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, opinions regarding damaged and broken crystals are 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 finally being purchased. Inevitably, some become damaged along the way, but is that a reason to throw it away?

In retail, damaged goods are often sold at a discounted price. This could be because they weren't made as well as they should have been or possibly because they became damaged later. 

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

If a crystal has a small chip, fracture, or other anomaly, whether caused naturally or at a later time, it often ends up being overlooked or left behind. Over many years in this business, I've seen vast quantities of beautiful stones discarded simply because of a minor imperfection.

Over many years of watching people choose tumbled stones, I know they look for one that's as perfect as it can possibly be.

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, you'll be well rewarded.

She says that despite the 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 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 the light of the moon.

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

Respect for Nature and Our Planet

The rocks and minerals we encounter today began life millions and, in some cases, billions of years ago. Zircon is four billion years old.

These ancient materials are the building blocks of our planet, and in nature, perfection rarely exists.

It's important to respect and appreciate the natural beauty and unique qualities of a crystal, even those that may have acquired an imperfection. Rocks and minerals are prized for their shape, colour, and patterns, all of which are the result of the long and complex process during which they are formed.

Instead of discarding a crystal with a 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 rarely is.

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.

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 crystal has to give.

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

By feeling this way, they could be trying to capture 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.

When discussing rocks and minerals, I've always disliked the words 'damaged' and 'imperfection'.  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 adopted it for any stone in my 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.

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

I believe that damaged or broken crystals can be used for personal growth because the imperfection reminds us that nothing in nature is perfect or lasts for ever.

This can be a powerful reminder that we must accept and love ourselves just as we are.