Shapes of Various Stone and Their Meanings

Whether you are involved in crystal healing or any other type of gemstone work, the actual shape is often just as important as the type of stone and the color. You’ve probably noticed when gem shopping that they are often sold in different shapes and varieties, with some of the more common being Wand, Sphere, Pyramid, Egg, Hearts, and even Raw or Natural.

The carving of crystals in various shapes, particularly geometric and nature / celestial symbols, is nothing new. The tradition goes back into ancient times in various cultures. Today the cutting or polishing is usually done via machine or more modern, updated methods.

Polished / Cut Stones VS Natural Stones

Sometimes it is beneficial to use stones cut into particular shapes, while other times it is better just to use them in their raw form.

What is the difference?

When a crystal is sleeping in its natural habitat, the vibrations around it are unique. With some stones, the more the natural shape is “altered” after it is dug out, the more the energy has changed. However, it’s important to note that there are certain properties in each stone that are always going to be there.

The plus side to working with cut, polished stones is that the way they are cut can actually enhance some of the properties in a way that makes them easier to use. The shape they are cut into can make them more useful in energy work than they would be in their raw form.

Note: My personal favorite stone to have raw is moldavite. While it is more expensive due to it's rarity, it is worth having as it is a very powerful stone with origins that are not entirely of this world. Moldavite is a natural green tektite – that was formed a long time in the heat of an asteroid impact. I’ve found it to be useful in a variety of energy work – particularly when it comes to protection and inner strength. The first time I ever held moldavite in my hand I could instantly feel the intense vibrations.

About Sphere-Shaped Stones

Just their shape alone makes crystal spheres look beautiful in any setting, making it a great choice in home decor, let alone for healing, scrying, and all types of energy work. The sphere is one of the most important shapes in the universe. All of the planets, moon, and sun are all perfectly sphere-shaped. Spheres symbolize not only astronomical bodies but the unification of the mind, spirit, and body.

Usually, the first things that comes to mind when people think of rounded-crystals is the infamous crystal ball, which has historically been used for scrying.

Of course, you don’t just have to use spheres in scrying. They come in all sizes. I like to hold a smaller one in each hand when I meditate to help stay calm. I’ve found that larger ones are great to have in crystal grids.

Here are some popular crystal and gemstone balls and why you might want to keep them around:

• Amethyst – Amethyst is a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment, known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state.

   

• Ruby Fuschite – Ruby Fuchsite helps us to understand issues concerning our daily lives; such as stress, physical health, routines, career and environment.

• Clear quartz – Clear Quartz amplifies whatever energy or intent is programmed into it, and continues to broadcast that energy throughout the world and into the etheric realms.

• Golden calcite citrine – A great ball to have around the house to invite in more prosperity and abundance.

• Rose quartz – Emits warm, positive energy out in all directions to fully immerse those close by with feelings of love and joy.

• Fluorite – Brings organization and focus to a chaotic mind. It allows you to release any emotions and energy that are harmful to you. This is particularly a good sphere to have for empaths.

They are all so pretty and bring good things, just as long as you remember to cleanse them first. It’s up to you if you want to give them a specific intention or not, as with any stone or crystal. Just look at different spheres to see which one(s) call out to you the most.

About Crystal Wands

Unlike spheres, which pulse out energy in all directions, wands give the user a bit more control in directing the energy towards a specific direction with an intended purpose in mind. Rainbow fluorite and dark fluorite are always good choices – particularly for third eye chakra work and psychic abilities.

These wands are usually (but not always) rounded or flattened at one end and pointed or tapered at the other end. GENERALLY, one would aim the pointed or tapered end to him or herself to draw in energy or outwards to put out energy into the universe. However, there is more to it than just that.

Here are some things you need to know about crystal wands:

• They come in various sizes, from “mini” to long and even cylinder and thick. The cylinder can be smooth or faceted. Use mini, double-terminated wands to balance out all chakras by placing, for example, double-terminated amethyst over the crown chakra, lapis lazuli or sapphire wand over the third eye chakra, and so on.

