Crystal Gifts – Blog on Crystal Healing, Jewellery & Gemstones

Top 5 Crystal & Mineral Holiday Destinations

With hundreds upon hundreds of uniquely-formed crystals winking intermittently in the light, crystal destinations have long been a favourite haunt for gemstone lovers. If wearing a beautiful crystal necklace round your neck or the Amethyst cluster that sits pride of place on your mantel piece simple isn’t enough to satisfy your insatiable thirst for crystals, you may want to think about going on a crystal and mineral holiday.

But where would you go? Take a look at the following five top destinations that are a big hit for crystal lovers around the world.

Cox’s Cave, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, UK

cheddar_MG_2045 — ***For more information about Cox’s Cave visit the Cheddar Gorge website.***

This celestial underground world is brimming with wonderful crystal sculptures, mirror pools and almost fantasy fountains. This spiritual universe of crystals and other fascinating cave life is enhanced by gentle choral background music.

What’s more you can even go on The Crystal Quest, which will take you an underground journey based on the ancient beliefs of Norse sagas and Greek odysseys. This magical world is a real treat for adults and children alike, but especially those who have a penchant for crystals.

Sainte Marie-aux-Mines Mineral Show 2014

Each year the second largest crystal and mineral event in Europe is held in Sainte Marie-aux-Mines, a small town in the Alsace Mountains in France. This year this fascinating show is being held on 26 June – 29 June.

Nearly 900 exhibitors from around the world gather at this mesmerising show, pulling in a crowd of more than 25,000 mineral enthusiasts. The streets of this quintessential French village are full of tents and marques brimming with a diverse range of minerals, gems, meteorites and fossils. Crystal and mineral enthusiasts simply cannot miss the Sainte Marie-aux-Mines Mineral Show 2014.

The Crystal Caves, Niaca Mine, Chihuahua, Mexico

mexico-mine — ***For more information about The Crystal Caves, visit the website.***

Unbelievably, miners only discovered Mexico’s Crystal Caves which lie 1,000 feet below the Niaca Mine in Chihuahua 13 years ago. Home to crystals believed to be 600,000 years old, these caves a without question a top holiday destination for crystal lovers.
With its specific climate, icy-coloured gems of huge sizes really are a sight for sore eyes. Conditions are so harsh here, that tourists visiting the caves have to be supervised by scientists – An unforgettable crystal experience for any fan of these sparkling formations.

Houston Fine Mineral Show 2015, Texas, USA

From Somerset to Mexico, France and now Houston, crystal lovers really do have an excuse to travel the world. From 24 – 26 April 2015, crystal champions should head to Houston, Texas, for the Houston Fine Mineral Show, one of the biggest highlights of the crystal show calendar.

Some of the biggest names in crystal and mineral dealing present their wares in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Houston is of course also home to the internationally-renowned Houston Museum of Natural Science, which is one of the finest crystal museums in the United States.

Crystal Cave, Bermuda

Situated on the island of Bermuda this compelling cave features a 55-feet deep blue underground lake. At the bottom of the lake are a diverse variety of stunning crystal formations. As the water is so translucent, visitors can view these beautiful natural entities at their leisure – Quite simply a must for crystal aficionados everywhere.

Find your Favourite Crystal Animal

Calling all lovers of animals and crystals, you’re really in for a treat! You can now combine your two passions with your favourite crystal formed into the shape of your favourite animal. As we know different crystals withhold different spiritual meanings and healing powers. Similarly animals carry meaning, wisdom and power, with different animals owning varying symbolism. Combine the two together and collect crystal animals’s, not only do you get a thoroughly unique and interesting object but you are have a deeply symbolic and powerful crystal in your possession.

Quartz Crystal Dog

Throughout history dogs have represented guardians and protectors, earning the deserved reputation as being ‘as man’s best friend.’ Our faithful canine pets are a symbol of reliability, nobleness, loyalty, friendship, unconditional love and possess a fierce energy of protection.

