonds and restrictions placed upon people are self-imposed and discarded easily.
To take advantage of the energy of Shaman stones you need to lie down and relax. Hold a stone in your hand, or one in each hand. If you’re receptive to their energy it is believed that you’ll soon feel a warmth coming up your arms. Depending on what your intentions are and your mood, all kinds of fascinating things can begin to happen… or maybe you’ll just faze out of consciousness for a while.

Mundane properties of Shaman Stones
Geology: These stones are one of natures oddities. Cut one through the middle and you will reveal a hematite shell with a solid sandstone centre. The outer shell of hematite (iron oxide) congealed around a sandstone centre which may be stained in red or yellow from the iron oxides leaching into the sand. Occasionally there are extra rings of hematite in the centre. Shaman stones are also known as Navajo cherries, Indian marbles or just plain balls.
They are formed in the lower part of the Navajo Sandstone Formation found predominantly in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Part of this formation was laid down approximately 190 million years ago at the commencement of the Jurassic era. While we know when, where and what they formed from, there is yet little geological information to provide an explanation on how these stones came into being. It is highly likely that they were formed at a time when the original sand dunes, now the Navajo Sandstone formation, were underwater.
The iron in Shaman stones may originally have been a substance called Limonite which is a hydrous ferric iron oxide. This type of iron oxide is known to form a gel when under pressure. The sand in the Navajo formation ranged between 300 – 600 metres (1000-2000 feet) deep with a sea above it. At these depths there would have been a tremendous amount of pressure produced; possibly enough to cause the limonite to form a gel. We also know that heat can change Limonite to Hematite, which is a stable form of Iron oxide. This then solidified around a core of compressed sand and in theory, this could be how Shaman stones were created

Here is a by the way that is really out there
Earth has Shaman Stones. Mars has ‘Blueberries’. Moqui Marbles formed in the groundwater in Utah ‘s National Parks millions of years ago, even before marble-shaped pebbles nicknamed ‘blueberries’ were discovered on Mars by the Opportunity rover. After studying Shaman stones in Utah ‘s national parks, University of Utah geologists predicted similar stones would be found on the Red Planet (amazing don’t you think). The geologists said marble-shaped rocks known as concretions formed millions of years ago in groundwater-soaked rocks.
Maybe Earth and Mars are not so different after all.
Want to buy some Shaman Stones / Mochi Marbles / Moqui Balls?
On Amazon: moqui marbles
*Updates from readers*
- Boji Balls or Stones and Moqui Marbles are two different stones. Boji Balls are found in Kansas and are composed of pyrite. Moqui Marbles are protective, grounding and excellent for astral projection. Boji Balls are grounding and align the subtle energy bodies quickly.
- It is illegal to take the Moqui Marbles from the land in Grand Staircase National Monument and they are federally protected.
Source: Wikipedia
Source: Avalon Crystals
Source: Escalante Rock Shop
I dreamt last night of pulling a wolf card & here I am after meditating with my shaman stones. I joined your pack?
Namaste Jaimie
The Universe leads us to the place we are meant to be at the time we are meant to be there. Welcome to the Wolf Pack.
Timberwolf
i believe i have found moqui marbles in a river in middle tn. where can i take them to get them identified?
Hello Janie
Thank you for the question. While I am no expert I would expect that you could take it to the geology centre of your nearest college or university for confirmation.
Namaste
Timberwolf
I have a funny story.? When I got them in the mail, along with a Moonstone pendant…I showed them to my cat. He had no interest in. my moonstone but tried to snatch the pouch with my Moqui Marbles hehehe
Hi Brett
Thanks for stopping by and sharing that story with my readers and I. Animals can certainly sense the power and energy stored in some mineral and crystal compounds. I am not surprised you cat wanted the Moqui Marbles.
Timberwolf