Many believe crystals contain healing energies, providing emotional health benefits and spiritual exploration opportunities. Others simply admire their beauty.

Gemologists and mineralogists typically classify minerals by their crystal system–an arrangement of atoms which form solid matter in its core. Examples include isometric, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic and cubic crystal structures.

Origins

People often think of crystals as beautiful mineral objects with smooth surfaces and geometric designs. Gemologists and mineralogists define a crystal as any specific kind of mineral which forms in one of seven distinct crystal systems; each system specializes in locking new atoms into orderly patterns to give crystals their characteristic flat surfaces, cubic forms or other features.

Crystals were long revered for their purported healing properties. For example, many medical treatises of the Middle Ages extolled various gemstones for their supposed beneficial properties.

Ancient Egyptians held gemstones such as lapis lazuli and carnelian in high regard, using them in jewelry, amulets and burial rituals. Jade remains highly esteemed in Chinese medicine today; some practitioners believe certain stones have special energies that enhance healing while helping balance and focus the mind. Gemstones form through unique geological conditions that fascinate earth scientists alike.

Properties

Crystals are powerful stones formed by Mother Earth that offer unique energetic properties to aid you on your healing journey. Certain stones like clear quartz can even be programmed with intention for greater manifestion of goals into physical reality.

Gemstones are used in a number of religious traditions, from Hinduism (where they represent deities and planets) to Buddhism where gemstones are placed on altars or meditation techniques to symbolize purity and clarity of thought.

Many gemstones are treated using ancient techniques, like foiling (placing metal over the gem to improve its color) or heat-treating (used since 2000 for sapphire). Modern treatments include using high temperatures and chemical solutions to produce desirable hues in gems like blue tanzanite or purple tsavorite; such methods may impact pricing, though their true worth ultimately relies on desirability and market demand; efforts should be taken towards responsible gem trading practices.

Meanings

Crystals have long been associated with many different healing properties and spiritual energies, drawing people in due to their intriguing physical qualities that both exude darkness and transparency – something many still find captivating today. People have drawn an emotional attachment to them due to this dichotomy between physicality and translucence that keeps us intrigued with these stones today.

Covellite promotes renewal and rejuvenation. It can stimulate intuitive gifts and psychic ability while aiding clear thinking and spiritual expansion. Covellite can be used to assist with addiction recovery as well as understanding yourself and others better.

Malachite is an elegant gemstone that brings joy to the heart, fosters clarity and understanding and increases self-esteem. Malachite can act as a powerful manifestation tool and attract wealth, success and prosperity into one’s life. Additionally, Malachite supports balanced lifestyles that reduce feelings of stress while helping release destructive habits while clearing away negativity from surroundings.

Uses

Crystal energy can have a powerful impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, which makes selecting which crystals and gemstones to use a personal, mindful process.

Malachite is known to help remove negative energies and boost self-confidence and self-awareness, while its marbled, opaque emerald hue is said to release emotional blockages and promote healing.

Gemstones and crystals can be combined with other spiritual tools, like amulets or talismans, for protection, success and prosperity. Rose quartz crystals in particular are known for their soothing properties and heart-opening energy that fosters love and compassion in us all.

Crystals come in various shapes and sizes that make them easier to incorporate into everyday life, like necklaces, rings and earrings. You may even use crystals during meditation as prayer beads (counting mantras such as “Om” or “Shanti”). Keep in mind that all crystals and gemstones are distinct – each possessing distinct chemical and physical characteristics that distinguish them from synthetic stones and glass; to spot the differences use a tool called refractometer that measures light refraction by measuring how a stone refracts light refractometer measures the way light refracts light within stones to help identify them quickly.