Quartz also has powerful energising abilities, absorbing and releasing vigour and strength. Put the protective nature of dogs with the energising attributes of quartz together and not only do you have a beautiful hand-crafted quartz crystal dog ornament but also a powerful symbolic object of protection.

Amethyst Cat

cat-crystal

In the spiritual world, amethyst has long been regarded as a calming stone. The serene pastel hues of these beautiful crystal drives deep into our spiritual, emotional and physical planes, leaving us balanced, calm, patient and at peace with ourselves.

Cats also have potent symbolic meanings. Our feline friends provide guardianship. They radiate sensuality and have a unique intuition that is a rare symbolic animal trait. Magic is also very much at the core of a cat’s symbolism.

When these two powerful mystic forces unite, you can enjoy the beautiful individualism of both amethyst and cats, as well as their prevailing symbol presence.

The Jade Carved Crystal Pig

**Hand Carved Pigs are a pig collectors delight! Get yours here!**

The pig has long been regarded as a symbol of wealth, prosperity and luck. It is said that if the pig is your personal totem, you will learn from the creature’s determination and intuition. In short, the pig helps you take the right actions in your life.

The popular gemstone jade is also valued for its metaphysical properties and legendary uses. Jade is believed to bless whoever lays their hands upon it. Jade is the ultimate ‘dream stone’, leaving its owners with unique creative, ritualistic and insightful capabilities.

Naturally when these two powerful forms meet, the Jade Carved Crystal Pig creates coercive symbolism – If your favourite animal is a pig and your number one crystal is jade, you are in for a treat.

Black Tourmaline Bear

bear-symbol-crystal — ***Read more about the Native American Bear Meaning here!***

Bears possess primal power. The gentle strength of these mighty beasts make them a potent healer that is nurturing and protective. If we walk into the path of a bear it is believed we will be blessed with symbolic wisdom and strength. The native people of north America believe the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind.

Equally as spiritual is black tourmaline. This unique-looking crystal is best known for its purifying, spiritual and, similar to the bear, protective spiritual influences.

Put these two coercively protective forms together and you are left with an extremely pervasive symbol of protection and nurture.

Eye Catching Agate Bookends

What’s the most versatile crystal of all? It’s a tough question to answer but you’d be hard pushed not to include Agate as a contender. One of the reasons Agate is such a versatile gemstone is due to the fact it is found all over the world, in almost every colour of the rainbow. From rich blues to hot pinks, deep purples to vibrant turquoise, Agate comes in a myriad of hues. Consequently this beautiful precious stone is used in jewellery and as ornaments in many different guises, even bookends.

Yes, so beautiful, individual and sacred is Agate that it is now being used in homes as a novel, interesting and stylish way to hold stacks of books together. As well as looking fantastic and being a talking point when friends and family come to the house, owners of Agate bookends will also enjoy the unique energy effects of this truly unique crystal.

Balance And Protection

***Agate is formed in nearly all colors, from clear transparent crystals, to banded stones of earthy hues.***

It has long been believed that Agate can improve concentration and balance out any unequal energy in a room. By enhancing mental function, improving perception, analytical abilities and concentration, Agate is the perfect gemstone to bring to a space designed for reading. Asides its mental qualities, the unique empowering qualities of Agate means it is said to be able to soothe, calm and alleviate tension and inner anger, creating a sense of safety and security. The unrivalled protecting and mentally stimulating properties of Agate means it is the ideal stone to have present in a room designed to be quiet, relaxing and mentally empowering.

