Crystals have long been treasured for their beauty, spiritual significance and healing properties – particularly Lapis lazuli for promoting truth and inner vision.

As crystals form, they often develop natural flat sides or faces which can be cut by gem cutters into gemstones by creating faceting to show off its internal atomic pattern – something each crystal offers uniquely.

Crystals

Crystals form when the atoms in a solid mineral arrange themselves in an orderly geometric pattern that extends in all directions – this characteristic distinguishes crystals from other minerals.

Crystals can also be defined as any gemstone with an organic, geometric form. Examples include hematite, calcite, amethyst and pyrite; however gems like garnet azurite malachite do not fall under this classification due to not possessing their characteristic crystal habit.

Gemstones are semi-precious or precious stones classified as semi-precious or precious and used for ornamental purposes such as jewellery. Cut and polished gemstones are usually cut and polished for this use; these gems may come from nature but more frequently they’re created through high pressure/high temperature processes to fuse crystals together into gemstones.

Many people believe that crystals have healing powers for both mind and body. By adding crystals to your meditation practice, they can help ground yourself, focus your energy, set intentions, and set intentions more easily. Just make sure to clean them on a regular basis to clear any negative or stagnant energy they may have absorbed.

Gemstones

Gemstones are minerals crafted into jewelry or decorative objects by cutting and polishing. Gemstones form in various ways: within Earth’s crust, along tectonic plate subduction zones or at asteroid impact sites before being mined out of existence and found. Some stones then visit lapidary studios where they’re transformed into timeless pieces of jewelry.

Gemstone beauty lies in its color, size, shape and sparkle. Most gemstones show signs of their creation – such as inclusions or geological features visible when observed under magnification – as a loupe magnifier can reveal them. Gemologists rely heavily on these characteristics when determining a stone’s value; those treated are valued more highly than untreated ones; imitation or simulated gemstones tend to be made out of cheaper materials that do not follow natural processes of creation as naturally-occurring gemstones do, making initial purchases more affordable while lasting value may diminish over time.

Minerals

Minerals in their pure state tend to be colorless; light interacts with impurities in its internal structure to give them color. Their distinctive shapes often can be identified easily – for instance, you might recognize butterfly wings or whorls of petals from a sunflower as examples of their symmetry.

Some natural minerals have been enhanced through heat or chemical processes, altering their value permanently and altering its value as a gem.

Most gemstones exhibit visible evidence of their formation, such as inclusions (tiny crystals or other materials trapped within a host mineral during its growth), internal fractures that have healed with distinct zones, or earlier growth stages that leave distinct colorations behind. These features allow gemologists to trace its geological history. Ancients used many crystals and minerals as healing tools incorporated into jewelry, cosmetics, decorative statues, amulets or amulet offerings; today this tradition remains strong through holistic wellness practices using crystals and gemstones.

Healing stones

People have used natural crystals and gemstones for centuries as decoration, healing tools, and spiritual aids. People believe these stones vibrate with energetic frequencies that can align, calm, energize, and uplift the wearer or those around them; in addition, these gemstones possess physical properties such as light refraction and electrical charge that make them standout amongst their counterparts.

Different healing crystals contain specific energetic properties. Citrine is known to bring wealth and success to one’s life while encouraging self-confidence, creativity and positive energy. Another popular choice is Tiger Eye which promotes strength, courage and confidence.

Many people utilize stones in their meditation or visualization practices, including placing them around their home or work to help create an ideal atmosphere, or carrying one close to their skin so it can radiate healing energies throughout the day. This may prove especially helpful for individuals struggling with anxiety and stress.