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Presenting a Comprehensive Guide to Healing Crystals

09/09/2019 - 06:40 PM

Crystals have been around for thousands and thousands of years (literally, that's when many of them were formed) and have long been part of ancient healing rituals. But recently we've seen a huge rise in the popularity of these crystals thanks to A) a greater societal emphasis on self-care amongst millennials and Gen-Zers, B) a large celebrity following (looking at you, Katy Perry [1] and Adele), and, of course, C) social media. To date, there are currently over 11.6 million posts on Instagram dedicated to crystals, and it seems that everyone is swooning over (or selling) them. "Crystals are an accessible entry point into deeper mystical and spiritual concepts, which might help explain the increase in popularity," says Giselle La Pompe-Moore, modern mystic, wellness guide and founder of Project Ajna [2].

Already a big trend in the States — with brands like Sunday Forever [3] selling individual healing gemstones alongside candles and perfume — crystals are set to be the next big beauty buzzword. In addition to the rise of skincare tools made from jade and rose quartz, brands like Herbivore Botanicals, Sisley, Aveda, Tata Harper, and Glossier are adding crystals onto the ingredients lists of their skin care, hair care, and makeup products.

So from amethyst to orange calcite, carnelian to rose quartz, and all the mystically beautiful stones in between, we'd like to present a comprehensive guide to figuring out the crystal maze, with help from experts on the topic who shed light on what each gem is supposed to do, and how you can incorporate them into your everyday life.

Amethyst

"Amethyst [4] can do no wrong in my eyes," says La Pompe-Moore. "It's my go-to for both protection, transformation, and enhancing my mystical practices. I pretty much see amethyst as a chic alternative to bubble wrap. When I want to protect myself from an onslaught of negative energy, I carry some and it helps me fall into a deep sleep in an instant when I place two pieces under my pillow."

Black Tourmaline

"An energy heavyweight, black tourmaline is a must-have for its ability to keep you anchored in this physical reality," says Yulia Van Doren, author of Crystals: The Modern Guide To Crystal Healing. "Vitally important for balancing the heady vibes generated by other crystals, keep one nearby for continuous grounding and recharging, and sleep with a crystal at your feet whenever you feel untethered or unsafe."

"As an energy protector, black tourmaline is unparalleled; think of this stone as a guard dog who tirelessly protects your personal boundaries and deflects negative energy," adds Van Doren. "Place a crystal near the entrance to your home, office, dorm room, etc. to keep all dark forces out. Tuck a small piece into your clothing, pocket, or wallet for on-the-go protection, and don't forget to stash one in your car to keep you safe on the road. With an ancient history of being used by magicians as a psychic shield, black tourmaline is a vital talisman if you're a practitioner of ritual or magic. One of my Essential 10 Rockstars, black tourmaline should be one of the first crystals you add to your collection to keep you grounded as you continue down your path of sparkling, crystalline adventures."

Carnelian

"This is my energy-boosting alternative to a 4 p.m. caffeine fix," says La Pompe-Moore. "While this crystal is known for bringing the heat in the bedroom, I use it to fire up and motivate me during my exercise routine by popping a piece in my sports bra. It's also been a great prompt to lift me out of creative slumps and to energise my ideas. It's associated with the lower chakras, so I use it to help me feel grounded, present, and tuned in to pleasure."

Dalmatian Stone

Please meet the super joyful Dalmatian stone. Kids love it for its cute name and appearance. And we can all benefit from it, helping bring you back to reality and also remind you why you started and who you were meant to be. It's a great stone for someone who needs to relax and have some fun.

Epidote

The meaning of epidote comes from the Greek word for "increase," and also goes by the name pistacite. The prismatic, earthy-green coloured crystal is all about getting out what you put in. Unlike many crystals out here, epidote primarily works with what you've already got. When you find yourself drifting away into cynicism or away from your true purpose, call on this to put a spotlight on your weakness (so you can work on them) and amplify your strengths.

Fluriote

"Given the nickname "genius stone" by medieval alchemists, rainbow fluorite is a crystal of focus, clear-thinking, and inspiration," says Van Doren. "If you struggle with concentration or hyperactivity, this multicoloured stone helps clear mental fog and disorganisation, making it a fantastic crystal ally for study, work, and general productivity. Fluorite is very happy living on a desk or in a work space."