A Potent Interior Design Accessory

Combining natural style and positive crystal energy, these agate crystal bookends are a wonderful gift for housewarmings, birthdays and any occasion. — ***Agate is believed to aid concentration and create harmony, so these bookends are ideal for a busy home or office.***

Increasingly homeowners and interior designers that are ‘in the know’ are weaving crystals and gemstones into interiors to create a distinct, stylish and energising living environment. Coming in numerous colours and shades, Agate bookends complement a wide range of colour palettes and décor. For example, these rich blue Agate bookends will brighten up a room of virtually every colour and style. By contrast, if you are looking for bookends to really stand out, these pink Agate bookends will add colour, depth and intrigue to even the most drab of interiors. Or perhaps you want bookends that blend more seamlessly into existing décor. In this case, natural grey/brown Agate bookends are likely to be the most suitable colour, bringing a touch of style and class into any room.

A Striking Yet Useful Ornament

Agate Geodes - Blue — **Agate Geodes – Blue**

Agate Geode - Mauve — ***Agate Geode – Mauve***

Agate Geode - Pink — ***Agate Geode – Pink***

Striking ornaments never fail to rouse conversation and create talking points at dinner parties and other occassions. Agate bookends are certainly striking yet at the same time, being heavy, robust and virtually unbreakable, are the perfect stone to keep stacks of books in place. What’s more, being the stone that empowers mental qualities and augments concentration, there could not be a more apt material than Agate to be used as decorative and meaningful bookends.

Preseli Bluestone: The Stonehenge Stone

The popularity among crystal collectors of Preseli Bluestone has significantly increased over the last decade or so, mostly due to emerging sources making more of it available when once it was extremely scarce. That previous scarcity of Preseli Bluestone was due to its abundance in certain heritage sites which are protected making its acquisition somewhat difficult without some cloak and dagger antics. Or cloak and rock hammer, to be more precise.

Specimens of this special stone can vary in colour quite dramatically, often being speckled with various lighter hues among the mostly blue, green and grey surface. Some polished examples feature very few speckles, while others feature intricate patterns reminiscent of the spectacular nebulas recent space exploration probes have sent back images of.

The Most Famous Bluestone Stones in the World

***Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.***

The famous standing stones of Stonehenge are all made of Preseli Bluestone, which is a metamorphic rock also known as a Dolerite. There are several theories floating around as to how they arrived in the southern English county of Wiltshire from their origin 250 miles away in the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Unfortunately, the ancient culture who built Stonehenge left no written records so how it all happened will likely never be truly known.

While there are many magical and supernatural theories surrounding the mysterious arrival of the Stonehenge Preseli Bluestones, it has also been demonstrated that Neolithic technology such as shear legs was more than capable of moving the enormous stones over significant distances.

One thing we know is that the ancient cultures of the time Stonehenge first began being constructed were very keen on using Bluestone, and their preference for it and ability to work it is obvious from the many Bluestone tools and implements that have been discovered in the areas where Bluestone can be found.

A Breakthrough in Preseli Bluestone Procurement

***We have a wide selection of Preseli Bluestone products.***

This historical value of the sites where Preseli Bluestone was abundant was the primary reason why the stones remained extremely rare away from those sites, but a few years ago a small business called Preseli Bluestone Limited (PBL) secured the rights to quarry limited amounts of the valued rock from previously off-limits sites in Pembrokeshire and the availability of the special stones has relatively boomed since.

The availability of these new specimens of Preseli Bluestone allowed crystal healers and collectors to extensively research the metaphysical properties and believed healing energies present in the stones. Their findings were quite incredible and of enormous interest and value to crystal enthusiasts everywhere.

The Magical Aura of Preseli Bluestone

Bluestone already had a reputation as a powerful stone, with ancient lore describing its power being derived from being given as a gift, but the scant examples meant there was little modern research. That all changed when PBL contacted crystal experts Sue and Simon Lilley (authors of ‘The Essential Crystal Handbook’) and asked them to explore the healing properties of the stones they were now able to provide a consistent source of.

Using their connections to experienced crystal healers, the renowned authors discovered that both psychics and ‘sensitives’ were quick to notice the stones’ magical auras, with their investigation revealing the Preseli Bluestone to be a ‘powerful catalyst for spiritual insight and healing’.

