In turbulent times, many of us harness ways to feel grounded, to calm anxiety and soothe stress, so it's not surprising that alternative therapies like crystal healing have come to the fore. The concept of using crystals to heal has been around for centuries but, with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Miranda Kerr speaking publicly about their belief in the practice, it's had a more mainstream resurgence in recent years. And, as with most trends reentering the zeitgeist, social media has played a huge part in its popularity – in more ways than one.
"What I have seen these last few years especially is this deeper need to connect," says crystal healer Emma Lucy Knowles. "I really feel the rise of social media has helped more people rediscover a sense of community as well as a sense of confidence in who they are. But on the other, we have become reliant on that fix, that energy hit from a small computer in our hand that never really fulfils us fully with that nourishing connection that the heart, soul and mind need. So, we seek deeper and scroll further searching in the wrong spaces."
Cue mother nature "and her abundance of goodies" – from plant power to crystal vibrations – presenting deeper-rooted connections. "Crystals allow us, quite effortlessly, to move fresh energy into the being, offering internal connectivity that enhances your external connectivity," Knowles says. "More and more people are tuning into how that energy can be beneficial."
But how does it all work? We spoke to Knowles and other experts in the field to find out everything a beginner needs to know...
What exactly is crystal healing?
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Healer Michelle Roques-O'Neil, who has worked with crystals for more than 20 years, explains that "crystals are different combinations of minerals that help purify, balance and realign by working with our bioenergetic systems".
Judy Hall, in her work, The Little Book of Crystals, writes that crystals are said to "have a stable and unchanging energy pattern, each with a unique frequency and energy field, or resonance" that gives them special properties. As a result, "they act like tuning forks," helping bring "harmony" to the "very unstable energy field of the human body".
Put simply, crystal healing involves using gemstones to bring balance to an individual's life and mind.
The benefits of crystals
The proposed healing benefits of crystals predominantly surround areas of mental wellbeing; including feelings of increased tranquility, positivity and focus, as well as enhanced immunity and natural pain relief.
Individual crystals are also known to have their own special energies that can align to different areas of your life, with their shape and colour – as well as their type – affecting their influence.
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The celebrity crystal obsession
Today's crystal craze has been amplified by the famous and influential, who increasingly share their possession of semi-precious stones and participation in using them for self-care. Adele, for example, has been open about her battle with stage fright before shows and is frequently quoted talking about her use of crystals to calm her nerves. As someone who doesn't present as particularly 'woo woo', her endorsement serves to validate their benefits for those who are crystal-curious but might not be knowledgeable on energetic traditions like acupuncture, yoga or ayurveda.
Victoria Beckham is another A-list fan, telling Allure that she travels with her crystals because she's "quite a superstitious person", and reportedly uses them backstage at her fashion shows. "I've got all different colours," she said. Likewise, Naomi Campbell is said to keep black tourmaline and a rose quartz in her bag as symbols of protection and love, while Miranda Kerr quite literally keeps her crystals close to heart. In a video interview with us, Kerr reveals she keeps a rose quartz in her handbag and in her bra:
The most popular crystals
Jade : for health
Properties: longevity, purity, fertility, wisdom, peace
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Jade has long been used to purify the body and has been employed as a healing tool for centuries. Using it either physically on your body - for example in the form of the Psychic Sisters Jade Facial Roller - or as part of a meditative practice, is said to help rid the body of toxins by stimulating the filtration system.
Citrine : for business
Properties: prosperity, creativity, digestion, confidence
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Citrine is said to be ideal for entrepreneurs with its power to stimulate the brain, increasing self-esteem, motivation and creativity.
Rose Quartz : for love
Properties:love, relationships, friendship, fertility, recovery
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For those seeking feelings of unconditional love, both for others and themselves, rose quartz is a well-known and popular crystal. It is seen to replace negativity with loving energies, opening individuals up to self-forgiveness and trust, while additionally being used with the view to help increase fertility.
Turquoise : for the city
Properties: protection, friendship, love, balance, wisdom, purification
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Turquoise is often used to protect against surrounding pollutants or external influences, by enhancing your immune system, and it is meant to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, making it particularly appealing for individuals working in cities. It can stabilise mood swings by aligning the chakras as well, meaning that it's a popular crystal for calming fears and exhaustion in daunting situations.
