What to do with Broken or Damaged Crystals

What are Empathic Warrior Crystals?

An 'empathic warrior' is a crystal that has become damaged or broken at some point during its life.

I first encountered this term in an article by the late Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible books. She used it specifically to describe damaged or broken quartz crystals.

In crystal healing circles, opinion regarding damaged and broken crystals is divided. Some claim their energy is much stronger, while others say their work is done and they should be returned to the earth.

The crystals we enjoy today have taken millions of years to evolve.  Most have travelled vast distances before ending up in our possession. 

It's difficult to imagine how often a stone is handled before being purchased.  Some will inevitably become damaged during this journey, but is that a reason to throw it away?

In retail, damaged products have always been sold at a discounted price. An item may not have been manufactured quite as well as it should have, or it may have just become damaged since being in the shop.

Antiques are often damaged but that rarely deters people from buying them.

If a crystal has a chip, fracture or other anomaly it's often left on the shelf.  Over many years of being in business, I've seen vast quantities of beautiful stones on the scrap heap simply because of an imperfection.

From many years of watching people choose tumbled stones, I know they look for one that's as perfect as possible.

Judy Hall on Broken and Damaged Crystals

When asked about broken or damaged crystals, Judy Hall says they should never be thrown away.  She suggests giving them some TLC and in return for your kindness, says you'll be well rewarded.

She says that despite its not-so-perfect appearance, a broken crystal works just as well as any other. An imperfection can be energetically healed in a relatively short period of time.

Empathic warrior crystals can heal themselves when in the care of the right keeper. Having experienced and recovered from trauma, they have so much to offer. In most cases, their healing properties and energy will have strengthened.
In crystal healing circles 'empathic warrior crystals' are often described as magical, special and wise teachers.  Before they can be used, they must first be allowed to heal.

Judy Hall says that damaged crystals need to be held and valued. If necessary, re-engage them with the earth by burying them for a period of time. Once back in your care, recharge them in the warmth of the sun or in the light of the moon.

Once their period of recovery is complete, an unbreakable and infinite bond will have been created.

Respect for Nature and Our Planet

The rocks and minerals that we see around us began life millions and in some cases billions of years ago.  Zircon is four billion years old.

Many of these materials are the building blocks of our planet.  In nature, perfection rarely exists.

It's important to respect and appreciate the natural beauty and unique qualities of a crystal, even if it does have an imperfection.  They're prized for their shape, colour and patterns and these characteristics are the result of the long and complex process during which they formed.

Instead of discarding a broken crystal with a minor chip, mark or other anomaly, we need to find a more meaningful and sustainable way to use or appreciate it in its current form.

I have never thrown a stone away just because it's not quite as perfect as I would like.

Some people say a damaged crystal can feel different when used for its healing properties.  Although we may perceive 'the imperfection' as being the reason, it's unlikely to be the cause.

If you don't feel comfortable around a stone or believe it doesn't have the right energy, give it away as a gift or return it to the earth.  We do this with stones that are too severely damaged to be sold.

Many crystal healers say if an empathic warrior crystal makes you feel uncomfortable even after it has been cleansed, it may be because you need the healing it can provide.  The more discomfort and unease you feel, the more the stone has to give.

Breaking through energy blockages in healing is not always easy.  Although some crystals can feel uplifting and amazing others can feel draining, cumbersome and intense.  The reason may be because they're doing what they're supposed to do.

By making you feel this way they could be trying to grab your attention and make you aware of a behaviour or feeling that needs to be addressed.

In today's society, too many people spend their lives chasing perfection.  Instead of bringing happiness, it often leads to stress, anxiety, exhaustion and depression. 

Perfection is rarely attainable and pursuing something that doesn't exist can have dire consequences.

In nature everything is unique.  All living organisms constantly adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Everyone who uses crystals for healing should have an empathic warrior crystal in their collection.

I've always hated using the word 'damaged' or 'imperfection' to describe an anomaly in a natural stone.  It's taken millions of years for these materials to become what they are today.  So why should something that we find displeasing render it worthless or not fit for purpose?

Having discovered the term 'empathic warrior', I decided to adopt it for any stone in our collection with an 'imperfection', irrespective of when or how it was caused.

Considering many crystal healers agree that damaged or broken crystals have increased power or energy, the word 'empathic warrior' couldn't be more perfect.

I believe damaged or broken crystals can be used for personal growth.  The imperfection reminds us that nothing in nature is perfect.  This can be a powerful reminder that we need to accept and love ourselves just as we are.