Do you have a mood ring and wondering what the colors mean?On this page, I have tried to encapsulate how mood rings actually work with an easy to understand explanation. Next, I summarize the most common mood ring color meanings.
So, let's get started.
Do mood rings really work?
Yes. Mood rings really work.
Mood rings were first invented in 1975 by a jeweler named Marvin Wernick.
Marvin Wernick got the idea when he saw a thermometer made out of a thin strip of plastic that changed colors depending on the temperature of the forehead, or whatever other part of the body the plastic strip was placed on.
Although the medical industry have since moved on to faster and more accurate forms of measuring body heat, this color-changing technology is still used used on many aquarium thermometers. In fact, you have probably seen these plastic strip thermometers on the sides of aquariums either at your home in your local pet store.
The "secret" ingredient in this thermal reaction is a thermochromic liquid crystal.
Basically, when the thermochromic liquid crystal is cool, it absorbs all color wavelengths. When the liquid crystal begins to heat up, the molecular structure of the crystal rearranges and (depending on the orientation of the molecules) reflects back light of a certain wavelength. This is perceived visually as a color.The same technology is even used in self-testing batteries. You know... the ones with the little strip that changed from black to green if the battery has a charge.
Here's how it works: When you press the necessary spots on the battery to confirm it's still good, it completes a circuit involving a low voltage electric resistor and the power from the battery. The resistor is surrounded by thermochromic liquid crystal. When the resistor heats up, the liquid crystal also heats up and changes color. This gives you the signal that the battery is good.
So, yes. The thermotropic technology that mood rings are based on is perfectly sound.
But, how do mood ring colors determine a person's mood?
This brings up another slightly obscure technology lesson. It is about biofeedback.
Biofeedback is phenomenon that is used by many therapists to help patients overcome habitual worry, stress, anxiety and certain diseases. It involves the measurement of certain "signals" or cues that accompany the condition and makes this data immediately available to the patient.
This can be done by measuring skin conductivity, body heat, heart rate, sweat glands, blood pressure, blood flow, or by just directly measuring brainwaves.
By measuring the signals given off by the immediate condition, the patient can often learn to control the signals, thereby controlling the condition. This has proven effective in treating a variety of maladies, such as stress, high blood pressure, ADHD, migraine headaches, and even constipation.
The form of biofeedback that applies to a mood ring is temperature biofeedback...Temperature in the hands and fingers has been used for decades to measure certain conditions and stress levels. In fact, "machines" that use this method of finger temperature measurement can be purchased on Amazon.com for about $20. It is basically a digital thermometer and a velcro finger band containing a small thermistor. Simple.... but, very effective.
A mood ring works in much the same way. By combining these two technologies, you can tell the temperature of your finger with a glance.
Since each color represents a certain temperature, and each temperature represents a certain state of mind... mood rings are both real and effective.
What do the mood ring colors mean?
Mood ring colors and their associated meanings are subject to much interpretation. But, I have included a list of the more common mood ring colors you may encounter with a mood ring.
Even though we have provided a list of basic mood ring colors, keep in mind that everyone's body is different, and you may be better to make your own list of emotions as you experience them, and note the colors of your mood ring in the process. Making your own list of mood ring colors and associated feelings is a far better way to utilize the power of your mood ring.
Black = Stressed
Brown (somewhere between yellow and black) = Fearful
Orange = Physical pain (usually)
Yellow = Slight fear or nervousness
Red = Romantic or Turned on
Green = Grounded and peaceful
Blue = Caring or generous
Indigo = Intuitive
Purple = Heightened awareness
Although this list is very basic, it should give you a good starting point for self-discovery.
Just keep in mind, that although mood rings do work, and are quite effective as a means of self-therapy, they are not the final deciding factor on how you are feeling. Determining how you feel and why you feel a certain way is your job - not the job of a mood ring.
