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Does crystal healing work?
You may have heard that crystals and gemstones are powerful healing tools, or that they can create radical changes in your life. You may have also heard that there is zero scientific evidence of this. Both of those statements are true.
But how is that possible?
Just because we don’t know how an ancient healing modality works, doesn’t mean it won’t work at all. In fact, there are lots of healing remedies that were once considered woo-woo that are now used in modern medicine, such as fasting. This is because Medicine works on evidence. The thought process goes something like this: “Ok, once we understand exactly how it works, if it’s safe, and can measure its effectiveness precisely, we can give it to patients.”
This is a great line of thinking! Modern medicine is incredible in so many ways — it has saved humanity from many diseases and greatly increased our quality of life. But it only knows what it knows.
After all, science can’t necessarily measure the effectiveness of something that claims to work on an energetic healing pathway. Such is the case with crystals. According to many spiritual traditions, crystal healing works on the chakras, meridians, and astral body. This is clearly beyond our ability to measure or understand at this time. As of right now, their effectiveness is purely subjective — that is, based on the testimony of those receiving the healing.
Although there isn’t necessarily any evidence of crystals working for healing, they do form the bedrock of modern technological breakthroughs. They’re in every computer in the world! Our entire way of life is dependent on them. Because of this and their inclusion into so many other aspects of gadgetry, you could almost say we’re moving into the age of crystals. Our knowledge of using them is really just beginning.
So how do crystals heal?
While no one’s exactly sure how they work, the widely accepted view is this:
- Crystals (and many gemstones) are formed over millions of years under lots of pressure and heat. They usually come from cooling magma or evaporating water in enclosed rock formations (such as geodes).
- The energy it takes to create even one crystal is very intense and creates a purer element (diamonds are pure carbon). These pure elements, having been intensified naturally, influence us by interacting with the subtle energetic-body and refracts our energy back to us in a different way — just as a crystal breaks down light into rainbow colors. Each crystal has its own unique ‘blueprint’ for energy absorption/reflection.
- In turn, we re-absorb that energy, which can help us. So in effect, crystals help us to access what we already have. They act as energy purifiers and amplifiers.
Especially in India, ancient sages realized these elements had a positive effect on us and could even help with specific ailments. This is why in nearly every culture in world history, there is a pattern of using precious stones or crystals as healing instruments. MANY people throughout history — I daresay millions — claim to have been healed in some way through the use of crystals. I don’t think they are all wrong. And I hope that as time goes by, we figure out the underlying reason why so many benefit from their use.
Understanding what gemstone you need
Our own energetic needs are determined not so much by external circumstances, but our internal life. For instance, you may find that a certain circumstance has caused you to feel hurt, and therefore less likely to trust others. Or maybe you’re having trouble expressing yourself at work and you need to work on your confidence.
All these things can cause a bit of turmoil in life. And while you should meet the issue head-on (using introspection), sometimes an extra boost is needed. Gemstones can greatly help with that. But first, you have to get really honest with yourself: Where do you feel like you need to do some work? What’s within you that’s preventing you from leading the life you’ve always wanted?
How do you use healing crystals?
Once you determine what you need to work on in your personal life, you can begin to do some research into which gemstones you need. But see if you can identify the specific emotion first, and start from there. Then you can begin to do research based upon whatserves you, and not just what crystal looks ‘cool’. It might not be easy to do that, but you have to look at it from the perspective of healing yourself and using gemstones as a tool rather than just something nice to look at.
When you get a crystal, you need to do a few things first before using it:
- Cleanse your crystal -Place your gemstone in the sun or under a full moon’s light for 4 hours to cleanse the previous energy off of it.
- Meditate - Clear your mind with meditation. You might also take a shower, which has a strong psychological effect of clearing the mind.
- Set your intention - Remember that you have your crystal for a purpose. It can be used to radically transform your life! Holding your gemstone in your hands, close your eyes and connect with that mindset. Imagine that strong mental energy flowing into the gemstone. Concentrate so deeply that every time you look at it, you’re reminded of its purpose.
- Use your crystal - Many of the powerful healing crystals are also the most popular and have been made into jewelry. Wearing your gemstone has the benefit of allowing you to absorb the energy constantly, which makes it much easier when compared to a raw stone. Bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even earrings all great ways to use crystals all day every day. You can also use larger raw gemstones in your home or office. This is fantastic for warding off negative energies and change the overall vibration of an area.
29 Gemstone meanings and uses
Here’s a basic breakdown of the major crystals and their meaning. Keep in mind that energy affects the physical, and these stones are commonly accepted by many healers in the spiritual community to interact with particular ailments.
