Crystals continue to gain popularity as more people are introduced to the niche thanks to social media and growing interest. 

There's no doubt these glimmering gemstones are eye-catching, but with interest in them (and how they could affect your well-being) on the rise, many are wondering — how exactly do crystals work? And do they have the healing properties wellness aficionados say they do?

How Do Crystals Form?

Crystals form in unique ways, this video does a great job explaining how rare gemstones are formed.

How Do Crystals Work?

Crystals are like precious gifts from Mother Nature. After eons of storing up energy beneath the earth’s surface, these sparkling formations offer us an array of vibrational frequencies that vary depending on size and shape.

It is believed that these subtle vibrations resonate with our internal energy systems, otherwise known as chakras, providing one the opportunity to be in harmony.

Chakra, meaning 'wheel', is a representation of our energy balance. When the wheel is flowing and spinning freely, we feel balanced and energized; however when there are blockages that impede its movement, it's essential to work on eliminating those impediments to restore equilibrium. Crystals have been used for centuries by many cultures as tools designed to identify specific energetic imbalances and rectify them.

With that being said, there's not a lot of scientific research to back up the mental or physical benefits. Some would argue that there's no evidence at all. According to science, illnesses are not caused by negative energy or wave lengths, so crystals can’t cure problems in the way that proponents explain it.

With that being said, you can't deny the thousands of people that have shared positive experiences with crystals. For these men and women, crystals are powerful, they are healing, and the energy they produce has affects.

Crystals may also work through the self-fulfilling prophecy. By expecting something to happen, individuals oftentimes find that it does in fact occur. It is possible that people using crystals are inadvertently acting differently so as to generate a positive outcome. Additionally, because they believe an event will take place, alertness towards signs of its imminent happening increases while disregarding those contrary signals becomes common behavior.

How To Cleanse And Charge Crystals

If you want to maximize the benefits of your crystals, Askinosie recommends "charging" (or programming) them with a particular purpose. It's fairly easy and straightforward to do. To start off, you should cleanse the crystal using one of these methods:

• Submerge your crystal in the fragrant fumes of a lit sage stick, toasty Frankincense resin or Copal incense for an enchanting experience.
• To unlock the power of your crystal, leave it beneath either the sun or a full moon for no less than four hours.
• Rejuvenate your crystal by burying it in the ground, allowing its energetic power to be restored.

Moving forward, cradle your crystal with both hands and close your eyes as you take three slow, full breaths. According to Askinosie, "Focus on the things that bring out your highest vibrational frequencies: faith in yourself and the world around you, an appreciation of nature––and whatever else brings joy intoyour life."

With your voice or internally, declare: "I earnestly request the highest vibration of love and light to commune with my ultimate self in order to dissolve all undesirable energy as well as any past programming. I demand that this crystal keeps the purpose of...”

To complete the sentence, name three desires that you want your crystal to possess for you. End by saying "thank you" thrice; this is a way of expressing confidence and gratitude that these intentions have already materialized in the universe.

Crystal Meanings

With so many crystals to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your needs? According to crystal experts, it's all about trusting your intuition. There will always be a particular stone that resonates with you more than others. To get started on the journey of finding yours, here are seven suggestions:

Amethyst

Many swear by the calming effects of this crystal, which is renowned for its ability to soothe tension and activate the third eye chakra. It's one of the most common crystals found at home.

Black Tourmaline

The Stone of Protection is the perfect gemstone for those seeking a safeguard in their home or workplace. With this stone on your desk or around your neck, you'll receive an energetic shield that will provide you with unparalleled security and peace-of-mind. It's like having a personal bodyguard at all times.

Hematite

Feel yourself being grounded and connected to your root chakra with this weighty dark stone. You can wear this crystal jewelry around the neck, wrist, or ankle. Keep it as a reminder that no matter what the day throws at them, it will be good - all they have to do is touch their crystal and breathe deeply for a moment of mindfulness.

Celestite

Celestite is a stone of divine power, said to promote greater comprehension and expand one's spiritual awareness when used during prayer or meditation. With its uncanny ability to support heightened consciousness, this gemstone invites mindfulness into the practice.

Grape Agate

The Grape Agate emanates a strong, intuitive energy that brings the crown and third eye chakras into harmony. This gemstone can ignite your psychic gifts and grant you insight to deciphering dreams.

Obsidian

The dark and mysterious Obsidian rock is a statement against any negativity, keeping you firmly connected to the beauty of life. Some may be more drawn towards brighter gemstones, but there's no denying that Obsidian is an exquisite stone in its own right.

Crystal Jewelry

Here at Earth Family Crystals, we have hundreds of beautiful crystal jewelry pieces and raw crystals to choose from.

Check out our crystal shop here: All Crystals