• The thick, cylinder-shaped crystals or gemstones are usually perfect as centerpieces in a crystal grid. The ideal type of stone and color depend on the purpose of that particular grid.

• In some chakra and reiki healing sessions, the pointed end is aimed towards the patient not to draw something in them, but to take something out, and then ground it or direct it away. Selenite wands are EXCELLENT for this. They can be used like an “eraser” to remove all the negative energy from the body and chakras. However, remember to “ground” the negative energy and cleanse the selenite wand after the healing session.

• Clear quartz is a good choice for beginners. This translucent stone has many energy properties and is often referred to as the “master crystal”.

• Program a crystal or gemstone wand with a specific intention and then point it out towards the universe. Visualize the energy going out towards its destination. If you are trying to manifest something into your life, point the wand back towards you and visualize the energy doing its work and bringing that particular thing right to you.

About Crystal and Gemstone Eggs

Egg-shaped gemstones, like spheres, are beautiful and simply nice to have around the home. They come in all sizes, from tiny palm-sized stones to giant egg decorations you can place on a table as part of your decor. While I primarily use them in energy work, I still keep a large deep red garnet egg in my living room because I like the way it looks AND because it is my birthstone.

Traditionally, the “egg” shape has always been associated with femininity, fertility, and birth. It’s common to use gemstone eggs in any energy work that deals with new beginners, rebirth, or fertility.

It also has some other uses. For instance, the smaller ones fit perfectly in the palm and are great to use in meditation.

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few must-have crystal and gemstone eggs:

• Hematite – This reflective silver makes a mesmerizing egg. This is a good option for a grounding stone, as it helps bring awareness back to the mind and the moment at hand. Use it if you need help staying focused on your daily life.
  

• Garnet – Red garnet, in particular, was considered a “sacred” stone by warriors in various cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans, etc. Use a garnet stone egg to help give you strength to face your fears and to protect your home. Yellow or orange garnet is good to use for those who want to develop a stronger connection with mother earth.
  

• Emerald – A large, egg-shaped emerald is good to have as the centerpiece for crystal grids intended for prosperity and good fortune. Since it’s also associated with the heart chakra, hold onto smaller emerald egg stones when trying to heal the heart.
  

• Purple fluorite – These gemstone eggs are VERY PRETTY to look at and useful to have whenever you need a boost of positivity and self-confidence.
  

• Jade - Jade eggs are the best option for anything relating to sexuality and fertility.

• Fire opal – If you’re involved in business and trying to attract new prospects, keep small fire opal eggs close to you. You can also keep a large one in your office or place of business, as fire opal is often used to draw in money.

Some gemstone eggs are sold with a stand, which is a must-have accessory if you plan on using the egg with your crystal grid or placing it on a table or desk.

Other Crystal and Gemstone Shapes

As mentioned above, gemstones come in all types of shapes, from geometry to symbols of nature.

Heart-shaped crystals obviously represent all things associated with love, romance, and of the heart chakra. If you want to do healing work with the heart chakra, use a pink heart such as pink Amethyst. Some other favorites include Celestite, Polychrome Jasper & Carnelian to gift a loved one.

Don’t be alarmed by skull-shaped crystals and gemstones. They are not just creepy things used for Halloween or creepy alters. The symbol of a skull can symbolize detachment and “letting go” of things that you probably shouldn’t be holding on to anymore. Use a crystal cut into the shape of a skull if you need help moving forward with your life.

Star-shaped gemstones aren’t just used in jewelry. In crystal form they help “bring down” the celestial energies to us when we do healing and energy work. “As above, so below” is a good phrase to describe stones cut into stars.

Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs understood the importance of pyramids. This shape can preserve energy for a very, very long time. Use pyramid-shaped crystals in any long-term energy work, as it will not only preserve the energy you put into it, but the design will allow it to be amplified.

There are many, many other shapes that gems can be cut into. What is the right shape for you? Which crystal should you choose? Much of it is a matter of personal preference. I prefer Raw & sphere shaped crystals the most, but it’s not the same for everybody. If there is a particular shape you’ve always been drawn to, look and see what kinds of gemstones you can get in that shape.