No matter your faith or interest level in crystals, they can make for beautiful home decor pieces. But which ones should you keep?

Crystals may not do any physical harm to you, yet there’s no scientific proof they can treat specific conditions. Yet bringing crystals into your life may provide an effective way of relaxing and centering yourself.

Physical

Crystal healing advocates believe that gemstones and crystals have the power to balance body systems through nearly undetectable vibrations that are determined by each stone’s chemical and mineral makeup.

Healing stones have long been thought of as solutions for physical ailments like inflammation or muscle pain, with amethyst being particularly well known for helping relieve headaches and induce sleepiness while strengthening immunity and treating digestive issues.

Some crystals have been linked with specific chakra points in the body, like green aventurine for cardiovascular health and yellow topaz for mental clarity. Modern crystal healing draws its inspiration from traditional concepts originating in Asian cultures such as belief in life-energy known as chi or qi and chakras – vortices of energy which connect physical with supernatural aspects of one’s being – which exist at each chakra point.

Though crystals have their benefits, experts warn against overly-relying on them for health and wellness purposes – particularly as a replacement to medical advice from qualified practitioners. Furthermore, mining crystals in some of the poorest countries of the world could result in environmental and human rights abuses.

Mental

Crystals may help balance and harmonize our seven chakras, providing balance to their respective energies and auras. Each stone may possess its own specific frequency which can address various mental ailments from stress to anxiety and depression.

The mechanism of action varies from culture to culture, with remedies often drawn from tradition or mythology rather than scientific investigation. One discovery did add some scientific support: brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered that applying mechanical pressure to crystals resulted in an electrical discharge measurable by electrometer.

Crystals may offer significant healing properties; many believe this to be more than placebo effects. As with any treatment option, however, it’s wise to consult a health care professional prior to undertaking alternative healing methods like crystal therapy. It should also be remembered that certain crystal mines may not operate ethically or responsibly and it is wise to do your research prior to trying alternative forms of healing such as crystal therapy.

Emotional

Crystals are more than just pretty rocks; they contain unique energy that can assist your journey to healing emotionally. Certain crystals have healing properties which may provide particular assistance by soothing emotional pain, encouraging positivity and creating balance.

Rose Quartz is an extremely gentle and loving stone that promotes unconditional love and healing for heart and soul. It is said to dissipate negative energies while filling an aura with serenity and balance.

Green aventurine is believed to be a good luck charm that brings prosperity and abundance into one’s life, while covellite helps promote personal development by clearing away obstacles to progress in life. Covellite is known to awaken inner vision while aiding journeying into dream states while relieving stress and anxiety from its user.

Spiritual

Crystals have long been used as tools for relaxation and healing; from better sleep and channeling peaceful vibes, to stifling anxiety and improving finances. But beyond their pretty aesthetic, what exactly lies behind their purported powers? While scientifically the answer remains unclear, modern crystal healing draws heavily from ancient Chinese beliefs in life-energy (chi or qi), Hindu/Buddhist chakras (energy vortices believed to connect physical with spiritual realms), and other concepts.

Askinosie asserts that intention setting is key when using crystals for healing, noting amethyst is said to aid the digestive tract; selenite can heal Crown Chakra and improve positivity; citrine can support abundance, etc. Furthermore, regular cleansing under full moon light removes negative energies while reinvigorating crystals so they may continue working their magic again.