Van Doren also notes that the fluriote is believed to help reduce the tiring effect of computer screens — kind of like blue-light glasses in crystal form. "A "cooling" crystal, fluorite helps decrease inflammation in both mind and body, she explains. "Soak in a bath with tumbled stones to reduce bodily pain and tensions (great for getting over a cold!), and carry a piece with you to stay calm and cool-headed during daily life. Fluorite's chakra resonance changes according to a specimen's dominant colour; mostly green crystals have a heart-calming and throat-opening energy, while those with more purple are aligned with the crown chakra."

Gold Pyrite

"This is the ultimate crystal to help you rise and shine, and start your week out with a burst of energy," says Van Doren. We'll take a dozen, please!

Hematite

We all have darkness and light inside of us. Masculine and feminine. Pleasure and pain. Good and evil. Hermatite acts an adjustable dial, a sort of soul controller as it were. The metallic, charcoal-coloured stone is full of iron, just like our blood. It draws energy from its surroundings into our bodies and has the ability to cut through clouds of confusion, as well as help refresh a brain stuck in a rut or outdated way of thinking.

Imperial (Golden) Topaz

"Imperial (golden) topaz is the pocket cheerleader you never knew you needed," says La Pompe-Moore. "This solar plexus booster will give you a helping hand in the confidence and optimism department. Have this one to hand when you're setting your goals for the month or having low self-worth around being seen and letting your light shine in the world."

Jade

"There's a reason why jade has been such a revered crystal in Eastern culture for literally, a millennium. It's the ultimate crystal for good luck, prosperity, and success," says La Pompe-Moore. "It's also associated with the heart chakra, so you can use hold jade in your meditations to tune in to your feelings on how you give and receive love. It's the stone that I pop in my bra when I have important meetings or I'll hold in my hand when I'm about to send a risky text."

It's no wonder that jade rollers for the face are so popular at the moment as they're great at providing a moment of zen. "Lucky jade lends energetic benefits to your self-care experience," says Wren McMurdo, creative specialist at Herbivore Botanicals (who have a gorgeous jade roller [5], FYI). "Daily use makes the most of this powerful tool." It also energises the complexion, distributes oils and creams over your face, and amplifies your glow.

Kunzite

Known for being a soft crystal, kunzite is a light dusty-pink colour and smooth to touch. The stone is meant to remind us that everything is going to be okay in the darkest of times. If you're suffering a broken heart, take this to bed every night and leave under your pillow.

Lemon Quartz

When life gives you lemons, get a zesty lemon quartz. Sure, the name sounds like a fancy cocktail we should be sipping whilst sunning ourselves on a beach, but this is actually the no-bad-vibes crystal and we can see why. Found in Brazil, this stone is all about warm, vibrant energy. If you're ever doubting yourself or a situation, hold this tight and get happy.

Moonstone

Moonstone is famous for its calming and soothing qualities, making it a great everyday crystal (just remember to keep by a window for 24 hours to fully charge). And what it does for your soul it also apparently does for your skin. Found in a lot of face creams recently, the ingredient promises to fight redness and remedy dry skin.

Natrolite

These stones — which belong to the zeolite group — are popular with collectors due to their rarity and unique, needle-like crystals. Described as a "high-vibration crystal," natrolites are believed to be one of the strongest varieties of zeolite stones and are thought to shield your energy from negativity around you, whether that's a mean coworker, your own negative thoughts, or even toxic products or smells (there are several bath soaks availability containing zeolites that promise to detox, although, it's important to note that there's no concrete studies or science behind any of these products at this time).

If you're about to enter a phase in your life with lots of change, perhaps a new job or moving — natrolite can be used to make yourself feel empowered so that you're always confident in whatever you do, helping you to achieve tasks that would've otherwise given you a lot of difficulty.

Orange Calcite

Orange calcite is a calcium carbonate that's popular amongst artists and romantics. It's said to be a ray of light in rock form and, like the sun, it's said to have the power to energise and restore. This stone can burn off that fog of laziness that afflicts so many in the creative professions. Sometimes what presents as lethargy and boredom is really just fear of failure playing dress up, so this stone promises to help us gather confidence to break through those bouts of procrastination and uncomfortable situations.

Peridot

"Peridot is associated with sunflowers and the sun and is thus thought to help drive away shadowy forces," says McMurdo. "It's the official crystal of the month of August and is so linked with both Leo and Virgo zodiac signs."