Further research reported Preseli Bluestone as having metaphysical properties that can aid with travelling beyond time as well as a tool to connect with the past. Described as a doorway to other dimensions, the stones are believed to have a multitude of healing capabilities.

Using Preseli Bluestone as a Healing Crystal

Stonehenge---Sunset — ***Experience the beauty of Stonehenge.***

Bluestone has a direct correlation to the healing of the head and neck areas, specifically the throat, ears and nose, and thus should be used in conjunction with the Crown Chakra. It has the ability to both relax and energise according to the purpose of its use, while helping simplify complicated relationships through the control and maintenance of emotional stability.

It’s a grounding stone, keeping you steady and clear-headed and can be used to accentuate the use of ritual sounds, movements and colours. Bluestone can be also used in a combination with other crystals, with Clear Quartz especially recommended along with blue coloured crystals.

It is still a relatively rare commodity, so its use and collection should be always bear this in mind as there is a finite amount of it available. But there’s no doubt that Preseli Bluestone has incredible metaphysical properties, and while the methods of transporting those famous stones 250 miles maybe still be a mystery, it has become very clear exactly why those particular stones were chosen.

Experience the Love Effect with Opal Rings

Opal has been referred to as a stone of inspiration. As well as releasing inhibitions and enhancing the memory, opal augments imagination and creativity. Opal’s inspiring qualities are coupled with the fact it is an extremely spiritual stone. As well as crafting happy dreams, opal’s multiple proficiencies have also been attributed to crafting “invisibility”, whereby its wearer can become ‘invisible’ in situations where they don’t care to be.

The Stone of Love

Opal is also said to be the stone of love. When worn close to the heart, this fascinating gemstone can revive a stagnant heart chakra and provide inspiration of love. The love that opal arouses can take on different forms. Unconditional ‘gentler’ love can be evoked through opal, as can fiery, sensual love. Having the ability to destroy the barriers of inhibitions, opal ignites passion putting emotionalism at its core. This thoroughly beautiful stone is also said to calm turbulent emotions and bring fidelity to love, with wearers of opal being compelled to refrain from straying down a path of infidelity.

opal-gemstone — Opals are a great choice for anyone interested in crystal healing

A Gem of Many Colours

Asides its strong associations with healing and love, opal owes much of its timeless popularity to its unrivalled beauty. Unlike other gemstones, opal combines a variety of colours, each tone as beautiful and compelling as the next. The various hues of opal have different emotional, spiritual and healing capabilities. Opal’s multitude of colour is fascinating to look at. Unlike other gemstones which are predominantly one colour, opal stones display all the colours of the rainbow. The iridescent movement of reds, greens, blues, yellows, pinks, purples and more, take on many different forms.

silver-and-opal-ring-oval-in-bow-style-casing — Silver & Opal Ring

opal-and-amethyst-gold-ring — Opal & Amethyst Gold Ring

silver-and-opal-ring-large-oval-in-thick-casing — Opal Silver Ring

Spiritual Connotations of Opal Colours

The numerable tones of this ‘stone of love’ exemplify different spiritual and emotional meanings. For example, blue opal provides physical reality. Wearers of a blue opal ring are said to be able to view the world with stronger clarity and meaning. Whereas fire opal is believed to awaken the wearer’s inner fire and protect them against danger. A symbol of hope, beautiful fire opal amplifies energy, supports the wearer through emotional turmoil and helps people let go of the past. Stones that possess natural pink properties never fail to be popular. The pink in opal not only augments the stone’s distinct aesthetic qualities but is also said to have powerful healing capabilities. As well as promoting feelings of love and affection, the pink in opal is particularly helpful in healing headaches caused by “unopened third eye chakras.”

