New to Crystals? Your Questions Answered

What are Crystals?

Crystals are naturally occurring solids made up of atoms arranged in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern.

Crystals can be so small that it's difficult to see them even when magnified.

Some of the largest crystals ever found are in Mexico.  Composed of selenite which is gypsum, the largest are almost thirty eight foot.

The term "crystals" is also used to describe any rock or mineral used for its metaphysical healing properties.

Do Healing Crystals Really Work?

The effectiveness of healing crystals is a subject of personal belief and experience rather than scientifically proven facts.

Many people believe in the metaphysical properties of crystals.  These natural curiosities are associated with promoting physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

There is however limited scientific evidence to support their ability to heal.

The placebo effect is believed to be responsible for the healing that some people experience when using crystals. Therefore, the ability of crystals to heal will vary from one person to the next.

What is the Placebo Effect?

The placebo effect is a scientifically proven phenomenon whereby a person experiences a perceived improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no medicinal ingredient or therapeutic effect.


The improvement occurs because the individual believes in the treatment or therapy.

The placebo effect has been studied extensively for many years. The effects are commonly observed in medical studies where participants who receive a placebo (a substance or treatment with no active medical ingredient) often show significant improvement simply because they believe they are receiving an effective treatment.

How Do You Use Crystals for Healing?

Using crystals for healing can involve various methods.  The way crystals are used depends on personal beliefs and practices.

Many people wear or carry crystals. They can be worn in rings, necklaces, bracelets or be carried in pockets or handbags.

Some women carry them in their bra. 

Crystals can also be placed where you spend the most time, such as around your office or in different areas of the home.  

A bathroom is not ideal because some crystals should not be exposed to moisture.

Many people meditate with crystals.  During this practice, they can be held in your hand or placed somewhere nearby.  Crystals are believed to clear the mind of unwanted thoughts, enhance focus and deepen relaxation.  They may also help you to achieve a specific intention.

Setting an intention while holding a crystal is common.  It's believed that repeating a mantra of what you hope to achieve amplifies the crystal's energy. The crystal will then guide and support you in achieving the desired outcome.

Crystals are often placed on chakra points.  Placing specific stones on corresponding chakras is believed to clear energy blocks and promote balance.

Crystals can also be used in a grid.

What is a Crystal Grid?

A crystal grid is a geometric arrangement of crystals that amplify and manifest specific energies or intentions.

The purpose of the crystal grid is to bring together the crystals' combined energies to create a unified energy field.  It's believed this can greatly enhance the manifestation of intentions or goals.

The design of a crystal grid can vary.  It's often based on sacred geometric principles or personal intuition.

A central stone is usually surrounded by other crystals arranged in a specific pattern. Each crystal in the grid contributes unique properties to support the intended purpose.

Creating a crystal grid involves setting a clear intention, arranging the crystals in a pattern and activating the grid by using focused energy.  This may be through meditation, visualisation or certain rituals.

The intention could relate to healing, manifestation, protection, spiritual growth, or any goal the person creating the grid wants to achieve.

What are Chakras?

Chakras are believed to be energy centres within the subtle body in various esoteric and spiritual traditions. 

These energy centres are located at specific points from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. 

Each chakra is associated with a different aspect of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

There are seven primary chakras:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine.  Associated with feelings of safety, security and stability.

2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana): Found in the lower abdomen, this chakra is linked to creativity, sexuality and emotions.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Found in the upper abdomen, relates to personal power, confidence and self-esteem.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Located at the centre of the chest, the heart chakra is associated with love, compassion and relationships.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Situated in the area around the throat, this chakra is associated with communication, self-expression and truth.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Positioned between the eyebrows.  Associated with intuition, insight and spiritual awareness.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Located just above the top of the head, the crown chakra relates to higher consciousness, spiritual connection, and enlightenment.

Each chakra is believed to govern specific physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life.

It's believed that when the chakras are balanced and aligned, energy flows more freely through the body, promoting good health and well-being.

Other practices such as meditation, yoga and energy work aim to balance and align the chakras for optimal vitality and harmony.

What Does 'Metaphysical' Healing Properties Mean?

'Metaphysical' refers to concepts, ideas or phenomena beyond the physical realm.  Something described as metaphysical is not easily explained by traditional scientific understanding.

In the context of crystal healing, the term 'metaphysical healing properties' suggests crystals possess energies or properties that impact aspects of a person's health and well-being.  The effect is beyond what can be measured or understood through conventional scientific methods.

This may involve beliefs in the energetic or spiritual properties of crystals affecting a person's emotions, energy or current situation.  It's important to note that while many people find value and meaning in these practices, they are not scientifically proven or supported by empirical evidence in the traditional sense.

Using crystals for their healing properties will be a different experience for everyone who uses them.

Their healing effects are largely subjective and based on personal beliefs and experiences.

What Crystals are Good for Beginners?

For beginners, some crystals are easier to use because of their gentle energies and versatility. Here are some of the most popular;

1. Clear Quartz: Known as the master healer, clear quartz amplifies intentions and energies. It's exceptionally versatile so can be used for many different purposes.

2. Amethyst: An excellent crystal for calming the mind and promoting relaxation. It's often used for meditation and improving intuition.

3. Rose Quartz: The ultimate stone of love and for all matters of the heart, rose quartz is beneficial for self-love, compassion and relationships. It has a gentle, soothing energy.

4. Citrine: A joyful stone associated with abundance and prosperity. Citrine can help with boosting confidence and creativity.

5. Black Tourmaline: Ideal for grounding and protection, black tourmaline is often used for shielding against negative energies.

6. Hematite: Promotes a sense of balance and security.  It helps to anchor and stabilise energy and ensures you remain level-headed even when surrounded by chaos. It can also be used to draw negative energies away from the body. 

7. Pyrite: Pyrite (fools gold) is associated with abundance, prosperity and confidence. It's believed to have a strong masculine energy and is used to promote vitality, willpower and manifestation. Pyrite is also used to shield against negative energies and to encourage a positive mindset.


Selecting a crystal to work with often involves personal intuition and preference. Experimenting with different stones can help you discover which are most suitable for your goals. 

The grade or quality of a crystal rock or mineral does not impact its healing ability.