Healing Crystals – Page 3 – Blog on Crystal Healing, Jewellery & Gemstones

Crystals for Beginners

The word crystal comes from the Greek word ‘Krystallos’, which means frozen light.

With their distinctive pattern, shape and composition, beautiful tones and flickers of sparkle in certain lights, there is something compellingly fascinating about crystals. From draping them around our neck to enhance an outfit to putting them pride of place on the mantle piece for all to see, or using them as a potent aid for crystal healing and meditation, these divine precious stones have a multitude of uses.

If you are keen to start utilising the unique powers of crystals but are unsure where to start take a look at the following guide to crystals for beginners.

The Different Type of Crystals

There are essentially seven different types of crystals. They are classified according to their shape, which are cubic, trigonal, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, triclinic and monoclinic. The atoms of a mineral form the geometric shapes that make up the crystals. Minerals are defined by their chemicals that make them up and the way in which they crystallise.

When crystals are categorised by their physical/chemical properties there are four types of this precious stone: Covalent crystals, which has real chemical covalent between all of the atoms in the precious stone. Metallic crystals refer to gemstones that are made up of individual metal atoms that sit on lattice sites while outer electrons flow freely around the lattice. Ionic crystals are where the individual atoms are held together by electrostatic forces. Molecular crystals are held together by a chemical bond. These types of gemstones tend to be soft and have lower melting points.

The Different Uses of Crystals

When we think of crystals, beautiful jewellery such as stunning crystal pendants and exquisite crystal beads immediately spring to mind.

As well as buying ready made pieces of crystal jewellery to compliment and enhance an outfit for a special occasion, incorporating crystals into your jewellery can be a lot of fun.

With their stunning natural tones and striking patterns, agate beads are the perfect accessory to make your own unique and vibrant crystal beads. Agate
is one of the most attractive crystals that comes in a wide range of colours, from pale blue to black and white stripes.

Crystals & Feng Shui

Crystals are by no means just for wearing and are used as sacred objects in a number of healing activities.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese process that examines how people are affected by the environment in which they live. In Feng Shui, crystals are used to help create good energy in a home.

For example, rose quartz crystal is used in Feng Shui to attract romance and love or to help heal a broken heart. Citrine crystals help heal those with low self-esteem while black tourmaline has strong protective energies.

Crystals & Meditation

Meditating with crystals brings a whole new dimension to this ancient healing practice. You will need to choose what type of crystal you want to meditate with.

It is believed that if you choose a crystal with patterns or fault lines in it, you will ‘lose yourself’ within the crystal whilst meditating. For anyone interested in spirituality and crystals, meditation utilises both.

Using crystal balls can be a great way to radiate the energy of crystals in all directions while meditating. For example, beautiful calcite crystal balls are considered particularly spiritual and uplifting and have unique physical healing powers.

All About Crystal Balls & Scrying

We’ve all seen images and films depicting witches and sorcerers gazing into gleaming crystal balls, peering into the future. From ancient times, crystal spheres have been considered by mystics to be of the perfect shape and material – often clear quartz – to access hidden information as well as for crystal healing. This practice of gazing into crystal balls is also known as ‘scrying’ and, as we’ll see, can often involve the use of elements other than spheres.

Why A Crystal Ball?

The spherical shape of a crystal ball is said to have the energy of harmony and perfection, radiating the energy of crystals equally in all directions. The properties of quartz crystal also play a large part in this, being one of the most important healing crystals available. Quartz crystal is reputed to channel energy through its helical spiral crystalline form. Even the most subtle healing energy can be channelled by a crystal ball into any space, neutralising many negative emotions.

What is Scrying?

Diviners and fortune tellers have used crystal balls as a way of looking into the future or simply for specific revelations. Scrying can be practiced using diverse elements such as water, fire, leaves, smoke, or polished scrying mirrors. In fact, any smooth surface may be used, such as a bowl of liquid, a pond, or a crystal (especially crystal balls). In the past, the visions that resulted from staring into these elements were believed to have come from the spirit world. Today, any images that emerge are thought to come from the subconscious. When using crystal balls for scrying, a person focuses their attention on the sphere, discarding unwanted thoughts and going into a trance. Any images that appear are then are acknowledged and this leads to an even deeper trance state. The scryer then interprets the flow of images like a movie.

Scrying throughout History

Throughout history, spiritual visions have been sought through the practice of scrying – which uses not only crystal spheres but other objects as well.