These different colours are integrated into jewellery, resulting in simply stunning bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. With multiple colours being offered in one stone, it is easy to understand why opal jewellery is a favourite choice for anyone wanting to show their love and affection. There is no item of jewellery quite like rings to symbolise romance and love and there is no gemstone quite like opal to represent deep and eternal love. Put the two together and the result is a stunning piece of jewellery. Opal ring wearers should be prepared to experience the unique feelings of love only something as beautiful and hypnotic as opal can enthuse.

opal-stone — Opal rings are the perfect addition to your look

How Are Crystals Found?

We’ve all seen stunningly beautiful crystals twinkling up at us in shops and online but how are they actually found? How are the highly polished and flawless crystals that we know and love today mined from the earth and what treatment processes do they have to go through before they can be sold?

Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the most sought after crystals. They are mined by crushing diamond ore or by using the Alluvial method which involves sifting through river bank sand and soil. This technique is particularly common in the Sierre Leone and Liberia African Diamond mines where host rock is washed away by streams and rivers and diamonds are deposited as sediments in the sands.

Mount Ida Quartz/h2>

According to geologists, Brazil and Arkansas is home to the highest quality quartz in the world. Today, rock collectors from around the world head to the hot springs of Mount Ida with the hope of mining their own quartz crystal. The mines of Jessieville, Story and Mena comprise of deep pits of exposed hillsides in which bulldozers have removed the clay and soil to expose the quartz crystals that are channelled through these ancient mountains.

In these mines, often the only tool you’ll need to dig up the crystals is a garden trowel. While most mines are open year-round to let people dig for crystals, the best time to mine is during the spring and the autumn when the temperatures are cool.

Quartz found at the Arrowhead Mine in Mount Ida

Sapphires

What’s incredible about mining sapphires is that they are mined today as they were thousands of years ago. The majority of sapphires come from countries which have strict regulations about how the mining can proceed. For example, in Sri Lanka mining is regulated so that the land is protected from being over-mined. Heavy machinery is forbidden and the mining is restricted to small-scale operations.

Natural untreated sapphires are extremely rare and are meticulously mined to ensure future generations of supply will remain.

Sapphires from Roberts Yogo Sapphire Mine

How are Crystals Treated?

For hundreds of years stone cutters have been using a number of treatments to enhance a crystal’s beauty. For example, Tanzanite in its original form is a not too attractive shade of grey. The stunning hues of blues and purples we now associated Tanzanite with only emerge after heat treatment. It is unlikely that Tanzanite would demand much more than a few pounds if it was left in its original lacklustre state but after it has been treated with heat, this stone is transformed into one of the most sought-after stones on the market.

Laboratory Crystals

Not all crystals are mined. Gemstones can also be grown in laboratories. Alexandrites, emeralds and sapphires cut from laboratory grown crystals have the same chemical composition, durability and other physical properties as their corresponding natural gemstones. In this BBC video, cave scientist Penny Boston, who studies ancient forms of life trapped inside the earth’s largest crystals talks with biophysicist Elspeth Garman who spends 12 months developing one flawless protein crystal in her laboratory.

Unusual Uses for Tumblestones

Tumblestones are many people’s favourite kind of crystal due to their smooth, rounded and pebble-like appearance, which allows them to be employed in a wide variety of imaginative ways. They’re created inside a tumbler machine which constantly turns them while various grades of sand and grit are introduced to slowly work away the rough edges until you have a perfectly smooth and rounded crystal.

Marrying a crystal’s natural beauty with this tumbling process creates a crystal whose purpose stretches far beyond being used simply as a healing crystal. Of course, tumblestones with particularly flat sides are especially useful for the laying on stones method of crystal healing as they will remain in place more easily, but the tumbled smoothness also lends itself to crystal massage for example, as you can use smaller tumblestones to knead and relax the muscles throughout your body.

The main purpose of the crystal tumbling process though is to accentuate their aesthetic appeal. Smoothing out the rough edges that form naturally in most rocks, crystals and minerals creates a beautiful ornamental object the uses of which are only limited by our imaginations.

