The 10 Most Common Types of Crystals—And What They’re Used For
Kate Hudson once said that she kept a bowl of rose quartz crystals on her bedside table that her mom, Goldie Hawn, gave to her for Mother’s Day.
Hudson is one of many celebrities to publicly swear by the mystical healing powers of crystals. Gisele Bündchen had her husband, quarterback Tom Brady, wear “protective stones” before the Super Bowl in 2019. On the set of the thriller Down a Dark Hall, Uma Thurman carried “grounding” crystals in her pocket at all times. Lizzo showcased three geodes from her impressive collection on David Letterman’s new show in 2020. Adele has held crystals during concerts to combat stage fright.
Clearly, crystals are trendy—but they’re not new. According to Stanford scholar Marisa Galvez, crystals have been mentioned throughout history, from the texts of Roman historian Pliny the Elder (who lived from 23-79) to medieval poetry. “In the Middle Ages, people thought that crystals would bring a spiritual presence,” Galvez told Stanford News. “People had this hunger to have something physical that embodies faith and spirituality.”
Below, I've gathered some of the most common types of crystals for beginners and offered guidance on how to unlock their properties—each of the stones on this list has a different meaning and, according to believers, addresses a specific need. The best crystal for manifesting love, for example, is far and away rose quartz. If you happen to have some adversaries, protect yourself with black tourmaline.
You don’t have to be a crystal expert to channel their inherent energy. But after reading this article, you’ll be on your way to pro status. Here’s where to start your crystal collection—and how to take care of your glittering new geodes once you do.
Amethyst
This is one of the most popular crystals for a reason. Gorgeous and versatile, the purple-hued crystal’s powers purportedly range from quelling anxiety to securing a good night’s sleep. Since amethyst targets the crown chakra (located at the very top of your head, and aligned with the mind), the crystal works to bring a sense of physical and emotional tranquility. Its specific healing properties include easing headaches and migraines, helping with pain relief, and strengthening intuition. Many believe that placing an amethyst geode by your bed will calm your mind and bring pleasant dreams your way.
Rose Quartz
This pinkish crystal is wonderful to use when manifesting love and new relationships. Or, if you’re already stuck on an emotional rollercoaster, the rose quartz encourages reconciliation and empathy. Another benefit? It's said to bring about a sense of inner peace—no matter your relationship status.
Black Tourmaline
The absorbent crystal is said to be able to soak up all the negative vibes that come your way, ridding toxicity. Associated with the root chakra, proponents of black tourmaline say that it can ground you when life feels overwhelming.
Selenite
Feeling perpetually exhausted? It may be time for an aura cleansing (in addition to another cup of coffee and some serious self-care). Selenite is the best crystal for rejuvenating the auric field around us. The crystal supposedly clears out the day’s accrued bad vibes and envelops you in a more peaceful flow of energy. Use selenite like a wand around your body to help draw out all the energetic obstacles that stand in the way of attaining inner serenity. Heads up: selenite dissolves in water, so keep the geode in a dry place.
Citrine
Citrine, a bright yellow variety of quartz, is said to help those who are feeling stuck. For an instant jolt of confidence, I suggest placing citrine on your belly or solar plexus chakra while resting. The crystal will supposedly loosen up the knotted energy within and restore good vibes.
Jade
We could all use some more luck in our lives, which is what makes jade so popular: It’s a portable lucky charm. Jade is said to bring abundance and prosperity in the material realm (think dollar signs) and in the social sphere. Wearing jade on your left hand or wrist is said to help bring in blessings from the universe. Alternatively, jade rings are quite elegant, too.
Clear Quartz
Press “reboot” on your life with clear quartz, a multipurpose essential for any crystal collection. Known as a “master” crystal, clear quartz is all about dimming the inner noise and clarifying your goals. The popular geode supposedly has all-purpose healing properties. Place your new clear quartz by the window to soak up solar energy, which will in turn transfer to you and possibly shine away the bad.
Rhodochrosite
How can you mend a broken heart? With these science-backed tips, of course. But also, those who believe in crystal healing, say rhodochrosite is the stone that's practically made for breakup recovery. Use rhodochrosite —which stimulates the heart chakra—while meditating to build up self-love and confidence. Instilling a positive outlook, the pink crystal may just set you up for the next romantic adventure.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is undoubtedly the best crystal to keep at your work desk (or your WFH corner). The blue crystal encourages a free flow of ideas amongst colleagues. It also encourages clarity and directness, which is especially helpful during Mercury retrograde, an astrological transit that happens three times a year and is notorious for causing communication meltdowns.
Chrysocolla
Think of chrysocolla as an all-in-one one crystal because it aids all of the chakras (the root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye chakras). In doing so, chrysocolla helps the body tune into its psychic sensibilities. Who knows—you might be seeing a flash of the future. While meditating (or just sitting around), place chrysocolla on any of your chakras, or energy points in your body, to re-activate them and help them perform to their best ability.
Once you have a collection, here’s how to use your crystals.
First, there are the basics: Meditate with crystals; place them in opportune places in your home; stash them under your pillow; slip them into your pocket for on-the-go healing.
But you can also get creative. My favorite way to use my crystals is to take a “moon bath” with them. All of the crystals listed above can be used in the bath except selenite, which is water soluble. Under a full moon, place one or more crystals in your bath and manifest your desires—dream big!
For a high-powered drink, add amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz to a pitcher of water and literally imbibe the properties. Alternatively, you can buy a water bottle that contains a crystal.
Last but not least, you can wear colorful crystals as jewelry.
Be sure to take care of your crystals, too.
There’s a catch: Once you start using crystals, you have to cleanse them. If you don’t, the energy the crystal absorbed can transfer right back to you, like a messed-up game of catch. The following methods will restore crystals’ vitality and power.
Selenite, the expert aura cleanser, can be used to cleanse crystals, too. Wave the selenite wand around your crystals.
Give ‘em a salt bath. Place your collection in a bowl of Himalayan salt water for 48 hours to rid the crystals of their accrued energy.
Now that you’re a crystal owner, pay extra close attention to the lunar calendar. During new moons and full moons, “charge” crystals by placing them in the window.
Burning sage or palo santo smudge sticks will get rid of any energetic debris (and make your room smell delectable).
Finally, certain crystals call for certain routines. Place black tourmaline in a bowl of brown rice to draw out the negativity it absorbed.
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