According to the Shahnameh, a late 10^th century Persian epic work, the Cup of Jamshid – a cup of divination – was used by wizards as a way of looking at the seven layers of the universe.
Joseph Smith, prophet of the Mormon religion, claimed to have used ‘seeing stones’ in order to translate an ancient text he had discovered.
Nostradamus was perhaps the most famous scryer, using a bowl of water to see into the future while in trance.

Which Crystal Ball Should I Choose?

For scrying, choose a crystal ball that appeals to you the most and whose properties correspond with your needs. Clear quartz, smoky quartz, and amethyst are the most popular of the crystal spheres. Remember, a crystal ball need not be for divination – they make wonderful display pieces and unique additions to home décor.

Are Crystal Skulls Real?

There is a legend of thirteen ancient crystal skulls from the Mayans lost civilization, that when united will bring universal knowledge. There are today real crystal skulls in existence that range from a few inches in diameter to life size. They are in the possession of various owners, the remainder on exhibition in the British Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Musee de l’Homme in Paris.

Believers in the supernatural consider crystal skulls to be much more than simply interesting artefacts. They look to the skulls as objects of divination, that can be used similarly to crystal balls for scrying and seeing into the future.

There is still great controversy amongst believers and sceptics as to the origins of the skulls. Believers will say that they are thousands of years old, possibly relics of lost civilizations like Atlantis. Sceptics say they are fakes, carved not much longer than a few hundred years ago.

Famous Crystal Skulls

The most famous of the skulls is the The Mitchell-Hedges Skull. This skull was discovered in the 1920s by British adventurer Anna Mitchel Hedges, allegedly beneath a Mayan temple in Belize. According to Anna, the Mayans told her that this quartz skull was used to ‘will death’. Anna has also claimed that she has used this skull for healing.

Art restorer Frank Dorland studied the skull for six years, claiming the sound of a choir singing coming from its structure. Dorland also said while gazing into the skull, he was able to see shifting images. Dorland took the skull to Hewlett-Packard researchers who determined that it was carved from a single piece of crystal.

Made from cloudy quartz, the British Museum crystal skull is of similar size to the Mitchell-Hedges skull though less detailed. The museum acquired it from Tiffany & co in 1898. The skull is supposedly from Mexico, of Aztec origin.

The skull kept in the Musée de l’Homme in Paris is half the size of the previously mentioned skulls, and was also thought to be Aztec, donated to the museum in 1878 by Alphonse Pinart.

Larger than any of these is the 9 inch high, 8 inch long skull now in the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. The museum received the skull in the mail in 1992 with an anonymous note stating that it was an ‘Aztec crystal skull’ and ‘purchased in Mexico City in 1960’. Several other, smaller skulls also exist in museums. These include the clear quartz ‘Texas Crystal Skull,’ the ‘ET’ skull made from smoky quartz and found by a Central American family.

Crystal Skulls – Ancient Wisdom?

Those who believe in the supernatural qualities of crystal skulls point to the piezoelectric properties of quartz crystal as evidence of the skulls’ power. Devotees assert that the skulls hold the history of the earth in their structure, rather like computer chips. All that is needed is the correct method of reading this information. Today, crystal skulls are very popular as ornaments and, depending on what crystal they are carved from, are said to be useful for scrying and divination.

Are the thirteen skulls true supernatural objects or are they recent fakes? It is a fact that skulls figure prominently in Mexican and Central American culture, therefore some of the skulls could indeed be ancient artefacts. Are they doorways into the past or future? Until their complex codes can be deciphered, we can only speculate.

Crystals for Protection against Nightmares

Everybody dreams, even if we don’t remember them all. The reason we dream is still a matter of scientific speculation. In the Greek and Roman periods, the people believed that dreams were direct messages from the gods or from the dead and that they predicted the future.

What about nightmares? These are thankfully less common, but unfortunately much harder to forget. In crystal healing, crystals for relief of nightmares are often used under the pillow, under the bed, or on a nearby beside table. They can be loose or in a pouch.

What are the best crystals for combating nightmares and encouraging pleasant dreams?

Crystal Healing & Dreams

Mangano Calcite Tumblestones are a lovely, soft pink heart stone said to prevent nightmares. Mangano Calcite is believed to give support after emotional trauma and to help us deal with grief. Tumblestones are a very handy way to take advantage of a stone’s properties, as you can have one by your bedside or keep one with you in your handbag or briefcase at all times.

