Over the past few years, crystals and gemstones have become the craze, for both fashion purposes and wellness trends. For centuries, crystals and gemstones have been worn in jewellery and are believed to have incredible healing powers and properties. Crystals are seen everywhere nowadays. They’re used in meditation and yoga, to cleanse auras and spaces, as a decoration in the home and some are even used in beauty regimes. But what are they and do they really heal us? From types of crystals, how they heal you and when to use them, here’s what you need to know about gemstones and crystals.
Are crystals and gemstones the same?
In the world of jewellery and healing, gemstones and crystals are often confused with each other or thrown around interchangeably. So, are they the same or are they different? Let’s explain.
A gemstone is a rare precious or semi-precious mineral or stone that’s cut, polished and used in jewellery. A gemstone is technically a piece of mineral crystal that’s moulded or interfered with to become a decoration or adornment. However, not all gemstones are based off the crystal or mineral structure.
Some gemstones that aren’t crystals or minerals are organic materials but classify as gemstones as they’re used in jewellery, for example, amber or pearl. A crystal is a pure solid material that has its molecules arranged in an ordered microscopic way that creates a geometric pattern. Crystals are identified by their shape, consisting of geometric flat faces. Crystals are commonly found in nature, like rocks and ice.
This can get confusing so let’s put this into context. An amethyst is a crystal but is also a gemstone. Amethyst is a type of quartz that’s made up of iron atoms within a crystal lattice and forms as a crystal lining within basalt rock. Amethyst can be found in its natural form – a crystal – and can be polished and sculpted into shapes for jewellery or ornaments – a gemstone.
Crystals and gemstones are both used in crystal healing, the latest wellness trend that’s been adopted by many into their daily routines.
What is crystal healing?
Crystal healing is an alternative medicine practice or a type of therapy where gemstones and crystals are used to heal and calm a person. Gemstones are placed on the body – often directly on or corresponding to chakras – to help draw out, absorb, heal, focus and direct different energies. This type of healing is also used in meditation and yoga practices and can be placed in specific rooms to create a safe and cleansing environment.
While there’s no scientific evidence to support that crystal healing can fix medical conditions, research shows that it could have mental and physical benefits, mainly thanks to a placebo effect. Crystal healing also promotes the power and benefit of positive thinking. While you shouldn’t replace any kind of medical treatment with crystals, crystal healing is a great tool to add to your healing toolkit or as part of your self-care routine. If you’re a beginner to crystal and gemstone healing, maybe try placing a crystal by the bath while you have a soak!
Popular healing gemstones & crystals
If you’re not sure about diving into the world of crystal healing, you can instead look into gemstone jewellery and crystals as home decorations. Both gemstones and crystals have beneficial and powerful spiritual energy. They have holistic meanings and characteristics that benefit the mind, body and soul. Ancient astrologers believed that wearing or simply holding a gemstone helped improve your health, balance and fortune.
In addition to a gemstone’s spiritual properties, many gemstones can offer a healing and calming feeling to those who wear them. Whether you’re experiencing stress or anxiety or could benefit from some extra protection, the presence and weight of a gemstone can help with this.
So how do you choose your gems? Here are a few examples of the best and most powerful healing gemstones.
Quartz
Quartz is a crystalline mineral and is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. There are many different types of quartz, including amethyst, chalcedony, carnelian, jasper and onyx. Whether it’s clear, rose or smoky, quartz offers protection, absorbs negativity and helps cleanse and centre your aura and chakras. In particular, the Clear Quartz is referred to as a ‘Master Healer’ and is said to aid memory and concentration as well as stimulate your immune system.
Citrine
Citrine is a bright, golden and sunny gemstone that radiates happiness and joy. As a calming, soothing and healing gemstone, citrine is considered a protection stone. In ancient times, citrine was carried as protection against evil and was worn as a talisman. Citrine is said to promote emotional wellbeing and physical wellness. It’s believed to stimulate digestion, blood circulation and detoxification, and helps aid sleep and manage pain.
Tiger’s eye
Tiger’s eye is a variety of chalcedony and a gemstone with a gold, red-brown colour and silky lustre. Tiger’s eye is referred to as the stone of protection and has the power to focus the mind and uncloud emotions. A grounding stone, tiger’s eye helps its wearer to stay present and connected to their body. Tiger’s eye is also balancing and stabilises mood swings, releases tension and toxins and is helpful to repairing broken bones.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a divine opalescent gemstone with strong symbolic connections to the moon. It’s a calming gemstone that helps control stress, eliminate negativity and as the stone of female energy, it helps aid fertility and regulate cycles. Moonstone is also believed to bring good health and is used to alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a vibrant blue gemstone that’s a member of the beryl family. As a healing gemstone, aquamarine is said to be a positive force that brings happiness to its wearer, soothes their fears and provides courage and closure. Often used as a protective stone, aquamarine is used to reduce stress levels, help with eye, dental and digestive problems and improves pregnancy symptoms.
Garnet
Garnet is a powerful energizing stone, known for its protective properties. Garnet has been worn for centuries as a protective talisman against evil, wounds and nightmares. This stone balances and supports its wearer by bringing serenity, passion and order to internal and external chaos. Garnet is also the birthstone for January.
How to use crystals & gemstone everyday
If you’re a beginner to crystals and gemstones, start incorporating them into your everyday life and practices. The most obvious way to do this is by investing in and wearing glamorous gemstone jewellery, like necklaces and bracelets. They’re easy to wear, bring colour to your outfits and bring an abundance of healing and protective properties to your life.
Another way is to carry crystals with you wherever you go. Pop them in your bag or in your pocket and you have a protective air or bubble surrounding you while you go about your day. Finally, keep gems in your home to keep each room cleansed and clear of negative energy. We’d recommend keeping a crystal by your bed to heal and calm you while you sleep.