1) Amethyst meaning
Amethyst is a stone of inner wisdom. It offers peaceful, centered awareness and enhances psychic and mental abilities and beauty. Amethyst also helps overcome addictions and protects in stressful situations.
Best used for: Protection against fear and feelings of guilt, instilling calmness, alleviating anxiety, and pleasant dreams
2) Lapis Lazuli Meaning
Highly valued by ancient Egyptians, the Lapis stone relieves anxiety, insomnia, strengthens the immune system, cures sore throats, and headaches. Lapis also helps to open both the third eye and throat chakras in meditation as well as lead to greater creativity, spiritual enlightenment, wisdom, and self-expression. Known for awakening respect and compassion within ourselves, the power of one of the oldest spiritual stones will aid in harnessing your individual personal truth.
Best used for: Harnessing wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, creativity
3) Malachite meaning
This magnificent gemstone is associated with the heart chakra. It provides powerful grounding energy that clears obstructions, blockages, and helps avert confusion and apathy. Malachite helps with business success & meditation. Malachite is a very important earth stone: it helps one break unwanted ties and then connects to and works with healing earth energies. It’s also thought to protect against radiation pollution. Keep malachite near microwaves, televisions, and other potentially harmful technology rays.
Best used for: Strengthening the immune system, travel, treatment of travel sickness & vertigo
4) Rose Quartz meaning
One of the most commonly used stones in many forms of healing, Rose quartz is beneficial in dissolving emotional wounds, fears, and helps to cultivate divine loving energy as it directly correlates to the heart chakra. Wearing rose quartz is excellent during times of trauma or crisis as it strengthens empathy, sensitivity, and aids in the acceptance of necessary change. In addition, it’s an excellent stone for comforting grief.
Best used for: Healing emotional wounds, cultivating divine love, improving compassion & friendships
5) Turquoise meaning
Turquoise is a valued power stone. It will strengthen and align all of the Chakras and can be used to cleanse your energy centers. It’s said to fade in color when worn by sick, unhealthy, or depressed individuals as well as deepen in color when worn by a healthy individual. As a meditation tool, the gem can assist in clearing your mind, opening you to the Universal All. Use Turquoise to attune to the spiritual plane or provide protection during vision quests or astral travel.
Best used for: Exhaustion, depression, anxiety attacks, aids respiratory system ailments
6) Jade meaning
Jade is commonly associated with good luck and friendship. Jade signifies wisdom gathered in tranquility and is excellent for healing feelings of guilt, dispelling negative energies and those in need of aid in forging their own path. This stone is most valued for its metaphysical properties and has been revered in ancient cultures as a means of accessing the spiritual world. Gain insight into ritualistic knowledge, encourage creativity, and use dreams to solve problems.
Best used for: Protection against illness, releasing negative thoughts, cultivating harmonious relationships
7) Hematite meaning
Hematite brings an energy shield down to protect from the negativity of others. This can be especially good for city-living, business, travel, and martial arts.
Best used for: Intuition & mental clarity, blood circulation, willpower, & courage
8) Mother of Pearl meaning
Mother of Pearl brings gentle healing power of the sea. It can relieve stress and is soothing and calming to the emotions. It stimulates our intuition, imagination, sensitivity, and adaptability. It’s calming and soothing and helps eliminate feelings of fear. Mother of Pearl gives you the ability to more easily express feelings of love.
Best used for: Attracting prosperity, simulating imagination, & protection against negative environments
9) Tiger's Eye meaning
Tiger Eye is a grounding stone of protection. It enhances integrity, willpower, practicality and correct use of power. It’s a stone that enhances good luck and brings prosperity, often in the form of money. Tiger eye is also a very protective stone which is especially protective during travel. With its vibrant golden color, Tiger Eye is used to increase vitality as it enhances courage, brings passion and physical strength, and allows these attributes to be tempered with mental clarity and a joyful outlook.
Best used for: Courage, focus, prosperity, protection
10) Red Coral meaning
Red Bamboo Coral is still used today as a protective talisman against evil spirits. It’s said to bring luck to the home and is used as a protector for those who work on or near the water. Coral is also beneficial for bone growth and helps those who suffer from arthritis and other bone ailments. It can ease digestive problems, eye problems, and blood-circulation disorders.
Best used for: Stress relief, stimulates intuition, peace & emotional healing
11) Clear Quartz meaning
One of the most abundant and important crystals throughout the world, Clear Quartz found in watches, memory chips, and even car parts. Quartz crystals are used in meditation for expanding consciousness and healing. This stone aids in memory retention and helps bring clarity and concentration to the mind.