Dalmatian Jasper is also considered good protection against negativity and nightmares. Speckled with dark spots, it is no wonder that this form of Jasper has been named after the famous spotty dog. It is one of the more nurturing stones, believed to protect the body from injury. Wear the Dalmatian Jasper Gemstone Chip Necklace to keep negativity away and bring a sense of fun into your life.

Holding a Flint Palm Stone before going to bed is regarded to be an excellent way of protecting yourself against bad dreams. Palm stones fit right into the palm of the hand and useful for focussing energy.

An excellent healing crystal, the Champagne Aura Quartz Healing Crystal is known for its golden glow and is said to cleanse the mind and aura, helping us to focus on specific ideas. For this reason it is said to help make unformed dreams a reality. The colour and positive energy of this amazing crystal makes this an ideal gift.

If you are a generally happy dreamer and wish to recall your dreams, the Red Jasper Massage Wand could help you achieve your goal! Red Jasper is part of the mineral species quartz and is known for calming emotions. Crystal wands have been associated with power and magic.

One of the most popular stones used to invite pleasant dreams and to help insomnia is amethyst. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst to guard against fearful feelings and as protection against witchcraft. Put a piece of amethyst under your pillow at night or wear an amethyst pendant during the day, such as the Amethyst & Silver Pendant.

Citrine, the Stone of Joy

Citrine is one of the most popular of crystals – not just because of its sunshine sheen but because of its association with joy and happiness.

What exactly is citrine? Part of the quartz family, natural citrines are rare and are found at the base of amethyst mines where the heat from volcanic caves transmute it into orange or golden coloured citrine. Brazil is the leading producer of citrine, with much of its production coming from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Citrine can also be made artificially by heating amethyst in a kiln, producing a brighter orange colour than can be achieved naturally.

Citrine for Crystal Healing

The metaphysical properties of citrine include optimism, happiness and self-esteem; these very positive attributes are what makes this mineral so popular. Crystal healers say that citrine aligns us with our spiritual self and allows our bottom three chakras (that is, the physical chakras, below the heart) to line up. This is purported to affect everything tangible in one’s life – family, home, car, bank account, etc. – to align into safe balance so that we can activate the highest chakra, the Crown chakra, which deals with all things spiritual.

When using citrine for healing you can use it to cleanse your body of toxins, energizing the body in the same way as the sun. Citrine has a great affinity with the sun and its power. Due to its golden colour, citrine is also said to attract wealth. It is the birthstone of Gemini (21st May – 21st June) and secondary birthstone for Aries, Leo, Libra and Scorpio.

CrystalAge has a remarkable range of citrine crystal gifts for you to explore and add to your collection!

Citrine Crystal Gifts

A wonderful way to start your citrine collection is with our citrine Crystal Beads. Each bead radiates a rich golden colour and possesses a unique shape. Bring the positive qualities of citrine with you wherever you go with these beautiful beads – supplied on a temporary 16” string.

Enhance your outfit with the energy of the sun! By adding our faceted Citrine Pendant to your collection you have not only a gorgeous golden gemstone to light up your style but a gemstone known to encourage wealth and abundance as well. Set in solid silver, this citrine pendant is perfect to spoil yourself, or as a thoughtful gift.

For the real crystal enthusiast, the Citrine Crystal polished point is not only a beautiful show-piece but a superb healing crystal as well. Measuring 7.5cm by 4cm, this honey-coloured polished point is perfect for meditation or simply for home décor (try placing it on a window sill where the sun can shine through it). The positive healing energy of this citrine crystal gift will be welcomed in any home.

What is Crystal Therapy?

Crystal therapy utilises the natural energy present in healing crystals, matching their individual qualities to the corresponding body part or ailment which requires healing.

The molecules in every crystal constantly vibrate in their place due to the earth’s enormous physical and electromagnetic pressure that created them, rather than moving around freely as they do in other less condensed articles. It is these often intense vibrations which create the natural energy which provide the healing crystals used in crystal therapy with their healing properties.

There are many variations of crystal therapy, from the simple wearing of the right healing crystal (an ornament with benefits beyond the aesthetic), to crystal therapies involving the matching up of crystals with their corresponding Chakras (nerve centres along the spinal chord and other parts of the body).

Crystal Therapy & The Chakras

There are seven main Chakras running along the spinal chord from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and each is associated with different energies. For example, the Third Chakra is located at the solar plexus and is connected to the digestive system – the area most likely affected by stress – and also associated with the creativity of the mind. Apatite, Amber and Imperial Topaz are just three of the several healing crystals which positively impact upon the Third Chakra.

