Crystals and gemstones have held the fascination of humans for centuries. While their stunning beauty has seen them be utilised in jewellery for aeons, crystals and gemstones also have purported healing and spiritual properties that can help the mind, body and soul.

The rise in popularity of crystal healing is in part thanks to greater accessibility to crystals and gemstones via online e-commerce stores that help support crystal suppliers in Melbourne and other physical locations. Add to this a dash of social media awareness and a slew of celebrities who swear by the method and you suddenly have the fuel for a crystal mainstream renaissance.

Join us as we dive into the mystical world of crystals and gemstones, understand the history behind it and uncover the unique properties that allow for spiritual healing and growth.

The history of crystals and gemstones

Scour through the many websites dedicated to crystal healing and you will find the majority of them promoting crystal healing as dating back at least 6,000 years to the time of Ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. Sumerians are part of the earliest known civilisation located in the historic region of Mesopotamia (now south-central Iraq). The Sumerians purportedly used crystals for their magical formulas. 

The Ancient Egyptians are also shown to have used crystals and gemstones to make elaborate jewellery and for their metaphysical properties of health and protection. A lapis lazuli scarab was often buried with the deceased with the belief it would protect them in the afterlife. Amulets were also often used to protect the well-being of the wearer. Different shapes, colours or rituals performed with the amulet would dictate the power it held, and it could be worn on the body in the form of rings, necklaces or piercings. 

Ancient Greeks also believed in the power of crystals – the word ‘crystal’ actually derives from the Greek word ‘krystallos’ which translates to ‘ice’. Clear quartz crystals were believed to be water that had frozen to the point it would remain in solid form. Amethysts were also worn to ward off hangovers or prevent intoxication. 

Despite their hefty presence throughout history, the methodology beyond modern crystal healing is actually based on traditional concepts found in Asian cultures, most notably the Chinese concept of chi or qi and the Hindu or Buddhist concept of chakras. These concepts are based on life-energy, which connects the physical and supernatural elements of the body. Crystals can interact with these energy fields of the body to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

The power of crystals and gemstones

The healing benefits of crystals are predominantly areas of mental well-being that include increased tranquillity, positivity and focus, as well as enhanced immunity and natural pain relief. 

Individual crystals or gemstones then have their own, specialised energy that will align to different areas of life. Their shape, colour and type can all affect their influence. Some of the most popular crystals include the following;

Clear quartz: healing

The clear quartz is often known as the “master” healer due to the belief that it generates an energetic bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind. It is said to regulate negative energies to allow for a balanced and revitalised self which can boost your internal strength, while also amplifying energy, aiding concentration and memory. 

Obsidian: protective

The obsidian is believed to be a protective stone that can shield against physical and emotional negativity. It is said to help you digest experiences, emotions or trauma which will free you from negative blockages and instead promote strength, clarity, compassion, and help you find your true sense of self.

Rose quartz: love

For those seeking feelings of love, the rose quartz is the one for you. It will replace negativity with loving energies, opening one up to self-forgiveness and trust for both platonic and romantic relationships. It can also restore harmony in relationships, enhance connections, provide comfort during grief and even help support fertility.

Amethyst: healing and meditation

The amethyst is another healing crystal, with the added benefit of helping to focus your mind which can assist in reducing the effect of headaches and assist in successful meditation. The amethyst can also promote willpower and healthy choices, bring forth spiritual wisdom and aid and demystify dreams.

Tigers eye: motivation

Tigers eye is the golden stone that can help provide you with a power or motivation boost. It can help rid your mind and body of fear, self-doubt or anxiety, and it can guide you to harmony and balance to help you make clear, conscious decisions. 

Moonstone: new beginnings

Moonstone is known for bringing in new beginnings and to soothe feelings of stress when embarking on a new venture. Moonstone will encourage inner growth, support success and good fortune, promote good intuition and help you move forward successfully. 

Sapphire: wisdom

Sapphires are known as the stone of wisdom and royalty. If you need to stimulate concentration and promote purity and depth of thought, then a sapphire is the one for you. They can also attract prosperity, happiness and peace, help one see more clearly, open the mind and promote an overall positive mood. 

Ruby: energy

The striking ruby can help alleviate body pain related to blood and circulatory problems, low energy or heart problems, while also promoting vitality and youth. The ruby can also promote sexuality, support intellectual pursuits and bring the user self-awareness and identification of truth. 

How to utilise crystals and gemstones

Knowing the properties of a crystal is one thing, but utilising them is quite another.

Harnessing the power of crystals and gemstones

Harnessing the properties of crystals can be done in many ways. A lot of how they can be used comes down to personal preference and how they best feel supportive and healing for you. These are some ways you can use a crystal: 

• Hold them when you need support or reassurance
• Use them as part of your meditation
• Keep one close to you in a wallet or purse – or in your bra for all-day support!
• Take a relaxing bath and have them nearby
• Utilise them in your home decor 
• Place one in your pillowcase

Cleansing crystals and gemstones

Crystals need regular cleansing for a number of reasons. It is always a good idea to cleanse them when they are first brought home to remove any energies they may have picked up. You may also need to cleanse them if you are going through an intense or difficult period of time and are in need of good, positive energy. Ideally, for regular maintenance, they should be cleaned once a month. 

Just as there are a number of ways to harness your crystal, there are a few ways they can be cleansed;

• Place them outside on a full moon to recharge
• Use rain as a way to water cleanse them, or soak them in a bowl of salt water
• Smudge them with a sage stick
• Bury them underground for 24 hours to allow the earth to absorb any unwanted energy