Tumblestones In The Home

One popular use for tumblestones is as vase fillers and many people use them to fill flower vases not only to enhance the decorative effect of the vase but to help hold the flowers at a particular angle by securing their stems between the stones. Similarly, this method can be utilised for items other than flowers, such as a pen or pencil holder as filling a jar or glass with smaller tumblestones lets you insert thin items to keep them in place. It’s hard to deny the value of a beautiful ornament that also serves a useful function. Create a jar filled with tumblestones that match the colours of your bathroom and use it to hold your toothbrushes in place. It’s a much better looking way of storing them when they’re not being used, which is roughly 23 hours and 50 or so minutes of every day, and it can also be cleaner as the brushes won’t rattle around in the glass spattering bits of toothpastey water drops everywhere for a moment after they’re hurriedly replaced.

You can also secure candles within a jar using a small layer of tumblestones around the base of the candle. The smooth surface of the stones means any wax residue that collects on them is easily removed with no damage to the stone, while you can rest assured that the candle is secure and won’t topple over in the wind or after a nudge from a stray elbow. Talking of bases, why not decorate the bottom of your fish bowl with a few tumblestones which will transform a previously bland fish bowl into an interesting and magical-looking underwater realm for your pet fish to explore.

Have Fun with Tumblestones!

Have fun with the kids using tumblestones as well by getting hold of some googly eyes and attaching them to the stones to create lots of cute little creatures. Using hot glue, you can also attach antennae, some little feet or anything you can think of and make a whole bunch of different characters to play with which the kids will have loads of fun helping to make as well as imagining all sorts of adventures for the tumblestone critters to have afterwards.

Create photo or card holders by attaching one end of some thick but bendable wire to a large tumblestone and twisting the wire at the other end into a paper clip effect which will hold the picture in place. It’s a simple but very effective ornamental device which can be used for all sorts of things from permanent photo displays of your loved ones to temporary reminders, perhaps to hold a wedding invitation or flyer for that show you’ve always wanted to see.

More Tumblestone Ideas

Wire can also be used to make a ‘crystal cage’ which can then be attached to a necklace so you can wear the tumblestones around your neck or smaller ones as bracelets. They glue quite easily and so can be attached to other types of jewellery such as brooches and barrettes, as well as being attached to magnets so you can benefit from the beauty of tumblestones as you’re fetching food from the fridge. You can make all sorts of cool fridge magnets by cutting out shapes like stars or half moons from card and gluing the card to the magnet. Then just glue several small stones to the card in whatever fashion pleases you and voila.

As I said before, the only limits are those set by our own imaginations, so it’s up to us to get creative while experimenting and exploring all the different uses of tumblestones.

Beginners Guide to Crystal Healing

Crystal healing and the use of crystals has been around for a long, long time, with the earliest known references to crystal use having been recorded by the Ancient Sumerians who date back further than three thousand years.

The Ancient Egyptians also made great use of crystals and gemstones in their amulets and jewellery, with their main purpose being to either protect against evil or to boost their health. They even had a particular crystal for curing nightmares and purging evil spirits, Chrysolite, which has since been translated as both topaz and peridot.

Both are still used today and associated with uplifting energy which help create a positive state of mind and general well-being.

The Ancient Greeks were also fond of crystals, and many of the modern day crystal names originate with their original Ancient Greek monikers. The popular amethyst crystal, for example, actually derives from the Greek words meaning ‘not intoxicated’ and was believed to protect the wearer from drunkenness. Even today, it is a crystal used primarily for its protective powers and healing energy.

Many people nowadays are still interested in the same crystals used throughout history. Crystal healing can be something of a mystery to the uninitiated as many of us often won’t know exactly where to start because of how many different kinds of crystals there are, all with their own particular energies and influences. It can be intimidating to begin trying to figure it all out and learn what each crystal does and which ones are ideal for us.

First of all, rest assured that there’s no particular path set out for each of us and it’s really down to your own intuition how you go about it. There are some crystals which are great starting points though, and which can be especially useful for beginners

The Power of Healing Crystals

As previously stated, the Amethyst Crystal has incredible healing powers which can affect the entire body. It is also a powerfully spiritual crystal which is ideal for meditative purposes.