Each Chakra is associated with a specific colour and has a variety of similarly coloured crystals whose energy positively influences the associated physical and spiritual attributes of the corresponding Chakra. Crystal therapy works on a similar level to colour therapy, a very basic healing therapy which involves total immersion in the colour of the targeted Chakra.

Crystal therapy, however, involves a more specific approach. For example, the Fifth Chakra’s colour is blue and is located in the throat area near the base of the neck and is linked with the thyroid function and the body’s metabolic rate. Thus, healing issues with these particular bodily functions will require blue crystals such as Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli or Blue Lace Agate. The Fifth Chakra is also linked with communication and creativity, so blue coloured crystals applied to this Chakra will also positively influence these more spiritual aspects of the being human experience.

Energy Flow

Crystal therapy also involves healing between the Chakras, should there be a blockage of the flow of energy. This is an important distinction because blockages in the flow of energy through the Chakras and the whole body itself can hinder the crystal healing process, should the crystals be applied directly to a specific Chakra without first addressing the energy flow blockage.

The science behind the energy vibrations of the crystals and their relationship with the body’s Chakras is incredibly interesting. It’s a spiritual science which has been discussed by the likes of Plato and has been known to us as a species for many, many centuries, perhaps even as much as sixty thousand years according to certain archaeological evidence. Fads and trends come and go, but crystal therapy has remained with us throughout all this time as it is the very earth itself which offers us these healing energies that benefit both our bodies and our minds.

The Higher Powers of Celestite

With the soft hue of a clear morning sky, celestite definitely lives up to its name. It is a mineral that is found worldwide; many pale blue specimens are found in Madagascar. Celestite is the principal source of the element strontium, commonly used in fireworks and in various metal alloys.

Celestite & Crystal Healing

Said to align with the higher realms, celestite is reputed to attune to the higher realms whilst simultaneously keeping you grounded. It is among the Celestial Communication Stones, along with moonstone and blue calcite. It is also said to be good for calming those with a fear of heights or of air travel.

You will find celestite crystals in some geodes. The world’s largest geode is a celestite geode that measured 35 feet in diameter at its widest point. It is located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie.

CrystalAge has a shimmering selection of carefully selected celestite specimens that will stun you with their soft blue multi-faceted surfaces. To help you achieve peace of mind or to align with higher states of consciousness, celestite is an excellent addition to any collection. It is also used in crystal healing.

Celestite Crystal Gifts

The Celestite 8cm Crystal Cluster is regarded as one of the best crystals for aligning with higher states of consciousness – excellent to have in your meditation room or at your beside when you want to achieve those higher states of mind. The relaxing icy-blue of this stunning cluster makes for a beautiful crystal in its own right, ideal for home décor or an inspiring gift.

The Celestite Gift Box is a superb way to introduce celestite to a friend or loved one. Aligned with the higher chakras, celestite is said to exude tranquil vibrations which create a calming atmosphere in any space. Perfect for the office or any high-stress environment, this specimen is presented in a handsome matte black gift box with black satin interior.

Appreciate the calming blue beauty of celestite with the Celestite Tumble Stones. These tumble stones are a smoothened version of the multi-faceted celestite crystal. Polished stones are excellent for displaying in bowls, plant pots, or gardens and are of the perfect size and shape for holding while meditating.

What is Hematite?

Although it can come in varying colours, Hematite is perhaps most well known for its silvery-black hue that makes it one of the most intriguing of minerals. Found worldwide, hematite means bloodlike, so-called because of the red colour of its powdered form and the rust-red streak that sometimes occurs within its various types.

Hematite possesses high iron content. The ancient Greeks associated iron with the god of war, Mars. Soldiers rubbed hematite all over their bodies before battle as a way of strengthening themselves.

Today, many crystal users regard hematite as a way of grounding and protecting oneself. Hematite is thought to be ideal for overcoming compulsive behaviour such as an addiction. It has a reflective quality that is believed to reflect away negative energy, which in turn helps to clear and re-align lower (base) Chakras. It is the birthstone of those born under Aries and Aquarius.

CrystalAge knows how popular hematite is and offers an incredible range of hematite jewellery: beads, pendulums and bracelets – even crystal charms!