Best used for: Supporting professionals in the artistic community, musicians, those who work in media fields, and doctors. Useful in the treatment of migraine headaches, vertigo, or motion sickness.
12) Citrine meaning
Citrine is believed to carry the power of the sun. This stone’s frequency aids in awakening creativity and imagination and is associated with the accumulation of wealth and prosperity — as well as promoting and encouraging generosity and sharing good fortune. The gift of Citrine to a newborn attracts health, confidence, intelligence and healing wisdom.
Best used for: Grounding negative energy, aiding in smoothing family or dynamic group problems, promoting love and happiness, and guarding against those who would break your heart. Also used as an emotional shield against spite and jealousy.
13) Unakite meaning
Believed to aid in the release of energy blockages throughout the body that potentially inhibit growth. Composed of Green Epidote, Pink Field, Spar, and Quartz. All of these elements promote balance emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. In return, this leads to cultivating the love of others. This stone is said to provide healing energies to those recovering from a major illness.
Best used for: Balancing energies, supporting the reproductive system, and reducing the influence of electromagnetic smog.
14) Jasper meaning
This powerful quartz is defined by its wide variety of color and forms. Ancient shamans, priests, and kings wore Jasper amulets, as it was viewed as a powerful protection stone from both the physical world and spiritual realms. This stone can be extremely powerful in banishing nightmares or harmful thoughts and providing relief from stress.
Best used for: Alleviating stress, promoting tranquility, deepening focus, and banishing harmful or negative thoughts. Thought to lend support emotionally to strengthen self-discipline and promotes grounding energies.
15) Onyx meaning
A calming stone noted to help remove fears, worries, and aid in surrounding comforts. Said to promote the strength, determination, and force behind the making of wise decisions, wearing Black Onyx aids the wearer in controlling passionate emotions.
Best used for: Aiding during times of mental or physical stress as well as support during bereavement.
16) Green Aventurine meaning
Commonly referred to as the “stone of opportunity”, it is considered by many to be the crystal of prosperity and wealth. This stone allows the wearer to release old patterns or habits while making room for new growth.
Best used for: Boosting leadership qualities, embracing change, and enhancing motivation for creativity. Gives healing support for cardiac conditions, circulatory problems, and those recovering from surgery or illness.
17) Garnet meaning
Although this crystal is known for its red color, it’s found throughout the world in a variety of colors. Used for centuries, this powerful stone has been revered by civilizations across the globe and continues to this day to be worn as a gem. It’s also used for watch gears and scientific instruments.
Best used for: Creative powers, stimulating metabolism, reducing toxins, providing strength in challenging situations, and cultivating balanced energy.
18) Agate meaning
Because of the beautiful unique markings of Agate, this stone’s markings are referred to as the “earth’s rainbows”. Used in healing amulets as well as decorations all the way back to the days of Babylon, it spread throughout ancient civilizations. It’s known for balancing positive and negative forces of energy throughout the universe.
Best used for: Harmonizing polar opposite energies, self-confidence, protection while traveling (particularly traffic accidents). Pairs well with dancers, dentists, and environmentalists. Provides emotional support for educators and recreational workers.
19) Tourmaline meaning
The Egyptians had a beautiful legend for this unique stone. They said Tourmaline shot through a rainbow as it came up from the earth. Some, however, are red and pink. This is why, when it was discovered by the Dutch off the coast of Italy in the late 1600's, it was immediately confused for rubies. This confusion persisted for so long that Russian crown jewels were made of them! Little did they know Tourmaline has the widest array of colors in any healing stone.
Best used for: Creating a healthy digestive system, making stronger bones and teeth, and increasing self-confidence. It's also said to attract prosperity and connect us to a more compassionate disposition.
20) Selenite meaning
A must-have for anyone getting into the crystal space! Selenite's name is derived from the Greeks, who believed it was a similar color to the moon. It means 'Stone of the Moon'. Typically forming near hot springs or clay, its long striations are created from water. This also gives it a soft, brittle nature. But don't worry! What it lacks in strength it more than makes up for in energy.
Best used for: Amazingly, Selenite can be used to clear other stones by laying them on top of a Seleniteslab. It also connects very strongly to the third eye and other chakras and helps to purify their energies. It's sort of an energetic master healer!
21) Carnelian meaning
Carnelian has an especially interesting connection to humanity because the red variety has been used since Neolithic man. Incredibly, they used them as necklaces. It was also used by the Romans to make seals in wax because wax doesn't stick to this stone. It was also used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and in Hebrew jewelry for sacred ceremonies.
Best used for: Stimulating the metabolism, aiding menopause, and improving concentration. In its shade of red, it's fantastic for balancing the sacral chakra. Carnelian was also thought to help protect the dead on their journey in the afterlife, hence it helps remove the fear of death.