"The golden green hues are symbolically representative of the changing seasons at the transition from Summer to Autumn — the sun setting on the season of growth and transitioning into the period of harvest," adds McMurdo. "Peridot can aid in navigating practical, self-worth-enhancing transitions in life. It's known as an expansive, protective, and restorative stone. They come in especially handy when excessive energy has been placed on supporting others, allowing self-care practices to have a better chance of being restored."

Quartz

"Clear quartz lightens up, brightens up, and powers up our lives with its rainbow rays of magic," says Von Doren. "It's no exaggeration to say that clear quartz quite literally runs our modern world: Clocks wouldn't work without the tiny pieces of quartz that keep them precisely ticking, our beloved techie toys wouldn't exist without quartz's electricity-conducting skills … very simply, this is an essential crystal for everywhere and everyone."

Rose Quartz

Arguably the most famous crystal, rose quartz oozes love, which is why everyone should keep one on them. We've heard Katy Perry [6] sleeps with one under her pillow every night, and I always keep mine in my handbag to guide and protect me. Another way of incorporating rose quartz into your every day life is by incorporating a rose quartz face roller into your skincare routine to literally show your face some love. It's a great tool to use with whilst wearing a sheet mask or after applying a rich serum of oil, or for even just providing an instant moment of calm (just don't forget to clean it properly when you're done [7]!).

Spirit Quartz

"Spirit Quartz is one of the most uplifting crystals in the crystal kingdom, and will spread inspiration, healing, and sparkles of joy wherever it is kept," says Van Doren. "Sweet and uplifting, it sends a powerful vibration of joy out through every one of its many crystal points, creating sparkling energy fireworks within the entire space surrounding it."

"A crystal of transcendence, spirit quartz reminds you to always radiate your magnificent energies outward into the world, purifying any tendencies toward self-absorption. Helping you get unstuck from ego, it enhances your ability to be compassionate and generous," adds Van Doren. "Spirit quartz is very supportive for anyone whose work includes channelling healing and transformative energy for others, and is an ideal crystal for healers, teachers, and creatives. Spirit quartz is a favourite to use at the crown chakra during crystal healings, and a little point carried in a pocket or bag is perfect for keeping this crystal's magic with you while out and about."

Titanium Quartz

Some crystals are more new age than others and this stone couldn't look anymore millennial if it tried. Titanium quartz requires the human touch to come alive. To create the multi-faceted hue, this crystal is created in a chamber where titanium and other metals (in vaporised form) bond together. This crystal is all about the positive vibes and keeping the mood light.

Unakite

Unakite crystal is considered a sacred stone because it helps deepen meditation by increasing your sense of being in the now. It's a simple concept, yet it's also so deep, which is the magic of unakite. Many sleep with this under their pillows as it's said to help aid a good night's rest through the positive vibrations it emits. It's also said to be a healing crystal and relieve stress.

Vanadinite

Appearing almost 3D-printed, vanadinite's fiery hexagonal formation reflects nature's playful and creative geometry. Like red-hot carnelian, this crystal is a master motivator. For those lacking self-discipline, this takes the role of an energetic PE teacher that's shouting on from the side lines. Used a lot within creative industries, this stone helps power you through whatever stands between you and your hard earned success. Now get to work.

White (Clear) Topaz

In need of a little boost? White (clear) topaz works as an illuminator, especially for those times when you've been stressing about a situation and can't work out how to navigate it. When used as a prompt, this crystal can help you with self-awareness and understanding your thought patterns. It's also a great one to use when you need to up your psychic and intuitive game, so break it out the next time you need help meditating.

Yellow Apatite

Yellow apatite is a dual-action stone known for "boosting your immunity and vitality," says Van Doren. It's believed to clear away any confusion, apathy, or negativity you might be experiencing, and then stimulate your intellect to expand knowledge and truth, which may be used for personal growth or for the collective good.

Zebra Stones

As you can see, the name of this crystal comes from its distinctive black-and-white, stripe-like patterns. The sedimentary stone formed over 600 million years from deposits of detrital clay, quartz, and iron oxide that settled into layers and created the wave-like bands and straight lines. There are many different physical and emotional healing properties that this gemstone offers users. The zebra rock is believed to be able to motivate a person's physical force. It also offers determination and staying power to help over come obstacles in life.


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