Hematite Crystal Gifts

Keep the negative energies of the world at bay with the Hematite Willpower Crystal Charm! With negativity safely reflected away, you can concentrate on personal development and strengthening your determination. A great gift, this charm looks wonderful when hung on a handbag, jeans, luggage, or mobile phone.

A beautiful addition to any home, the Hematite Carved Sitting Buddha Statue shows off the attractive qualities of shining hematite as well as encouraging optimism and combating stress. Have this little fellow by your bedside or at your desk at work as a decorative conversation piece as well as to take advantage of its grounding properties.

Bold and masculine, the Magnetic Hematite Bracelet is not only stylish but also widely considered to be an excellent way to improve circulation and remove toxins. The magnetic properties of hematite are believed to help the body produce endorphins which combat pain and improve blood circulation.

How To Use Tumblestones

If you’ve ever seen a bowl of small, smooth coloured stones in a friend’s house, you may have wondered what they are and what they’re used for. These are tumblestones. In this blog we will give you a brief overview of what tumblestones are and how they are used.

What Is A Tumblestone?

• Each tumblestone begins as a rough stone. Any stone or crystal can be selected.

• The stones are put in tumbler – a rubber-lined barrel machine which spins it around at a slow, constant rate.

• Various grades of grit and sand along with water are put in with the stones; the process of tumbling takes about three weeks.

• Eventually the stones are smoothened to what we call tumblestones.

How Are Tumblestones Used?

Many people want to know what tumbled stones are used for. Most commonly, they are used as decoration around the home or in the garden. They also assist in healing and other metaphysical pursuits such as feng shui.

• Using various colours of polished stones in a dish or bowl is very attractive, and looks fantastic if placed in a clear vase.

• Tumblestones also look wonderful as jewellery. Try putting your favourite tumblestone inside one of our spiral holders to make a pendant.

• By placing various healing stones in places around the home, it is said that you will create a positive vibration in your environment.

• Protection stones such as amethyst can be placed at the openings of your home. Black tourmaline arranged in a grid pattern around the house, garden or meditation area is believed to protect and also to transform negative energies.

• Many crystal users set psychically enhancing stones such as agate in a grid on the floor in their mediation area to augment their experience.

• Holding a polished stone such as angelite or lepidolite while meditating can help to achieve a level of serenity.

Our Top Crystals for Love

Here at CrystalAge, we know how important it is to have a healthy love life! First of all, you want to attract love. Once you’ve found it, you want to hold on to it. Not always easy! So, because we’re in a romantic mood, we present to you our top crystals for love.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is known as the ‘love stone’ and the crystal of unconditional love. This lovely soft pink crystal is said to help you to learn the importance of loving yourself and how to accept love from another person.

Rose Quartz tenderly reminds you that you are worthy of love and that love is not far away. You’ll want Rose Quartz with you at all times; our drilled Rose Quartz hearts are ideal for making your own pendants.

Malachite

Beautiful green Malachite is believed to offer protection and relieve pain. With the colour of a deep green sea, the patterns in this stone help to swiftly wash away painful memories and clear the way for new love.

If you’re a fan of Malachite try sleeping with the crystal on your heart chakra to cleanse yourself of doubts and fears. Our Malachite Howlite Two Stone Heart Pendant can also be worn close to your own heart so that you can benefit from the powers of this handsome stone at all times.

Green Aventurine

For confidence and self esteem that will aid you in attracting love into your life, Green Aventurine is an inspired choice. Known as the stone of love and luck, this is another green mineral that is useful to carry with you or to have at your bedside. Not only is it believed to create harmony and love in your life, it is also said to attract abundance.

What better way to keep this stone’s favour with you at all times than with the Green Aventurine Crystal Heart? Keep it in your pocket, car, or shelf at home and live the adventure of Aventurine!

Larimar

Larimar is said to be a powerful healer and a superb stone for attracting a soul mate. Larimar radiates love and peace and encourages communication in relationships. Wear gorgeous green Larimar every day and watch to see the new friendships you attract.

The Silver & Larimar Pendant is just one way to benefit from the crystal’s beloved properties. Its dreamy turquoise colourings make for a truly beautiful piece of jewellery in its own right.

Morganite

Morganite is said to attract love and also to nurture it. Believed to have a stress-relieving effect and a happy energy, fans of Morganite love to use it in a variety of ways during crystal healing. Not only that, Morganite encourages loving thoughts and actions that in turn help you to have a stress-free life.

Enjoy Morganite in the form of the Morganite & Diamond White Gold Ring! This beautiful combination of stones will make you feel special and loved.