15 Healing Crystals and How to Use Them

Healing crystals are natural mineral formations — think a geode, a tumbled stone or a cluster — believed to have metaphysical properties that promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and imbue positive energy.

The theory is that crystals interact with the body's energy field to promote physical and spiritual healing. However, there are no scientific studies showing that crystals can heal diseases or transfer energy to a person.

Still, proponents point out that the use of healing crystals is prevalent in various cultures throughout history. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Native Americans all incorporated crystals into their spiritual and healing practices.

Historically, Egyptians used crystals like lapis lazuli and carnelian in jewelry, amulets and burial rituals. In Chinese culture, jade was (and still is) a highly stone revered for its protective and healing qualities — you'll find tools in traditional Chinese medicine that harness the healing power of jade, like a gua sha stone. Indian Ayurvedic traditions have long recognized the therapeutic properties of gemstones, known as ratnas.

People use healing crystals because they believe these stones have natural energies that can positively impact their lives.

Whether or not these stones have healing energy is up to the person using and experiencing the crystal itself. There's no universal guide that explains crystals and their meanings, as they have different uses in different cultures and cultural contexts. However, there are some that are more broadly accepted.

In some instances, particularly in Western cultures, these "healing stones" are simply used to help bring awareness to a meditation (or similar practice) for well-being. Crystal healing, meditation, feng shui and jewelry all allow the user to connect with Mother Earth and the natural world (specifically, the mineral kingdom) and explore their spiritual and energetic needs.

I've written extensively on crystals and I'll explain what each healing stone purportedly delivers and how you can use these (potentially) powerful healing stones on a journey toward self-discovery. Fortunately, these aren't rare crystals; they're widely available. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Amethyst

Emotional balance abounds! In the search for inner peace, grab amethyst, the lavender-hued grounding stone. Known as a "master healer" stone in some cultures, amethyst is a protective stone with a calming energy and ability to relieve stress relief while enhancing spiritual development.

To harness deep inner peace and access higher self, many choose to meditate with amethyst because of its association with the crown chakra (located at the top of your head) which connects you to the universe.

2. Green Aventurine

The jade-colored beauty is a stone of luck and opportunity, believed to attract abundance, prosperity and emotional balance. Associated with the heart chakra, it can promote compassion and harmony. While magnetizing wealth, positive energy and good luck, green aventurine can ward off negative energy.

3. Lapis Lazuli

An opaque cobalt blue flecked with gold, lapis lazuli is a stunning crystal to behold — and one of the most historic, as well. Considered a stone of wisdom and truth, it can enhance communication, intuition and spiritual growth. Wearing a necklace with this stone will help you find inner strength through the use of your voice. That's because lapis lazuli is associated with the throat chakra.

4. Tiger's Eye: Courage

When it comes to restoring your self-expression, tiger's eye is a powerful healing stone. Primarily associated with the solar plexus chakra, the powerhouse for the physical body, the stone can enhance courage, self-esteem and self-confidence.

If your self-esteem is in need of healing energy, this grounding stone will aid in releasing fear and tuning into your inner wisdom and inner strength. It gets its name from its almost-opalescent, striated amber color.

5. Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is one of the most popular crystals, associated with the heart chakra. With its gorgeous soft-pink hue, you can find rose quartz abundantly in jewelry, home decor and sometimes even furniture. The soothing stone can help individuals connect to love, compassion and emotional healing. It is also often used to attract romance, absorb negative energy and, of course, foster self-love.

6. Clear Quartz

This protective stone is a versatile crystal. Clear quartz can amplify energy — paired with a calming stone, for instance, you could have a very soothing stone combination. It will turn up the volume on whichever crystal you combine it with.

On its own, clear quartz enhances clarity of mind and supports spiritual growth. As another "master healer," clear quartz may also help with the immune system.

