There’s been a recent uptickTrusted Source in American adults turning to what’s known as complementary and alternative medicine. This includes everything from acupuncture and yoga to tai chi and even healing crystals.

In fact, you’ve probably heard people talking about, and showing off, these beautiful stones. But you may not know what they could offer you.

There are a number of different types of crystals, each filled with their own healing abilities for the mind, body, and soul. They’re thought to promote the flow of good energy and help rid the body and mind of negative energy for physical and emotional benefits.

Historically speaking, crystals are touted as ancient forms of medicine, with philosophies borrowed from Hinduism and Buddhism. However, it’s important to know that there’s no scientific evidence to support the use of crystals. Despite this, people are still drawn to their colors and beauty.

The key to indulging in this self-care experience is mindfulness, reflection, and acceptance. For instance, researchersTrusted Source found that a person’s mind may have much more healing power than it’s given credit.

Even though there isn’t a great deal of scientific support of crystals, a number of people swear by their powers. So, if you’re curious to give them a go, make sure to keep an open mind and check out what each stone can do for you.

To help you get started, we compiled a comprehensive roundup of some of the most popular crystals.

Different types of healing crystals

Clear quartz

This white crystal is considered a “master healer.” It’s said to amplify energy by absorbing, storing, releasing, and regulating it. It’s also said to aid concentration and memory. Physically, clear crystals are claimed to help stimulate the immune system and balance out your entire body. This stone is often paired with others like rose quartz to aid and enhance their abilities.

Rose quartz

Just as the color may suggest, this pink stone is all about love. It’s said to help restore trust and harmony in all different kinds of relationships while improving their close connections. It’s also claimed to help provide comfort and calm during times of grief.

It isn’t all about other people, though. Rose quartz is said to also encourage love, respect, trust, and worth within one’s self — something we could all use in this day and age.

Jasper

This smooth crystal is known as the “supreme nurturer.” It’s said to empower the spirit and support you through times of stress by preparing you to fully “show up.” It’s claimed to protect you from and absorb negative vibes while promoting courage, quick thinking, and confidence. These are traits that are extra helpful when tackling important issues — which is exactly what this stone may be good for.

Obsidian

An intensely protective stone, obsidian is said to help form a shield against physical and emotional negativity. It’s also said to help get rid of emotional blockage and promote qualities of strength, clarity, and compassion to help find your true sense of self. For your physical body, it may aid in digestion and detoxification while potentially helping reduce pain and cramps.

Citrine

Bring joy, wonder, and enthusiasm to every part of your life with citrine. It’s said to help you release negative traits from your life like fear, and in turn help encourage optimism, warmth, motivation, and clarity. It’s also claimed to enhance mindful qualities, like creativity and concentration.

Turquoise

This blue crystal has powers that are said to help heal the mind, body, and soul. Generally speaking, it’s seen as a good luck charm that can help balance your emotions while finding your spiritual groundings. When it comes to the body, it’s said to benefit the respiratory, skeletal, and immune system.

Tiger’s eye

If you’re in need of a power or motivation boost, this golden stone may be for you. It’s said to help rid your mind and body of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. This can be beneficial for career aspirations or even matters of the heart. Tiger’s eye is also said to help guide you to harmony and balance to help you make clear, conscious decisions.

Amethyst

This purple stone is said to be incredibly protective, healing, and purifying. It’s claimed it can help rid the mind of negative thoughts and bring forth humility, sincerity, and spiritual wisdom. It’s also said to help promote sobriety. Sleep is another claimed benefit of this stone, from supposedly aiding in insomnia relief to understanding dreams. Physically, it’s said to boost hormone production, cleanse blood, and relieve pain and stress.

Moonstone

Known for “new beginnings,” moonstone is said to encourage inner growth and strength. When starting fresh, this stone is purported to also soothe those uneasy feelings of stress and instability so you’re able to move forward successfully. It’s also claimed to promote positive thinking, intuition, and inspiration while bringing forth success and good fortune.

Bloodstone

This powerful healing stone lives up to its name. Bloodstone is claimed to help cleanse the blood by drawing off bad environmental energies and improving circulation. Mindfully speaking, it encourages selflessness, creativity, and idealism while helping you live within the current moment. It’s also said it can also help you rid yourself of feelings of irritability, aggressiveness, and impatience.

Sapphire

This blue stone is one of wisdom and royalty. It’s said it can attract prosperity, happiness, and peace while opening up the mind to accept beauty and intuition. As for physical health, this stone is claimed to also help heal eye issues, cellular levels, and blood disorders while also easing depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Ruby

A red standout, this stone helps restore vitality and energy levels. This can help improve things such as sensuality, sex, and intellect. It’s also said to help bring self-awareness and the realization of truth to one’s mind. Rubies were used in ancient times to help remove toxins from blood and improve the overall circulatory system.

How to select your crystal

First things first: Identify what you feel you’re missing before looking into what stones can provide you. This will help you indicate what’s going on within yourself before depending on outside sources.

From there, just let your intuition choose what’s best for you. Whether a crystal catches your eye or you can feel a physical pull toward one, your inner subconscious will help guide you to the crystal that’s right for you. Once it’s pick out, you can create the connection you need.

How to care for your crystal

When you first bring your crystal home, you’ll want to cleanse away any negativity it may have picked up. You can hold it under cold, running water from a tap or rinse it in a natural source of water. Either way, be sure the water is cool, not warm or hot.

Add a bit of sea salt to the cleanse or burn sage to really help it get rid of unwanted energies. You can also leave it out to dry in morning sunlight or full moon light to let the light filter through.

It’s not just about their physical care, though. For crystals to work their magic, you mentally have to remove the negative energy or skepticism you may have about their capabilities. It’s important to respect what they can do for you.

Crystal accessories

The main benefit of crystals may be their healing abilities. But if we’re being perfectly honest, they’re also really beautiful. So it’s no surprise people make tons of accessories out of them, like jewelry or home decorations. Not only will the crystals look nice, keeping good energy around never hurt anyone.

Prayer beads

Crystal prayer beads are worn against the heart to inspire all kinds of positive feelings, whether it be hope, courage, or peace. They’re a great way for anyone to carry around the healing powers of crystals.

Jewelry

Jewelry is another great way to incorporate a crystal’s abilities. Not to mention, it also allows you to show off each stone’s beauty.

Coasters

These stunning coasters are made from genuine gemstones from Brazil. The agate stone in this household item will help promote balance and harmony within the home. These are ideal for those who want to bring good energies into their abode.

Sex toys

These crystal sex toys mix their energies with your sexual energy to help provide pure, sexual pleasure. They’re great tools for those who’ve been in a sexual rut to help them get open up.

Pipes

Believe it or not, you can even smoke out of crystal-made hand pipes. They’re smooth, easy to use, and sturdy. This makes them a great gift for anyone who uses medical marijuana to manage a health condition.

Water bottles

Trendy water bottles are just as trendy as crystals now, so it’s no surprise the two have been merged into one. In the bottom of these beautiful glass bottles sits a “gem pod.” It’s said to promote everything from wellness and beauty to balance. This is the perfect accessory to bring to your next yoga practice.

Takeaway

If you’re already skeptical about these healing crystals, then they likely won’t do you any good. They’re unlikely to do you any harm, though. While there’s no scientific evidence for crystals, that hasn’t stopped people from trying them.

An open mind is key to obtaining the positive qualities these beautiful stones can offer. Whether it’s overall good energy you want or specific healing powers, there’s nothing wrong with giving crystals an honest try. Who knows — you might be pleasantly surprised.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT