Crystals for Beginners, The Ultimate Guide

What are Crystals?

When the word 'crystals' is used in relation to an alternative therapy such as crystal healing, it describes crystals, rocks, minerals and gemstones used for their metaphysical properties.

When used scientifically, the word 'crystals' describes a naturally occurring solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern, giving it a defined geometric structure.

Some crystals are so small that they're difficult to see even when magnified. Turquoise is one mineral whose crystals form in this way.

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

Do Healing Crystals Really Work?

The ability of crystals to heal is a subject of personal belief and experience rather than scientifically proven facts.

Millions of people around the world use crystals for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Scientists believe that the healing ability of crystals stems from the placebo effect. This occurs when someone genuinely believes that something will help them, leading to a perceived or actual improvement.

Many people who use crystals for healing believe their vibrations can influence energy fields, chakras, and auras. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of these vibrations or the concepts of chakras, energy fields, and auras.

Some use the phenomenon of piezoelectricity to justify that crystals vibrate, but it's entirely different.

Piezoelectricity is an electric charge that accumulates in a small number of materials, with quartz and tourmaline being the best-known examples.

Despite extensive studies over many years, no evidence beyond the placebo effect has ever been found to support any crystal's natural ability to heal.

The psychological benefits some people experience with crystals are attributed to accompanying practices like meditation, mindfulness, and setting intentions, which commonly involve repeating a mantra.

Scientific studies have shown that repeating a mantra can induce a sense of relaxation and calmness that can last for an extended period of time.

While many people find value and comfort in using crystals, their efficacy is not supported by scientific research. Their benefits are associated with personal belief, the placebo effect, and psychological practices.

Therefore, an individual's experience with crystals can vary widely from person to person.

How to 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 bras. 

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. In various esoteric and spiritual traditions, chakras are believed to be energy centres within the subtle body. 

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.

Placing specific crystals on corresponding chakras is believed to clear energy blocks and promote balance.

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

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.

Its purpose is to combine the crystals' energies to create a unified energy field. It's believed this can greatly enhance the manifestation of intentions or goals.

Quartz has the ability to amplify the energy of other crystals, so it's often used in a grid.

The design of a crystal grid, which can vary, is 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 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 using focused energy. This may be through meditation, visualisation or a specific ritual.

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

The Meaning of 'Metaphysical' Healing Properties

'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 that can affect someone's emotions, energy or current situation.

Crystals 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 (Fool's 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 does not impact its healing ability.

Article Photos

The turquoise and black tourmaline are courtesy of Ron Wolf.

Pop-up photos: Quartz cluster - Courtesy of L. E. Violett.

The crystals in all other photos are from our collection.

The three photos in the main body of the article are clickable.