Clear Quartz : for healing
Properties: psychic abilities. healing, energy
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Crystal Quartz is a popular crystal for healing, due to the belief that it is 'the energetic bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds'. It is said to hold and regulate negative energies to allow for a balanced and revitalised self, boosting one's internal strength.
Amethyst : for mediation
Properties: healing of mind, body and soul
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Amethyst is also believed to have healing powers and is used to relieve stress and sadness, remove negativity, and ease grief. The stone's use can often be a symbol and source of support, as well as helping focus your mind and reduce the effect of headaches, making meditation easier and more beneficial in the process.
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How to choose your crystals
As well as researching crystals that are relevant to your individual concerns, Knowles recommends "choosing your stones from your gut". This is because "using your senses will drive you to what you need rather than your mind dragging to what it thinks you should." By working in this way, she suggests, we "energetically reach out for what we need – be it the colour, feel or what we've learnt about the stone".
In terms of colour, in general, dark-coloured crystals tend to focus on safeguarding an individual, with black for protection and brown for cleansing, while white is the colour of purity, and green the shade to choose when seeking moments of calm. In a similar way, pink-coloured stones are said to focus on love, red on energy, and yellow on wealth and plenty.
Crystals that are round are also said to help emit energy equally around them, while those with a point direct positive energy inward or negative energy out from the body (or in both directions if they are pointed at both ends).
How to use crystals
There are various different ways to use crystals, either alone or with a professional healer. When working with a client, Knowles explains that she "lays the crystals along the key chakra line of the [client's] body to aid in balancing the energy field." For her, "the chakra - or energy points - in our hands, as well as the third eye (the point between the eyebrows), are the most effective when starting therapy with a 'beginner'." This is because the sensations here, such as a buzz or heaviness, are particularly effective and you are less likely to attribute them to a placebo effect.
If you want to start at home, simply choose an individual crystal and then set your intention. This means, as Knowles explains, "deciding upon what it is you want the crystal to aid or promote you in". In a meditative-like state, hold the crystal in your hand and then focus on your goal, silently repeating a mantra, such as "please help me see my soul purpose" if you are looking to overcome self-doubt.
Knowles feels that, while you can't really make mistake with crystals, and that "just having them in your pocket, on your desk or in your bathroom brings in a hub of energy", you need to be sure to give them something to do. "Give the crystal a job or purpose so you can correlate that more with a ‘result’," she says. "Equally, we have to remember that crystals work with us all so uniquely, so get curious and explore them and, most importantly, have fun in your crystal adventures rather than using them as another tool of self sabotage."
It is necessary to occasionally cleanse and charge your crystals too, as "much like a sponge, your crystals soak up the remanences of your emotion or day", instructs Knowles. To do so, "bathe them in cold water before laying them out in the moonlight or on your windowsill during a full moon. When a full moon feels too long away – you can either wash them through or nest them in sand or natural salts."
Where to keep crystals
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You can keep your crystals wherever you wish, but keep them close to you so that they have an effect on the energy around you. For example, Knowles, just like Kerr, likes to keep them on her skin, so that they are always close to her chakras.
Try wearing crystals as part of your jewellery, such as the delicate designs from Missoma, which include rose quartz necklaces designed to be worn over the heart and special birthstone pendants, and Roxanne First's R.F. Vibes collection of crystal necklaces. Crystal jewellery is designed to work in a similar way to individual crystals and allows you to keep them close.
You can also incorporate crystals into your beauty routine, using a face roller or gua sha made of jade, rose quartz or amethyst to massage and meditate with. And try salt crystals for bathing, or – when soaked in essential oils – for inhalation.
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FAQs
What crystal should a beginner start with? ›
What crystals to buy for beginners? Some of the best crystals for beginners to use include Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Hematite, Moonstone, Black Obsidian, Selenite, Pyrite, Black Tourmaline, and Citrine.
What crystal helps you pass exams? ›Some people believe fluorite has stress-fighting properties and wards off feelings of negativity. Ultimately, it will give you the motivation and positivity you need to get through exams and deadlines.
How do I recharge my crystals? ›- Placing them under the full moon. ...
- Soak them in moon water. ...
- Bury them in the ground. ...
- Give them a sound bath. ...
- Burn incense or herbs over them. ...
- Immerse them in salt. ...
- Use your breath to charge them. ...
- Connect them to your spirit guides.