Quartz is believed by many to be the most important of the healing crystals, as it will channel and amplify natural energy due to its helical spiral crystalline form. There are several different kinds of quartz, such as Clear Quartz, Smokey Quartz and Rose Quartz, so a beginner should definitely look into the values of each and make this special crystal one of the first they get to know.

Citrine is an interesting healing crystal as it is associated with self-confidence and luck, while also believed to have a strong bearing on financial prosperity. It is also thought to stimulate the imagination while bringing joy and a positive outlook on life to the user.

Tourmaline comes in a variety of colours each with their own properties, but it is often referred to as the ‘Stone of Wisdom’. Black Tourmaline is believed to protect against negative energies by turning them into positive energies, though all of them have a strong protective power which many users find extremely useful.

Once you have discovered the crystal you think will have the most benefit for you, there are several ways which you can use them. The simplest way is to wear the crystal for a period of time to allow its energies to have their influence. This is an especially useful method for crystals that work slowly but continuously such as jasper crystals which are said to soothe nerves and keep you calm, but it can still be good even with crystals whose influence is known to move fast.

However, faster working crystals might be of most benefit when used in short bursts, such as the Laying on Stones Method where you place the crystals upon the corresponding Chakra points, which are a series of points in the body leading up from the base of your spine to your crown where the crystals are most effective. This can be an incredibly relaxing method of using crystal healing.

Surrounding yourself with crystals can also work wonders. The best way to maximise their influence in this manner is to create a healing space or meditation area where you can arrange the crystals in a circle around the area where you will meditate. The healing space needs to be comfortable, quiet and without distractions, somewhere you can relax and focus on your meditation. Using crystals this way is one of the most popular methods and can help you even when you are away from the area, perhaps stressed at work, because you always know you have this space to enter and let go of the negative energies that we can pick up throughout the day.

However you choose to begin using crystals and whichever crystals you choose to start with, you can rest assured that you are partaking in a healing system that has existed for thousands of years and has only improved in technique during that time.

Crystals for New Year Happiness Part 2

In part 1 we revealed a selection of the amazing healing crystals perfect for inspiring happiness and prosperity in the New Year. Today we continue the story, with some more excellent healing crystals that will benefit you as the year moves onwards.

Remaining positive is key to success, and we can help ourselves remain positive by influencing the energy around us in our homes, workplace and healing spaces by ensuring that the energies present there promote our goals of achieving the happiness and prosperity which are ultimately the things which make life the most wonderful gift of all.

You can use each healing crystal by lying on your back and placing it on the area of the body or Chakra that it is associated with. This can be done with a combination of crystals or by focusing on just one of the healing crystal’s energies. Learn more about the Chakra System here by reading full instructions for both meditation methods and gain more insight into how the Chakras work and all the different crystals and colours that affect them.

SODALITE may sound like a diet fizzy pop drink, but it’s actually a calming and communicative healing crystal that helps clear the mind while bringing joy into your heart. The Sodalite Healing Crystal is known to encourage the realisation of our ambitions whilst also positively influencing self-acceptance and the awareness of self.

Sodalite Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Throat (Fifth Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Calmness, happiness and resolution maintenance.

Physical Attributes: Aids the metabolism and balances the lymphatic system.

Usage: Placed around the home or healing space, Sodalite will inspire heartfelt joy while helping us achieve our goals.

AMETHYST is one of the most popular crystal healing stones and for good reason. It is an extremely soothing stone which helps banish negativity from our minds by clearing out bad thought patterns. Amethyst Healing Stones are powerful healers, cleansing and blocking out negative energies and geopathic stress.

Amethyst Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Brow or Third Eye (Sixth Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Soothing, negativity blocking, healing and cleansing.

Physical Attributes: Helps the immune system, stimulating blood circulation.

