There’s been a recent uptick in American adults turning to what’s known as complementary and alternative medicine. This includes everything from acupuncture and yoga to tai chi and even healing crystals.
In fact, you’ve probably heard people talking about and showing off these beautiful stones. But you may not know what they have to offer, if anything.
Why use healing crystals?
There are a number of different types of crystals out there. Some people believe they have healing abilities for the mind, body, and soul. In fact, many ancient cultures — including Egypt, Greece, and China — believed that crystals have healing properties. Some people claim that crystals promote the flow of good energy and help rid your body and mind of negative energy for physical and emotional benefits. However, it’s important to know that there’s almost no scientific evidence to support the use of crystals.
The science behind crystals
Crystals have largely been dismissed as pseudoscience, although some studies suggest they may offer a placebo effect. An older study presented at conferences in 1999 and 2001 but not published in a peer-reviewed journal suggested that any healing benefits associated with crystals were most likely a result of the power of suggestion.
For instance, research from 2005Trusted Source from the University of Waterloo in Canada found that a person’s mind may have much more healing power than it’s given credit for. Still, some people believe it goes deeper than that. “Crystals are made up of different elements or compounds, which our bodies react to in different ways,” says Sonali Saujani, a crystal master healer. “Crystals are minerals that hold energy, and as we as humans are made up of energy, we can exchange energy with the crystal when we work with it.” Saujani points out that crystals are used to improve the function of many everyday objects, like watches, plugs, hospital equipment, and lasers.
She cites a 2008 study that states that “quartz can act as a flint to start a fire or generate electricity.” “If a crystal can be piezoelectric [contain electric charge], I am sure it can do so much more. They balance out electric currents and keep equipment from exploding,” says Saunjani. “In the same way, when it comes to crystals and our body, all they’re doing is balancing out the frequency of the electromagnetic currents in our body.”
Although science doesn’t support crystals as a healing modality, there’s no harm in giving them a try if you have realistic expectations about what they can and can’t do. Crystals should never replace medical treatment from a qualified professional.
How can healing crystals help you?
To help you get started, we compiled a comprehensive roundup of some of the most popular crystals.
Healing crystals for health
- Clear quartz: a clear crystal considered a master healer and believed to support the entire energetic system
- Jasper: a nurturing stone said to provide support during times of stress
- Obsidian: believed to help process emotions and experiences and aid in letting go
- Amethyst: used for healing, purifying, and enhancing willpower
- Bloodstone: said to improve circulation and provide support to blood-related issues
Healing crystals for wealth
- Tiger’s eye: said to provide motivation and lessen fear
- Citrine: believed to spark enthusiasm, creativity, and concentration
- Turquoise: thought to soothe emotions and attract good luck
- Sapphire: known as a stone of prosperity
- Jade: another well-known stone for prosperity and luck
Healing crystals for love
- Rose quartz: sometimes referred to as the stone of love and believed to encourage love and trust
- Moonstone: said to prompt feelings of inner strength and growth
- Ruby: believed to support sexuality and sensuality
Want to dive into crystal lore? Get the details below.
Clear quartz
This white crystal is considered by some to be a master healer.
It’s said to:
- Amplify energy
- Aid concentration and memory
- Help balance your energetic system
This stone is often paired with others like rose quartz to aid and enhance their abilities.
Obsidian
Obsidian is believed to be an intensely protective stone.
It’s said to:
- Shield against physical and emotional negativity
- Get rid of emotional blockages
- Promote the qualities of strength, clarity, and compassion
- Help you find your true sense of self
This stone may also help you digest experiences, emotions, and baggage, leaving you free of negative blockages.
Rose quartz
Just as the color may suggest, this pink stone is all about love.
It’s said to:
- Help restore trust and harmony in relationships
- Enhance connection
- Provide comfort and calm during times of grief
- Encourage love, respect, trust, and self-worth
Who couldn’t use some of that?
Jasper
This smooth crystal is known as the supreme nurturer.
It’s said to:
- Empower the spirit
- Support you through times of stress by preparing you to fully show up
- Protect you from and absorb negative vibes
- Promote courage, quick thinking, and confidence
These are traits that are extra helpful when tackling important issues, which is exactly what this stone may be good for.
Citrine
Bring joy, wonder, and enthusiasm to every part of your life with citrine.
It’s said to:
- Help you release negative emotions, like fear and doubt
- Encourage optimism, warmth, motivation, and clarity
- Enhance mindfulness qualities
- Encourage creativity
- Support concentration
Turquoise
This blue crystal is said to help heal the mind, body, and soul.
It’s also said to:
- Be a good luck charm
- Help balance emotions
- Support spiritual groundedness
When it comes to the body, it’s said to represent the respiratory, skeletal, and immune systems.
Amethyst
This purple stone is said to be incredibly protective, healing, and purifying.
It’s also said to:
- Help rid the mind of negative thoughts
- Bring forth humility, sincerity, and spiritual wisdom
- Promote willpower and healthy choices
- Aid sleep and demystify dreams
Tiger’s eye
If you’re in need of a power or motivation boost, this golden stone may be for you.
It’s said to:
- Help rid your mind and body of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt
- Guide you to harmony and balance
- Help you make clear, conscious decisions
This can be beneficial for career aspirations or even matters of the heart.
Moonstone
Moonstone is known for new beginnings.
It’s said to:
- Encourage inner growth and strength
- Soothe feelings of stress and instability when embarking on new ventures
- Help you move forward successfully
- Promote positive thinking, intuition, and inspiration
- Support success and good fortune
Bloodstone
This powerful healing stone lives up to its name.
Bloodstone is believed to:
- Draw off negative environmental energies
- Encourage circulation of ideas and energy
- Promote selflessness, creativity, and idealism
- Reduce irritability, aggressiveness, and impatience
Symbolically, bloodstone is associated with blood and blood-related bodily processes, like menstruation.
Sapphire
This blue stone is one of wisdom and royalty.
It’s said to:
- Attract prosperity, happiness, and peace
- Opening the mind to beauty and intuition
- Help with clear seeing
- Promote a positive mood
Ruby
This striking red stone is a real standout.
It’s said to:
- Restore vitality and energy levels
- Promote sexuality and sensuality
- Support intellectual pursuits
- Bring self-awareness and recognition of truth
How to select your crystal?
From there, just let your intuition choose what’s best for you.
Whether a crystal catches your eye or you feel a physical pull toward one, your inner subconscious will help guide you to the crystal that’s right for you.
Once it’s picked out, you can create the connection you need.