- Actinolite: fibrous form of asbestos.
- Amazonite: contains copper which is toxic.
- Angelite: contains lead and sulfur.
- Azurite: contains copper.
- Chrysocolla: contains copper.
- Garnet: contains Aluminium.
- Hematite: contains iron and will rust when submerged.
We suggest you start with around 5 different crystals or stones to really become familiar with them and their different positive influence on your emotional well-being. Naturally, you'll want to expand your collection, and this is when an in-depth book on crystals and gemstones can come in handy.
Which crystal is best for students? ›Clear, smoky, and rose quartz are all great choices for students for differing reasons. Clear Quartz helps aid in concentration and focus.
What does Tiger Eye do? ›They balance the soul, alleviate anxiety, and restore confidence. This stone is used to increase wealth and vitality. Tiger's Eye brings protection against negative energy and strengthens self-worth.
What crystal is good for anxiety? ›Amethyst
“It's a wonderful crystal to promote calmness, clarity and relaxation; it's said to release negative energy, stress and irritability,” Stacey says.
- Carnelian and Amethyst.
- Blue Lace Agate and Red Jasper.
- Clear Quartz and Green Aventurine.
- Sunstones and stones that are associated with Saturn and Venus.
- Gomed and Cat's eye.
Crystals do not “need” to be charged under moonlight: they have plenty of energy on their own. They don't need to be charged in order to “work" or be “better” or to be “more helpful” or to be “cleansed” (the moon does not “cleanse” crystals - but that's a story for another time ;) ).
What do you say when charging crystals? ›
Once the light arrives and connects to the crystals, then you can think or say the “intention” three times (number three represents action) and then finish by giving “thanks” to your crystals. There is no right or wrong when choosing the words that you are going to say when setting the intention.
Can I put crystals in my bra? ›You can wear them in jewellery, in pockets, in your wallet and you'd be surprised at how many of our customers carry crystals around in their bra. Popular bra crystals are Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, Tourmaline, Shungite, Citrine, Calcite and Smokey Quartz.
How do I know what my crystal is? ›Using a Mohs hardness scale can help categorize where the crystal belongs based on its hardness. You can even do an acid test, magnetism, and tenacity test, to see the characteristics of your mineral and later on classify based on them.
Do crystals vibrate? ›Summary: The vibrational motion of an atom in a crystal propagates to neighboring atoms, which leads to wavelike propagation of the vibrations throughout the crystal. The way in which these natural vibrations travel through the crystalline structure determine fundamental properties of the material.
What crystals cant be in the sun? ›- Amegreen - The color will fade when in the sun too long. ...
- Amethyst - A member of the quartz family. ...
- Ametrine - The color will fade when in sun too long. ...
- Apatite - The color will fade in the sun.
- Apophyllite - Can become brittle in the sun and color can fade.
The quick answer to this question is yes. Rose Quartz can fade in the Sunlight. However, the amount of fading depends on a few factors, such as the intensity of the sunlight and the quality of the crystal. Additionally, try to avoid exposing your crystal to direct sunlight for long periods.
Is Amethyst safe in water? ›Generally speaking, amethyst is considered a water-safe gemstone because of its 7 rating on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Can you put different crystals together? ›The simple answer is that all crystals can be combined – and it's often beneficial to do so. Each crystal has a unique vibration, so combining them increases the healing effect on our energy field.
Can you store crystals together? ›First, Can Crystals Be Stored Together? The short answer is yes.
What stone brings good luck? ›Other good luck gemstones worth mentioning include Malachite stone, Aura Spirit Quartz, Celestine crystals, Garnet, Clear Quartz, Amber crystals, black tourmaline, and Ruby Crystals. These stones boost positive vibes in your mind to help enhance your decision-making and make you bolder in grabbing opportunities.
What does amethyst do? ›
Today natural health practitioners don't use amethysts for the same purpose as the Romans, though some do use them in treating addiction. Instead, amethysts are said to promote serenity and calm. Those who work with crystals may use the gemstones as a way to help reduce your anxiety and perceptions of pain.
Is Tiger's Eye good for school? ›Tiger's Eye is an excellent crystal for studying. It's a stone of protection that is said to bring good luck.
