Healing crystals 101: How to find the perfect stone for your needs

From temples to TikTok, healing crystals have been treasured for their beauty and believed energies, offering wearers a touch of history, style, and symbolism. (Image: Pexels)

From ancient temples to modern Instagram feeds, healing crystals have travelled centuries and cultures, carrying with them stories of magic, mystery, and meaning. From ancient Egyptians to the Chinese and Native American tribes, colourful gemstones have been revered not just for their beauty but for the special properties many believe they hold. In various traditions, these stones were thought to promote physical wellness, emotional balance, and spiritual harmony. Today, as Gen Z dives deeper into holistic self-care and spiritual exploration, the crystal craze has found fresh life — most often in the form of delicate bracelets, layered necklaces, and statement rings.

Healing accessories:

For many, crystals are more than just pretty accessories. Some practitioners incorporate them into rituals designed to restore energy fields and create a sense of peace. In certain healing traditions, stones are placed directly on the body to target specific areas, while others prefer simply wearing crystal jewellery for their symbolic resonance. Whether they’re in contact with the skin or sitting in a pocket, the belief is the same: these gems can promote the flow of good energy, help dispel negativity, and bring emotional or physical benefits.

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Healing from myths:

Science hasn’t confirmed these healing claims, yet personal experiences and centuries of folklore keep the practice alive. From those seeking better sleep to others aiming for focus, abundance, or love, the range of crystals and their attributed powers is vast. Take clear quartz, often called the “master healer,” believed to support the entire energetic system. Or jasper, cherished as a nurturing stone during stressful times. Obsidian is thought to aid in emotional release, while amethyst is associated with purification and willpower. Bloodstone, once believed to treat blood ailments, is still linked to circulation and vitality.

Wealth and success seekers often turn to stones like tiger’s eye, said to boost motivation and diminish fear, and citrine, linked to creativity and concentration. Turquoise is thought to soothe emotions while attracting good luck, sapphire is celebrated as a stone of prosperity, and jade has long been connected to abundance and fortune in many Asian cultures.

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When it comes to matters of the heart, rose quartz — often called the “stone of love” — is believed to encourage trust and deep emotional bonds. Moonstone is associated with inner strength and personal growth, while the passionate ruby is linked to sensuality and romance. These stones find their way into bracelets, anklets, and pendants, often gifted as tokens of affection or worn as daily affirmations.

Tips for upkeep:

Caring for crystals is a ritual in itself. Many practitioners “cleanse” their stones to clear absorbed energies and popular methods include rinsing them in water (though some softer stones should be avoided), placing them in sunlight or moonlight, or setting them on a bed of salt. Storing them in a soft pouch or jewellery box can also help preserve both their physical beauty and their symbolic energy.