22) Obsidian
Obsidian is created when lava is ejected forcefully from a volcano and dries quickly. Its ability to form sharp edges is why it has been used since the neolithic era. It was so prized, archeologists have found it over a thousand miles away from its origin. Even into the modern era, many cultures continue to use it for rituals or sometimes even for surgery.
Best used for: Protecting against negative energy. Obsidian is actually thought to absorb it, and even block things like psychic attack. Use this stone during tough times or situations.
23) Fluorite meaning
The ancient Egyptians and Chinese loved this stone! It was widely used for ornamental purposes because of its beautiful colors. Today, Fluorite is used for its industrial purposes in smelting and specialty photography lenses. These different colors of this stone are truly beautiful!
Best used for: Clearing a confused mind. This is such a great stone for determining your life path, which is often overlooked in the chaos of the everyday. Also terrific for stimulating the third eye.
24) Bloodstone meaning
Interestingly, Bloodstone is a form of Chalcedony, which is a type of Quartz. A stone of deep religious significance, many Christians of the middle ages thought it formed from the blood of Christ's tears. It was actually commonly referred to as the martyr's stone. Many religious statues and scenes of the crucifixion were made from this gemstone.
Best used for: As its name suggests, Bloodstone is often used for blood ailments, such as anemia and poor circulation. In India, it's used as an aphrodisiac. Also great for self-esteem and intuition.
25) Sodalite meaning
Sodalite is a beautiful stone that wasn't discovered until the late 1800's, and became popular in the early 1900's. Known as a wisdom stone, it helps to create a strong energy field of courage and wisdom. This is because it helps to calm the mind and increase harmony with others.
Best used for: Courage, wisdom, and harmonious relationships with loved ones.
26) Chrysocolla meaning
For centuries, Native Americans carried Chrysocolla with them for its healing properties. They believed it calmed emotions and increased the body's resistance to physical and mental ailments. Chrysocolla is considered to be a stone of peace, forgiveness, and soothing positive energy. This is why it's considered a stone of feminine strength. Even Cleopatra carried it with her everywhere she went! It also helps to strengthen emotional bonds by encouraging us to speak lovingly to friends and family — hence it's wonderful for teachers as well.
Best used for: Stimulating the throat chakra is at the top of this list because it helps us to communicate more effectively. It also strengthens the overall vibration of health and is great for teachers.
27) Rhodonite meaning
The word Rhodonite comes from the Greeks, who named it 'rhodos' or rose, because of its unique pink/red hues. And you guessed it — Rhodonite is fantastic when it comes to matters of the heart, particularly when there are painful issues afoot. This heart stone sends out vibes of forgiveness and love, helping us to move on from something that might be holding us back. This allows us to come to a place of harmony.
Best used for: Finding balance after a major loss, coming out of grief, or relieving heartache in general. It's wonderful to use if your goal is to learn love yourself again.
28) Moonstone meaning
Hinduism has long held that Moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. The Romans also believed the power of the moon was trapped in this beautiful stone. It's not hard to see why — after all, when caught in the right light, you can see the shimmering colors of the rainbow that are seemingly trapped in this stone. Surprisingly, this stone is associated with the heart chakra and is considered a symbol of feminine love in India. It's usually given couples as a gift on anniversaries.
Best used for: Healing the feminine nature we all carry within us. It's also great for that time of the month, and highlights the power of clairvoyance and intuition.
29) Lapis Lazuli meaning
For thousands of years, Lapis Lazuli was one of the most prized gemstones in the world. Deep blue has long been thought of as a symbol of royalty, power, vision, and spirituality. In ancient times, it was used for the dye created from it, creating rich tapestries for the wealthy. Even King Tut's sarcophagus was inlaid with this wonderful stone. It's believed to be a sort of mind stone, increasing psychic abilities, and inner vision.
Best used for: Lapis Lazuli is wonderful for improving the efficiency of the mind. Psychically, it's a powerful stone that's been used throughout history to expand connection to visions. It's beneficial for the throat, glandular system, and skin conditions when held directly at the affected spot
Where can I buy healing crystals?
You can buy crystals all over the place! There are probably local gemstone sellers in your area. But ultimately, it really just depends on what your needs are.If you’re looking to change your own personal vibration, it’s best to use gemstones in contact with the skin. We might be a bit biased, but our store is pretty great for crystal jewelry. We have rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, malas, and anklets, which are all fantastic options. However, if you’re looking to change the vibration of a room, try raw gemstones.
But don’t take our word for it! Remember a crystal purchase is very personal, so find what works for you.
