Crystals can help boost energy, provide clarity and foster spiritual development. Furthermore, crystals may assist with emotional healing by dispelling negativity from one’s energy field.

No matter your experience in collecting crystals or mineral specimens, it’s essential to know how to identify high-quality specimens. This guide covers Clarity, Color, Luster, Form and Size so you can create a collection that both looks beautiful and provides value.

Clarity

Crystals are believed to absorb and release various frequencies, creating clarity and intuitive understanding. From master healer Clear Quartz to Selenite’s ethereal energies, crystals have the power to connect with chakra centers to promote emotional and mental balance.

As part of your evaluation of crystal quality, take note of its transparency and luster. Crystals that possess a bright glassy shine tend to be of higher-grade material while darker or dull lusters may indicate lower-grade crystals that have been treated by dye or heat treatments.

Find cracks and chips that have formed naturally over time; these crystals often possess greater energy than their flawless counterparts.

Color

This family-run store prides itself on ethically and mindfully sourcing its crystals. Their inventory of raw and faceted stones range from apricot quartz with flecks of pyrite to rare bicolor quartz such as Ajoite that’s thought to promote compassion.

Clarity, color, luster, form, and authenticity of crystals are all essential qualities when purchasing them; but knowing their purpose can be equally as crucial – for instance amethyst promotes calm while citrine encourages positivity.

One effective way of testing the authenticity of crystals is to place them under UV light in a dark room and shine UV light directly on them. If they glow with vibrant colors or show any visible reactions that indicate realness – these characteristics cannot be found on synthetic or dyed stones.

Luster

Luster refers to how light reflects off a mineral’s surface and there are various kinds of luster ranging from metallic to dull. Some minerals, like galena, exhibit metallic luster while others possess gemmy pearly or resinous qualities that look chalky or greasy; there’s even resinous qualities with chalky or greasy appearance, and others like gypsum flower and satin spar exhibit glassy or vitreous qualities.

Crystals with very vibrant hues may be a telltale sign that they’re fake; genuine crystals have earthier, less striking hues without being dyed. Also, if their price seems much lower than expected it could also be suspect.

Form

Crystal shapes play an integral part in their beauty and energy. An ideal crystal is symmetrical and features smooth surfaces which reflect light well; high-quality crystals feature consistent faceting which increases their brilliance (source).

Clarity is another crucial aspect in assessing crystal quality. A clear crystal is transparent with few visible flaws or inclusions – these natural marks or materials may add or detract value depending on what type of crystal it is.

An effective way to assess a crystal’s quality is by sensing its energy. A top-quality crystal will feel right to you, often with an identifiable energetic vibration you can sense immediately upon touching it. Always purchase from trustworthy sellers who provide full disclosure about its origin and treatments.

Size

Crystals that exhibit an X-ray quality diffraction pattern may reach large sizes. They are generally distinguished by having low concentrations of lattice defects in their (001) growth sectors and impurity concentrations under 0.1ppm for both boron and nitrogen impurities.

High-quality crystals differ from Swarovski stones used for DIY and jewellery projects in that they come directly from nature, providing natural rocks of various shapes, colors and sizes sourced directly from Earth – perfect for crafting projects!

Get crystals for meditation, healing and more from these carefully curated online shops. Find everything from sage bundles and crystal wands to rock collecting kits designed for children at The Crystal Lion – including aurlite from Canada’s boreal forest as well as rustic quartz clusters sourced ethically and sustainably by its founder.