Using Healing Crystals: A Comprehensive Guide

What are Crystals?

If you were asked to visualize a crystal, you’d likely imagine a beautiful semi-transparent, rock-esque looking object with straight edges and flat, glassy surfaces. If so, you wouldn’t be wrong – but from a geologist’s point of view, the most straightforward crystal definition is a naturally-occurring inorganic solid compound with a definite chemical composition that has a definite regular internal atomic structure.

Nearly all minerals can form crystals. If given the right amount of time and space (i.e. ideal conditions) minerals can grow unimpeded into beautiful, perfect crystal shapes. Many minerals occur in irregular shapes. Some minerals grow into perfect cubes (pyrite) while others may be botryoidal and appear imperfect, such as malachite and chalcedony.

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How Do Crystals Form?

The formation of crystals is referred to as crystal growth, even though crystals are not technically living, growing things. The mechanism that crystals are formed through is called crystallization.

Crystallization typically happens deep underground, where microscopic atomic arrangements in a fluid endure a long and complex process before ending up as a crystal. This process involves a combination of specific growth conditions like pressure and temperature. The type of mineral to form is due to the elements in the fluid that crystallize together, but the presence of other minerals, rocks or other materials, ultimately influence the “type” of crystal that grows.

The chemical composition and conditions of formation of a mineral or crystal influence its physical properties, including color, transparency, luster, cleavage, and its hardness.

Are Crystals Rocks?

Technically crystals are not rocks. Rocks are a cemented combination of minerals, sometimes crystals, stones, pebbles, smaller pieces of rock and other organic materials that have been hardened under pressure.

Healing Crystals

A beautiful and spiritual alternative therapy, crystal healing has been used for centuries to help individuals find inner peace, connect with their higher selves, and promote feelings of groundedness. With its growing popularity on social media and among celebrities such as Adele, Victoria Beckham, Spencer Pratt, and Miranda Kerr (just to name a few), crystal healing has become much more mainstream in recent years.

In the world of crystal healing, crystals are thought to possess unique energies and vibrations that may influence different areas of your life depending on their type, color shape, and other characteristics. Whether you are seeking balance, clarity, or a way to connect to your deeper self, there is a crystal out there that is designed to help support you on your journey.

People often use crystals for healing when they are experiencing feelings of stress, lack of focus, or want to bring balance to their lives. The reported benefits of crystal healing are primarily tied to mental wellbeing. While it is not a substitute for treatment by a qualified healthcare professional, some people find that crystal healing can help them feel more centered, and in a better headspace to cope with life’s challenges.

Do Crystals Work & How? – A Scientific View

Crystals are believed to work by interacting with a person’s body energy field, or “vibrational energy.” Vibrational energy is considered to be the constant vibration of molecules in the body, which produces electromagnetic waves. In the crystal healing community, it’s thought that the vibrations of the crystal’s molecules can interact with a person’s body vibrations and lead to healing.

At this time, there is no scientific evidence to fully support these claims, however many professionals in the scientific community believe that crystal healing can work – through the placebo effect. The placebo effect is a real phenomenon. It’s built on the basis that the expectation or belief of receiving a beneficial treatment can lead to measurable improvement in someone’s symptoms, even if the treatment itself is inactive or lacks proven therapeutic effects (like crystal healing).

As noted above, while the benefits of different types of crystals themselves have not been specifically proven in the scientific community, the placebo effect is a well-established phenomenon that has been observed in a multitude of legitimate scientific studies. Additionally, crystals are generally harmless, so there is no downside to adding them to your daily routine if you feel they can benefit your life.

Common Healing Crystals

There are over 100 different crystal varieties that are valued for their potential healing properties. Below are 10 of the most common healing crystals (which make perfect beginner crystals!) and a little about them.

1. AMETHYST
A beautiful purple stone, amethyst crystals are thought to be able to strengthen intuition, improve sleep quality and provide both the body and mind with a sense of calm.

2. ROSE QUARTZ
A light pink crystal, rose quartz is believed to bring inner peace, and promote love.

3. CLEAR QUARTZ
Possibly the most common healing crystal, this master crystal is known as the “jack of all trades” in the crystal universe. It’s thought to enhance mental clarity, making it a go-to stone for manifesting.

4. OBSIDIAN
A jet black crystal used for healing and letting go of negative emotions and experiences. Black obsidian crystal helps us look inwards to propel transformation.

5. MOONSTONE
Available in a variety of colors, moonstone crystal is touted for its ability to contribute to personal growth and strength and is often the stone of choice for “new beginnings.”

6. CITRINE
A cheerful yellow crystal that’s believed to bring positivity as well as spark enthusiasm and creative energy.

7. JADE
Throughout history jade crystals have been associated with attracting wealth and luck. What a coincidence that this stone’s vibrant hue matches that of a lucky shamrock, or a dollar bill.

8. RHODOCHROSITE
Known as the crystal of unconditional love, rhodochrosite is thought to ignite both love and passion.

9. LAPIS LAZULI
A deep blue stone tied to wisdom and communication, lapis lazuli is also thought to be able to promote mental clarity.

10. CHRYSOCOLLA
Typically a blue-green color, chrysocolla is a peaceful communication stone, thought to increase wisdom and encourage expression.

Top Uses

Healing crystals are incredibly versatile tools that can be incorporated into daily life in a variety of ways. Below are some of the most common ways to use crystals for both beginner enthusiasts and long term practitioners. For even more in depth information, read our guide on How to Use Crystals in Everyday Life.

1. Set an intention

2. During meditation

3. Add them to an alter

4. Make a crystal grid

5. Enhance a yoga practice

6. Chakra healing

7. Decorate your home

8. Gua Sha and massage

9. Bring it along with you

10. Put in the bath

11. Address specific ailments or concerns

Healing Crystal Shapes

Just as different crystals are associated with their own metaphysical properties, the shape of the crystal also has an effect on the experience you may have with it. Below are the top 11 crystal shapes and what they are for.

Cube

Cube shaped crystals are most often used for grounding purposes, and are connected to the root chakra. To harness the grounding power of cubic crystals, spiritual experts suggest placing one in each corner of a room to ground the energy of the entire space. Alternatively, holding cubic crystals in the palms of the hands while meditating acts as a way to connect to the earth’s energy.

While most crystals can be cut and polished into cube shapes, some naturally occur in this shape, like the spectacular pyrite crystal.

Sphere

Spheres are a widely used shape in the world of crystal healing, and are a classic image associated with the practice (think: crystal balls). A polished sphere is complete, whole and smooth – its energy can radiate in all directions.

Thought to be strong energy conductors, in crystal healing spheres are commonly used for chakra work (particularly for opening the third eye), aura healing, and as the center stone in crystal grids.

In everyday life, spherical crystals make excellent meditation accessories. They fit comfortably in the palm of the hands, and act as a steady focal point. The roundness of the stone is like that of our planet earth, and can serve as a reminder that we are all connected.

Pyramid

Mysterious and powerful, pyramids are a sacred geometrical shape. Giant pyramids have existed all around the world for thousands of years, in places like Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, China, Sudan, and several others – but the most famous pyramids are those of Giza, in Egypt. The Egyptian pyramids of Giza were built over 4000 years ago, and housed the tombs of ancient Egyptian Kings.

In crystal healing, pyramids are revered for their ability to transmit energy, both good and bad. The various faces and points on a pyramid make it a useful spiritual tool. This sacred shape is believed to be grounding, amplify an environment’s existing energy, and have the ability to transmit energy through its points, and apex.

Pyramids are used in crystal healing in many different ways including as a center stone in crystal grids, in reiki practices, as a focal point during yoga (to hold or gaze at), and for healing auras and chakras. Many spiritual experts suggest placing a crystal pyramid in your home to absorb unwanted energy and release it from the apex.

For those new to healing crystals, some simple, yet meaningful ways to make use of a crystal pyramid is during meditation (as a focal point to hold or gaze upon, and to raise spiritual vibrations) and during intention setting and manifestation (sending the intentions right through the apex into the universe).

Tower/Point

Some of the most popular crystal shapes available are towers and points. They have 6 or 8 sides and a flat bottom with a point on top. Towers being taller, and points being shorter. They are available in many different crystal varieties, and are believed to help users keep focused, or “on point.”

Most crystals can be carved and polished into this shape, however some crystals (like amethyst, quartz, and citrine) come to a point naturally, and just need their bottoms polished flat so they can stand upright.

It’s said that crystal towers are beneficial for focusing energy, which can then be directed up, through the point. Utilizing a crystal tower is a great way to boost a meditation session – simply hold the crystal to help push out blocked energy and feel invigorated.

Because towers can direct their energy up through the point (much like a pyramid) they are excellent tools for intention setting and manifestation. Crystal healing experts often use crystal towers in the center of their grids to maintain focus, as well as creating an “energy vortex” by placing a tower in each corner of a room.

Generator

Generators are the same shape and style as towers, but they always have 6 sides that come to a point. In the metaphysical world, these crystals are known as “batteries” because they are used to help charge, and intensify the energy of other crystals.

Like points and towers, generator crystals are excellent meditation tools, and key pieces in crystal grids. Generators are thought of as the best crystal shape to use in the center of a crystal grid because they are the most effective at creating focus, while also amplifying other crystals in the grid. Generator crystals are used by reiki and energy healers to help cleanse and heal by focusing energy through the crystal to reflexology points and chakras.

An everyday way to use generators is at work. To boost focus and aid in productivity, it’s recommended to place a generator crystal on a shelf or desk in the workspace.

Wand

Wands are an incredibly popular healing crystal shape, and have many uses. These spiritual objects have been used for healing, purifying and cleansing for thousands of years by shamans and metaphysicians. In modern crystal healing practices, wands are often used as tools for energy work and in spiritual rituals.

This shape is rarely naturally occurring, and instead the crystal is most often shaped and polished to look like a wand – typically with a rounded shaft and a pointed tip. Not all crystal wands look identical though. They can be long or short, taper at one end, and even be shaped to have either pointed or rounded ends. One of the most popular materials for crystal wands is selenite, although they can be made from many different varieties.

The main benefit of crystal wands is that they are thought to have the ability to focus or direct energy though their tips. Specifically, the round end is believed to absorb energy from where it is placed, and the pointed end directs energy to where it’s pointed.

In crystal healing and spiritual wellness practices, wands are used for opening and closing energy circles, healing rituals, melting blockages, activating crystal grids, and as a massage tool in hand reflexology and facial massage.

There are also special wands designed for chakra healing. These wands contain a separate crystal stacked upon one another for each of the 7 chakras.

Meditation stone / Palm stone

Meditation stones are crystals that have been cut and polished to be able to fit nicely in the palm of the hand (hence the name palm stone). They are generally round and flat. These crystals are designed to be gently held while meditating, focusing energy and intentions towards the stone. It’s thought that holding a mediation stone of a specific crystal type can build a connection between the user’s inner energy and the chosen stone’s energy.

To choose a stone for meditating with, it’s recommended to first think of what type of intention you are going into the practice with and then choose a stone with appropriate properties. For a relaxed state, selenite or amethyst are pleasant. To boost focus, sunstone or green fluorite work well. And for maintaining positive energy, and driving out negative energy, black opal and black tourmaline have ideal properties.

Compared to bulkier crystal types like freeforms or large generators, meditation stones are very portable – ideal for those who like to have a crystal with them on the go.

Heart

It’s unlikely to come as a surprise that heart shaped crystals are associated with love! These crystals are not naturally occurring, they are cut and polished to be this shape and are available in a wide variety of crystal types. The uses and benefits of heart crystals are quite similar to those of palm stones – they have just been cut and polished into a heart shape instead.

The most common way to use heart shaped crystals is during mediation. Hold the crystal tight and think of love to open the heart chakra and feel at peace.

Freeform

Freeforms are (usually) large, beautiful crystals with a flat bottom and an oblong shape. Starting as a natural stone, they are methodically polished and carved by lapidarists (skilled individuals who make finished gems from raw material) to amplify the natural beauty and make the stone’s unique patterns stand out.

These pieces are incredibly popular in interior design as they are so large and beautiful, making exceptional art pieces that also disperse the crystal’s spiritual energy throughout the room.

Tumbled stones

Tumbled stones are small, round, smooth crystals. Instead of being manually polished by a lapidarist, the raw material goes through a rock tumbler until reaching its final, polished state.

Because the stones need to be able to withstand the tumbling process, a mohs hardness rating of 5-8 is typically required. Plenty of crystal varieties fall into this rating scale including agate, jasper, citrine, quartz, malachite, garnet, hematite, and many more.

Tumbled stones are an excellent initiation into the world of healing crystals because they are so abundant and affordable.

The most common ways to use tumbled stones are to hold during mediation, to carry around (in pockets, purses, or clothing), for household decorations, and for crafts like wire wrapping crystals. In energy healing work, tumbled stones are often placed on specific chakra points to help relieve ailments.

Crystal Eggs

Like a fresh baby chick pecking through its shell, crystal eggs represent new beginnings, youthful energy, and fertility.

Investing in a crystal egg is recommended for those looking to “start a new chapter” – which can mean starting a family, launching a business, or any other big life change.

Crystal eggs are carved and polished to highlight their unique designs and beauty, making them excellent display pieces around the home. For those who follow Feng Shui, a crystal egg can specifically be placed in the bedroom if trying to conceive, or in the workplace when launching a new business or making a career change.

Compact sized crystal eggs make excellent tools for everyday crystal healing routines. They can be used for massage and for acupressure, as both ends can be utilized – the top for working specific pressure points, and the larger base for massaging muscles. Eggs can be used for performing Gua Sha as well, promoting blood flow throughout the face.

Other forms

In addition to the “classic” forms mentioned above, there are a wide selection of products made out of healing crystals and gems that can easily be integrated into everyday life.

JEWELRY – Wearing a crystal bracelet, necklace, ring, earring, anklet, or pendant is an easy way to have your favorite healing crystal with you all day. Plus, these pieces are generally affordable (depending on the stone) and come in a very large range of crystal types.

CRYSTAL PIPES – Pipes are carved and polished from a variety of healing crystals and are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, making excellent decorative pieces. It’s important to note that healthcare professionals do not typically recommend smoking out of these pipes, as it’s possible to inhale crystal sediment.

FACIAL TOOLS – Most often made from jade or rose quartz into facial rollers and Gua Sha stones. Manipulating your skin with these tools has been shown to make skin look brighter, decrease puffiness, and possibly improve facial lines and texture.

WATER BOTTLES – Healing crystal water bottles have an insert in the bottom where the crystals sit. They don’t touch the water, but it’s believed that the crystal’s energy will still charge the water just by being near.

SEXUAL WELLNESS – Healing crystals can be cut and polished into almost any shape – even intimacy toys.

CANDLES – Crystal infused candles have stones partially inside, or on top of the wax. Specialty brands combine specific crystals with a particular fragrance, creating a truly beautiful experience.

DICE – Often used in spiritual rituals and tarot readings.

Cleansing & Charging Crystals

At the molecular level, a crystal vibrates at a frequency that is unique to its composition (also known as its oscillatory rate) – meaning different crystal varieties will vibrate at different frequencies.

In the world of spiritual healing, practitioners believe that crystals have the ability to absorb energy. And when a crystal absorbs and holds onto too much unwanted energy, its vibration (or oscillatory rate) gets thrown out of whack. It’s thought that “cleansing and charging” a crystal will bring it back to its natural, ideal vibrational state and infuse it with more energy.