7. Labradorite

Cue the spiritual transformation! This protective stone can give you access to some wild dreams, with its almost-alien glint that looks as if the aurora borealis was trapped inside it. Revered for its mystical and transformative properties, it's often used for enhancing intuition, spiritual growth and protection.

Because labradorite can stimulate and activate the third eye chakra, which is associated with intuition, psychic abilities and spiritual insight, the mineral is thought to aid in accessing higher levels of consciousness while promoting mental clarity.

8. Citrine

Say goodbye to negative thoughts and hello to a positive attitude with sunny citrine. This golden-hued, translucent, nurturing stone, known as the "stone of abundance," can enhance positivity, confidence and success. It's often used for manifestation as it can attract prosperity. Think: sunshine in a stone. Citrine also makes a popular choice for jewelry, due to its aesthetic nature.

9. Malachite

If negative energies are blocking your self-confidence, reach for a marbled, opaque, emerald-hued stone known as malachite. Not only is it stunning, this very grounding stone can release negative emotions and emotional blockages.

Associated with healing, malachite may assist in emotional healing, personal growth and positive transformation. In turn, this may boost self-confidence and self-awareness.

10. Selenite

Known for eradicating negative energies, some spiritual wellness experts refer to selenite as the "magic eraser" for bad juju. Renowned for its cleansing and purifying qualities, this clear, striated stone is often used for energy clearing, meditation (thanks to its calming energy) and promoting a peaceful environment.

11. Black Tourmaline

Ward off negative energy and rest in the safety of inner peace with black tourmaline. This protective stone has psychic protection properties and can absorb negative energies, almost like charcoal absorbing toxins. Some use this jet-black stone to cleanse the physical and emotional body and enhance grounding energy as well as stability.

12. Carnelian

To boost physical energy, self-esteem and vitality, find yourself a red carnelian. It is associated with enhancing creativity, courage and passion, while also aiding in overcoming fear, boosting self-esteem, and promoting positive energy and life choices.

13. Obsidian

Formed from cooled volcanic lava, obsidian has intense energy because of its ties to the Earth’s core. Many believe this gives the stone potent properties for shielding and emotional healing.

14. Jasper

Known as the "supreme nurturer," jasper is a versatile stone that offers various types of healing, depending on its color and variety. It can provide a stable, calming energy, which is why it’s a good option to help reduce stress and increase resilience. Jasper can enhance mental clarity and focus, making it easier to stay committed to tasks and goals.

15. Bloodstone

Bloodstone, a stone speckled with red (often resembling drops of blood), is a powerful healing stone because of its reputed ability to boost energy and support emotional resilience. Bloodstone is a powerful protective stone, warding off negative energies and promoting spiritual grounding. You can use it in meditation to strengthen a sense of connection to your higher self.

To choose the best crystal, start by identifying where you want support — whether it's emotional healing, mental clarity, physical energy or spiritual growth. Knowing your intention will help you narrow your options; for example, amethyst has a calming energy, while citrine is useful for positivity and success.

Once you have an idea of what you need, trust your instincts. Visit a crystal shop if possible and see which stones speak to you. Often, the right crystal will catch your attention or feel comfortable in your hand. Pay attention to its color, shape, and texture, as these can also influence your choice.

If you’re shopping online, research each crystal’s properties and see which ones resonate with you. You might find certain descriptions feel relevant to your life, guiding you toward what could be the right stone.

Finally, remember there’s no wrong choice: Choosing a crystal is a personal and mindful experience. And you can always add others to your collection over time as your needs evolve.

To care for your crystals and maintain their energy, begin by regularly cleansing them to remove any absorbed negative energy. There are various ways to cleanse crystals, such as running them under cold water or leaving them in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours.

Charging your crystals enhances their natural properties. Place them under a full moon or use a crystal charging plate to amplify their energy. Setting an intention while charging can further empower them.

Store your crystals in a safe, clean space, preferably a cloth pouch or lined box to protect them from scratches or chips. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight for extended periods unless they’re sunlight-safe.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.