Crystals (and minerals and gemstones) are beautiful creations of the Earth, born from deep beneath the Earth's surface and brought out into the light to sit on our bedside tables, decorate our bookshelves, and hang from our wrists or ears.
Everyone, no matter their background or position, has a story of that time they stumbled upon a beautiful rock that got tucked into a pocket or someone gifted them a piece of crystal jewelry to treasure. From wandering caves in Pakistan to picking up geodes at the local creek, each of us has a connection to the world of crystals, healing stones, and rocks, connecting us all with the Earth.
When we use crystals, either for their metaphysical healing properties or even just to adorn our bodies or decorate our homes because they're pretty, we're working with the Earth to attract healing energy, create beauty, and live with intention. It's a human-nature connection we all share.
But how do you use crystals? Without some intention, it's easy to find yourself with a bunch of rocks sitting in a bowl, or more crystal earrings than there are days in the year. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore seven tactics for how to use crystals in your everyday life.
How to Use Crystals to Decorate Your Home or Office
The easiest way to use crystals is to place them in spaces you frequent, bringing them into your energy field. Stones are a beautiful addition to your bedside table, favorite bookshelf, or accent shelf. You can even get a crystal shelf made just for displaying your rock or crystal collection.
Decorating with crystals allows you to tap into their energy and beauty when you walk into the room. Who needs a man cave when we can all live in a crystal cave? Using healing crystals as home decor can create a harmonious and energetically balanced living space.
Place larger crystals like Citrine or Black Tourmaline in key areas of your home to absorb any negative energies and promote positive vibes. Red Jasper is one of the most popular crystals for creating a grounded energy in your home.
Have smaller pieces? Arrange these crystals in a bowl or on a small decorative plate on an end table or shelf for easy display and fast access.
However, a word of advice: be careful to not place some stones in direct sunlight. Many crystals, such as Amethyst, Fluorite, and Rose Quartz will fade in sunshine, and many crystal spheres, especially Smoky and Clear Quartz can create a magnifying glass effect with sunlight, potentially sparking a fire. Alternatively, many other crystals and shapes are fine to place in sunlight.
How to Use Crystals to Set the Mood
Beyond putting your crystals on a shelf to stay, think of them as accent pieces to be moved and regularly rearranged to help you set the mood, either for your own liking or with the seasons.
When you use crystals in decoration as a living piece of your decor, you form a closer relationship with these stones, oftentimes finding that you have a favorite piece that moves throughout the house as your experience and needs of your home evolve, or there are certain places that collect interesting items.
You can also bring certain crystals into your space for their specific healing properties. Healing crystals work to set whatever vibe is associated with any particular stone, and can be a great way to begin your own healing practices.
There are crystals for repelling negative energy, some that relieve stress, stones that aid in the process of self discovery, and those that promote self love, self esteem, and even assuage self doubt. With a little research, you can find stones to set any mood in your home that you feel drawn to.
This bathroom shelf - shown above - in my own home is an ever-changing vignette, changing with the season, or the mood, or with whatever is going on in my life. It often features flowers, a seasonal candle, and always a collection of crystals, from light and airy Rose Quartz (which are great for drawing in unconditional love) to deep, mysterious Obsidian (which is great for dispelling negative energy).
How to Use Crystals as Jewelry
Wearing crystals is one of the best of countless ways to enjoy their beauty (and magical, crystal healing power) all day long – you're literally wearing them on your body! From earrings and necklaces to crystal bracelets and rings, using crystals as jewelry allows you to maintain a constant connection with these natural objects while also allowing you to explore and express your personal style and begin to work with your healing crystals. This allows you to combine your unique frequency with that of the stone you choose to wear and embark on your journey of crystal healing.
Choose to wear crystals on your body that align with your intentions and wear them as necklaces, bracelets, or rings.
For example, Smoky Quartz is a popular crystal for balancing negative emotions and dispelling unwanted energies. Blue Lace Agate is great for balancing your throat chakra, helping with communication. Citrine is a great crystal that can help you attract abundance and Clear Quartz is a high-vibing master healer.
How to Use Crystal Candle Holders as Planters
One of my favorite, unexpected uses for crystal candle holders is to use them as little planters for small plants, like succulents.
When choosing a candle holder to be used as a planter, be sure your candle holder has a solid bottom (many candle holders simply have a felted bottom, which is not plant-watering-friendly) and that the crystal itself will hold up to water (for example, the popular Selenite candle holders can actually dissolve when wet). A Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Obsidian candle holder are great options for using as planters.
You can also add crystals to your potted plants and outdoor plant beds. View our Crystals for the Garden article for more info.
Carry Crystals in Your Pocket for Good Luck
I'm always pleasantly surprised when people tell me they have a favorite rock they carry in their pocket (or bra, or purse). Whether it's simply for good luck (try Pyrite), for other purposes like protection against negative vibes (try Black Tourmaline) or to attract prosperity (try Green Aventurine), we humans are naturally drawn to keeping rocks on us as talismans to attract or repel or for tapping into their healing powers by keeping them somewhere hidden away on our body.
Want to infuse your rock friendship with extra magic? Sync your selection with your birthstone or zodiac to tap into vibes most aligned with your own energy.
How to Use Crystals in Your Self Care Routine
Incorporate crystals into your self care rituals to enhance their effectiveness and create a sacred atmosphere. Whether you're taking a bath, practicing yoga, or enjoying a soothing cup of tea, place healing crystals nearby to infuse the space with their healing energy. This mindful integration of crystals can deepen your self care practices and help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. Here are a few examples of where crystals play a role in your self care routines.
Meditation and Mindfulness
We've all heard that meditating is good for us, and most of us can also agree that it's easier said than done. A common problem: struggling to stay focused.
This is why I like to bring healing crystals into my meditation practice; crystals are a great object for helping you find focus during your meditations.
Holding a rock in your hand and focusing on its weight, its temperature, its shape, and how it feels against your fingers and palm is an effective set of training wheels for developing productive meditation habits. It gives you a place to focus and a tangible point to return to when your mind wanders off.
I also love to use crystal grids as a form of active meditation. Simply sit down in your favorite spot and get focused on creating beautiful arrangements with your healing crystals.
Sleep and Relaxation
Promote restful sleep and relaxation by placing crystals near your bed or under your pillow. Crystals such as Amethyst, Selenite, and Herkimer Diamond have soothing and calming properties that can aid in achieving a peaceful state of mind. They can also help alleviate insomnia, nightmares, and anxiety, allowing you to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
Crystal Massage and Bodywork
Combine the benefits and healing power of crystals with massage or bodywork for a truly holistic experience. Smooth, polished crystals in the form of crystal rollers, gua shas, or even palm stones or towers can be gently massaged on the body, promoting relaxation, releasing tension, and stimulating energy flow in your physical and energetic body. They can also be placed on specific areas or meridian or energy points during a session to target energetic imbalances.
Crystal Grids and Manifestation
Creating crystal grids is a powerful technique to assist in the manifestation process, for intention setting, and in tapping into crystal healing. Arrange crystals in specific geometric patterns and place them in a sacred space or altar. Each crystal amplifies the positive energy of the others, forming a synergistic field that enhances your intentions and brings them into reality.
Common crystals used in grids include Clear Quartz, Citrine, and Black Tourmaline.
Shop our Crystal Grid Kits:
- Love Crystal Grid Kit (with Rose Quartz)
- Protection Crystal Grid Kit (with Black Tourmaline)
- Prosperity Crystal Grid Kit (with Citrine)
- Shop ALL Crystal Grid Kits
Use Crystals for Chakra Healing and Balancing
Crystals are often associated with the energy centers of the body, known as chakras. Each of the seven chakras corresponds to specific crystals that can help balance and heal them.
For instance, Amethyst is commonly used for the Crown Chakra, while Rose Quartz is associated with the Heart Chakra, and Lapis Lazuli is great for the Throat Chakra and Third Eye Chakra.
Placing crystals on or near the corresponding chakra can support energetic alignment, spiritual healing, and overall well-being.
Get Creative with Other Practical Uses for Your Crystals
Because crystals come in all shapes and sizes, it's fun to find interesting - and even practical - ways to use them. From using candle holders as planters, as mentioned earlier, to using a wand as a ring holder, like the Pyrite wand shown above, get creative to find other uses for the beautiful members of your rock collection.
Crystals not only enhance your everyday life but also serve as a powerful bridge to nature's wonders. By incorporating crystals into your daily routines, you not only benefit from their energetic properties but also bring the natural beauty of the Earth into your home and life.
From the vibrant hues of Amethyst to the shimmering depths of Labradorite, crystals showcase the incredible diversity and magnificence of nature's creations.
Embrace the magic of healing crystals as a way to connect with the Earth and infuse your surroundings with the splendor of the natural world. Allow their radiant colors, unique formations, and ancient energies to inspire awe and appreciation for the wonders of nature.
By welcoming crystals into your life, you not only invite their transformative power but also cultivate a deeper connection to the Earth, reminding yourself of the beauty and harmony that exist all around us.
Remember, as you explore the world of crystals and their special properties, take a moment to marvel at their natural origins and the immense forces that shape them.
Let the crystals be a reminder of the intricate and awe-inspiring cycles of nature, and may they inspire you to cherish and protect the environment that nurtures such magnificent creations.
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Emily is the co-founder of Almanac Supply Co., where she loves curating products for Nature Lovers and crafting content to help folks connect with nature. Her favorite season is Summer, when she can visit her favorite creeks and spend long days on her front porch.
