Crystal Clear
A short guide to an ancient practice
Written by Lindsee Kaufman, Contributing Writer
Graphic by Quinn Ruzicka, Staff Graphics Member
Have you been craving a change in your life? Maybe new energy to boost your mood? For years crystals have been credited to providing significant changes to people's inner needs. Recently, these beautiful stones have become all the rage, but how much do you really know about them? What started as a traditional form of healing soon became an opportunity for businesses to share the history and power that crystals hold. Despite their increased popularity, there’s much more to crystals than people realize.
Crystals have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were utilized for their healing abilities and energy protection (Scialla, n.d.). The Egyptians incorporated the use of turquoise, carnelian, lapis lazuli, clear quartz and emerald in their day-to-day life, as the wealthy included these crystals as the focal point for many of their jewelry pieces. They believed that wearing the stones would assist in protection from evil spirits and purge any that may be surrounding them.
Aside from the Egyptians, crystals play an important cultural role in Ancient Greece. Many stones are identified by their Greek and Latin roots. The word “crystal” itself is a translation of the Greek word “krustallos” meaning ice. Clear quartz was believed to be eternal ice that was sent down as a gift from the gods to the Athenian citizens (Davis, 2021). Given its rich history, it’s no coincidence that clear quartz is considered to be a powerful and dynamic crystal. Said to have the ability to expel negative energy, it is an important crystal to carry around. If you are seeking to reach an inner connection or bring new energy into your life, clear quartz is the crystal for you.
While crystals are no longer used as a single cure for treating headaches, many people still believe in their power when used in practice with meditation, manifestation and even mundane activities (Palermo et al., 2022). Each crystal holds a unique and special property that aids in specific uses. Determining which crystals are right for you are essential to unlocking their potential. To do so, figure out the areas of your life that could use some attention, and find which crystals will help you make that connection.
Personally, I carry specific crystals with me depending on my needs. I often wear them as rings, necklaces or raw stones I carry in a small bag, and I’ve noticed that having crystals around me brings a deeper connection to my inner self. An example of this is the significant change I have noticed in myself after wearing carnelian daily. Carnelian is known for promoting self-love and confidence, and since wearing it I have developed a better self-image (Crystal, 2021).
Here are some of the most popular (and my favorite) crystals and their uses.
Rose quartz
Rose quartz, like its counterpart clear quartz, is another popular stone. It’s best known for its ability to promote self-love and aid in manifesting new loves or relationships (Stardust, 2020). Known for its precious pink hue, rose quartz is a beautiful and useful stone to add to your collection. I like to carry my rose quartz stone with me in a little bag when Feb. shows up on the calendar.
Citrine
As a form of quartz, citrine is known for its mood-boosting properties; wearing or having citrine on you can improve your mood and free any negative feelings you may be carrying. This is one of those crystals I don’t leave the house without, and I know I’m going to have a good day when I put it on (Stardust, 2020).
Amethyst
Amethyst is the most well-known crystal, and for good reason. It is best known for its ability to calm anxiety, but it can also soothe any mental or physical troubles. Aside from clearing the mind, amethyst is credited to promote good sleep. I wear an amethyst heart necklace almost every day to combat my anxiety and keep the raw stone beside my bed to ensure I get my beauty sleep (Stardust, 2020).
Carrying these crystals with me brings a feeling of calmness and a connection to my inner self. I recently started incorporating crystal practices into my daily meditation, and I’ve noticed a significant change in my mood and feelings. I recommend finding crystals specific to you and your day-to-day needs in order to achieve that connection to your inner self.
Sources:
Crystal, A. (2021). Carnelian: Meaning, Healing Properties and Benefits. My Crystals.
Davis, F. (2021, February 1). How Ancient Cultures Used Crystals & What We Can Learn From Them. Cosmic Cuts.
Palermo, E., Gordon, J., & Ross, R. (2022, January 25). Crystal healing: Stone-cold facts about gemstone treatments. Live Science.
Scialla, J. (n.d.). A Brief History of Crystals and Healing. Crystal Age.
Stardust, L. (2020, December 22). The Meaning Behind the Most Popular Crystals. Oprah Daily.