Usage: Keep several placed around the home or office to keep a constant guard against negative thought patterns which can disrupt our search for happiness.

NATURAL HOWLITE encourages new ideas and helps bring them into focus. Thus, it is ideal for this time of year as we make our New Year’s resolutions and sometimes need that little bit of extra help to keep true to them. Also associated with purity, Natural Howlite Healing Crystals are believed to eliminate angry thoughts and calm violent anger.

Natural Howlite Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Crown (Seventh Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Calming and idea inspiring.

Physical Attributes: Good for our bones and teeth.

Usage: Place Natural Howlite upon the forehead while lying down to increase your creativity and soothe your thoughts. It is also purported to aid in past-life journeys.

Crystals for New Year Happiness Part 1

We might hanker after the latest smartphone or DVD of our favourite comedian during the build-up to Christmas, but as the New Year dawns there are really only two things we truly desire: happiness and prosperity. It’s why we make New Year’s resolutions to try and improve our lives or health and a determined mental attitude is often required to maintain these resolutions.

Below are a few descriptions of particularly beneficial healing crystals, one for each of the seven chakras, which will help encourage happiness and prosperity with their particular energies and influences which range from calming and soothing properties, through anti-depressant abilities (which aid the fight against the likes of Seasonal Affective Disorder), to qualities such as idea promoting and the strengthening of our will.

ALMANDINE GARNET varies in colour from a deep red to black and is strongly associated with the Base or Root Chakra. This healing crystal energises from the First Chakra all the way up through all the others, helping to eliminate negative or unhealthy inhibitions. Used to aid transformation, the Almandine Garnet Healing Crystal can give you the strength of will to remain steadfast in your New Year’s resolutions.

Almandine Garnet Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Base or Root (First Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Positively energising, confidence boosting and aids transformation.

Physical Attributes: Facilitates meditation.

Usage: Kept at home, the Garnet’s energising properties will emanate throughout. Also keep a red garnet with you to control anger.

CARNELIAN is known to bestow optimism, courage and inner-strength, while also having a grounding ability by promoting calmness and serenity. The Carnelian Healing Crystal can be a powerful anti-depressant to relieve negative thoughts and is especially useful in alleviating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be of great benefit right now as the New Year’s first couple of months are often the coldest and greyest of the year.

Carnelian Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Navel or Sacral Centre (Second Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Positivity, calming and depression relief.

Physical Attributes: Traditionally believed to staunch blood flow by calming it.

Usage: Carrying the stones or holding them during meditation will inspire the spiritual aspects, while drinking the essence of Carnelian is said to be a great anti-depressant.

AMBER is an especially useful crystal due to attributes which include bestowing good fortune and a strong sense of optimism upon those who feel its influence. Also known as a powerful healer, the Amber Healing Crystal has the distinction of being the earliest recorded precious stone as it is the preserved resin of ancient conifer trees.

Amber Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Solar Plexus (Third Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Luck, optimism, strength and self-confidence.

Physical Attributes: Helps joint problems and is good for the liver and kidneys.

Usage: Although primarily associated with the Third Chakra, amber can also influence the Seventh or Crown Chakra and can help relieve headaches by placing the stone upon the forehead. The spiritual attributes of amber will also flourish when placed around the home.

KUNZITE is another precious stone, sometimes called Pink Spodumene, which is especially good for combating depression as it is a very cheering and uplifting healing crystal. It is often used as a block for electromagnetic stress. These attributes of the Kunzite Healing Crystal are very useful in our search for happiness in the New Year.

Kunzite Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Heart (Fourth Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Happiness and stress relief.

Physical Attributes: Can induce deep meditation.

Usage: Placing them around our living or work areas will help ease depression and lift our spirits. Become a ‘spiritual warrior’ by holding a spear-shaped kunzite crystal.

Can’t get enough of our New Years Resolution crystals? Come back next week for more fantastic crystal ideas in Crystals for New Year Happiness Part 2.