10 common questions about crystals

Crystals have been valued for their healing and spiritual properties for millennia, and their popularity continues to grow today. Crystals expert Jessica Lahoud has extensive knowledge about these special stones and their potential to enhance personal growth and well-being.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions and some of the myths and misconceptions.

Understanding crystals

1. What are crystals used for?

Crystals are commonly used in alternative medicine for healing, as they are believed to possess metaphysical properties that can balance the body’s energy and promote well-being. In addition to their use in alternative medicine, crystals are also used in meditation as a tool to help focus the mind and promote relaxation.

Beyond their spiritual and wellness applications, crystals are used for decorative purposes in homes and offices, as well as in jewellery making. It’s clear that crystals are more than just pretty rocks. The versatility of crystals has contributed to their enduring popularity.

2. How do crystals work?

Crystals are often used to balance the body’s energy by placing them on specific points on the body or wearing them as jewellery. Each type of crystal is said to have a unique vibration that can interact with the body’s energy field to promote healing and wellness.

The idea that you need to perform a ritual or special ceremony with crystals to benefit from their energy is a common misconception in the world of crystal healing and alternative medicine. While some people do choose to incorporate rituals or ceremonies into their crystal practice, it is not necessary to do so in order to benefit from the energy of crystals.

Simply having crystals near you can improve your energy because they emit a subtle vibration that interacts with the energy field around us. Therefore, some people choose to carry crystals in their pockets, wear them as jewellery, or place them in strategic locations around their homes or workspace.

3. What are the different types of crystal shapes and how do I decide which one I need?

While different shapes of crystals may be used for specific purposes in certain healing practices or rituals, the overall effect of the crystal’s energy and healing properties are present regardless of its shape. Therefore, beginners in crystal healing should focus first on understanding the properties of each crystal and how it can be used to promote healing and balance in their life, rather than getting caught up in the various shapes and forms of crystals.

4. Do I need a rare or expensive crystal to enhance my spiritual growth?

To put it plainly, the answer is no. Instead, it is recommended to view crystals as a helpful aid that can enhance your spiritual journey, which is ultimately a process you can undertake on your own. One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered as a crystal merchant is the notion that you need rare, expensive crystals to connect to high vibrational energy.

5. How do you choose a crystal that’s right for you?

To select a crystal, lean on your intuition and pick the one that you feel a connection with. The crystal that resonates with you the most is likely to provide the most benefit for your individual requirements. Some people feel an undeniable pull toward a particular crystal when they enter a crystal store, as though that crystal must come home with them.

6. How do you cleanse crystals?

• Expose your crystals to the light of the full moon. This can help clear any stagnant energy and recharge them with fresh energy from the moon.
• Use smoke from herbs, frankincense, or incense to cleanse your crystals. Allow the smoke to waft over the crystals to purify their energy.
• Try soaking your crystals in salt water for several hours or overnight to remove negative energy. Note that not all crystals are suitable for this method, as it may damage some of them.
• Use sound therapy techniques, such as singing bowls, bells, or tuning forks, to cleanse your crystals with vibration.
• Bury your crystals in the earth for a few hours or overnight to allow them to soak up the earth’s energy and recharge.

7. What are the best crystals for protection?

My top picks for crystal protection are Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, and Selenite, which serve as an energetic barrier, blocking outside energies from impacting your aura.

8. What are the best crystals for stress?

Lepidolite, Smoky Quartz, and Howlite assist in reducing stress and promoting inner peace.

9. If I break my crystal, does that mean it’s useless as a healing tool now?

A crystal can break if it absorbs too much negative energy. If you want to dispose of a broken crystal, consider burying it in nature to release the negative energy. However, the crystal can still be useful as a healing tool after a thorough cleanse. Crystals always emit their vibrational frequencies, so you can continue to use them if you feel there’s more healing work to be done.

10. How can I incorporate crystals into my daily routine?

Here are a few suggestions to inspire you to incorporate crystals into daily rituals:

• Place your trusty selenite crystal under your bed so you enjoy a restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
• Give voice to morning affirmations with your intuitively chosen daily crystal.
• Have a crystal gua sha face massage after cleansing to leave your skin glowing.
• Spritz a crystal-infused energy-clearing spray around to start your day right.
• Wear gemstone jewellery to carry the energy of your favourite stones throughout the day.
• Place a crystal at your desk to keep you grounded and focused at work.
• Try crystal meditation to wind down after a big day and stay centred.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, understanding the fundamentals of crystal healing can help you harness the power of these beautiful stones to enhance your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Remember to always trust your intuition when choosing and working with crystals, and to approach the practice with an open mind and heart. With dedication and patience, the benefits of crystal healing can be truly transformative.

About the expert 

Jessica Lahoud was born into the gem industry and author of Crystal Companions: An A-Z Guide (Rockpool Publishing £14.99). Find out more about crystals and rituals in Jessica’s book and follow her on Instagram @mineralism_aus, @jessalahoud.