Who shouldnt wear Tigers eye? ›7. Who should not wear a tiger eye stone? Zodiac signs with ruling planets that are the enemies of Sun and Mars shouldn't wear the tiger eye stone. Precisely, Taurus, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Libra zodiac signs shouldn't wear a tiger eye stone.
Is Tiger's Eye toxic? ›It's only dangerous when fibres break away, become airborne and are breathed in. That's simply not possible when handling tigers eye because the asbestos fibres are encapsulated within the quartz. It's worth noting malachite is an ore of copper and as such its dust is highly toxic.
What signs should wear Tigers eye? ›- Aries- Removes and blocks negativity.
- Cancer- Heals and improves physical stamina.
- Sagittarius- Focus and courage.
- Pisces- Self-confidence and growth.
- Rose Quartz.
- Amethyst.
- Moonstone.
- Black Tourmaline.
- Rhodonite.
- Lepidolite.
- Citrine.
- Blue Lace Agate.
- Green aventurine.
- Rose quartz.
- Malachite.
- Sunstone.
- Carnelian.
- Emerald.
- Clear quartz.
- Smoky quartz.
Using a Mohs hardness scale can help categorize where the crystal belongs based on its hardness. You can even do an acid test, magnetism, and tenacity test, to see the characteristics of your mineral and later on classify based on them.
What is the best crystal for anxiety? ›Amethyst
“It's a wonderful crystal to promote calmness, clarity and relaxation; it's said to release negative energy, stress and irritability,” Stacey says.
One of clear quartz's benefits is enhancing mental clarity. It can help with emotional stability, and it's popular in meditation and restorative work. It's also often used for manifestation and can help create more focus and clarity around a desire. It is a protective stone and can be used to amplify psychic abilities.
What is amethyst good for? ›
Known as "the all purpose stone", Amethyst is a protective stone that helps to relieve stress and anxiety in your life, and the symptoms that accompany it, namely headaches, fatigues, and anxiety. It also aids in cell regeneration (supporting your bones and joints) and is reputed to improve your skin.
How do you test if a crystal is real at home? ›No crystals can be scratched by any below it on the scale. If your crystal has sharp edges, you might also choose to test the hardness by using it to scratch glass or plastic. Most real crystals will leave a scratch mark on those materials.
What crystal is for love? ›Rose Quartz For Unconditional Love
Traditionally called the Heart Stone, it's been used as a love token since as early as 600 B.C. A gentle and nurturing stone, this is the one you want if you're looking for unconditional love in multiple aspects of your life.
You can also test rose quartz by assessing its hardness. This pretty gemstone has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and therefore, it is considerably tough. It can easily scratch a steel file or a piece of glass. If for some reason it can't or takes a lot of effort, then it's probably a fake variety.
What does Tiger eye do? ›They balance the soul, alleviate anxiety, and restore confidence. This stone is used to increase wealth and vitality. Tiger's Eye brings protection against negative energy and strengthens self-worth.
Can clear quartz go in sun? ›Clear Quartz - Can only withstand about 2 hours in the sun. Can get brittle and crack or break. Fluorite - No more than 15 minutes in the sun.
How do I clear my crystals? ›If you're near the ocean, consider collecting a bowl of fresh saltwater. Otherwise, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a bowl of water. Make sure that your stone is completely submerged, and allow it to soak for a few hours to a few days' time. Rinse and pat dry when complete.
How do you recharge amethyst? ›For charging amethyst, subjecting it to the light radiated by the full moon is a special and ideal method. Charging with the help of the moonlight happens on an energetic level. Many believe that subjecting crystals to the moonlight can help recharge their positive energies.
Why is my amethyst turning white? ›When heated to more than about 300-400°C, amethyst loses its violet color and often turns yellow, orange or brown, and then resembles the quartz variety citrine, but depending on the locality and the temperature during the heat treatment it may also turn colorless or - rarely - green.
What happens when you put rose quartz under your pillow? ›Birch suggests that placing rose quartz under your pillow will encourage gentle dreams. “You'll take on the soft, peaceful, soothing energies of the crystal as you sleep,” he explains. “This will result in your dream being calm, peaceful, and loving, once again emitting a positive vibration.”
Which crystals should not be together? ›
- Carnelian and Amethyst.
- Blue Lace Agate and Red Jasper.
- Clear Quartz and Green Aventurine.
- Sunstones and stones that are associated with Saturn and Venus.
- Gomed and Cat's eye.