What Are Crystals and How Do They Work?

In geological terms, a crystal is a mineral, a naturally occurring, inorganic substance characterized by a specific crystalline structure. Its chemical composition is determined by the combination, or singularity, of the known chemical elements. All crystals are arranged into groups, based on their chemical composition and crystalline structure. Currently, there are about three thousand different types of known minerals, which make up the building blocks of all the rocks on Earth.

Crystals and stones are formed by magma, or gases, in the Earth’s core; volcanic lava streams; the salt beds of lakes, rivers, and oceans; as well as from the sedimentation process. The mineral and/or organic material present in either a crystal or a stone can affect its use and the quality of its energy. For example, clear quartz crystal is pure silicon oxide, which is a general amplifier and magnifier of energy. However, when it combines with colloidal iron hydrates, it becomes citrine, with a different color and energetic properties, like attracting wealth, optimism, and vitality. This is how we get crystals in the same family, like quartz or calcite, that have different colors, energy, and uses.

Crystals have been used since ancient times in healing, ritual, and magical practices. In modern times they are everywhere: They are found in the microchips of computers, ultrasound devices, lasers, watches, and other forms of electronic equipment. Some people collect them as decorative objects; others grind them up and incorporate them into holistic treatments or cosmetic products; still others use them in geomantic arts, like the Chinese system of feng shui, which is designed to impact, improve, or alter the flow of energy in a space.

HOW DO CRYSTALS WORK?

Atoms group together to form the essential shapes and qualities of crystals and stones. The particles of these atoms (protons, neutrons, and electrons) are basic units of energy that emit subtle vibrations. Because each crystal and stone has its own unique molecular and geometric structure, their vibrations resonate on differing frequencies, which are then felt and/or perceived by us as feelings and qualities.

As human beings we each have our own atomic, molecular, and energetic structure, which causes each of us to vibrate at differing frequencies, just like crystals. Our health, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs affect our vibration and vice versa. So, for instance, if we’re stressed, we’re vibrating at a lower frequency, which can then lead to illness or attract unfortunate circumstances into our lives. If we’re happy, we’re vibrating at a higher frequency, which promotes healing and can attract fortunate circumstances. It’s all interrelated. With crystal healing, the singular or combined vibration of different crystals and stones affects our own vibration, so that we can positively impact our overall health and well-being, and change the circumstances we attract into our lives.

When we are in close proximity to a given crystal or crystal combination, its energy affects our own. Just as food that is exposed to microwaves gets hot, or the full moon moves the tides, crystal energy affects our whole system, meaning our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves. The great thing about this is that while we can work on specific issues with a crystal, we can also address more than one issue simultaneously. Take note that this also means that, while you may be working with a crystal for one specific reason, it may be affecting you in other ways that may or may not be desirable. This is why it’s important to know what you’re working with before you begin.

Crystals are nondual, meaning that they do not distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, dark and light—the classifications by which we have organized and categorized our world and our experiences. This is important to note, because you can do harm to yourself or others with crystals. Clear quartz can cause a tumor to grow, blue tiger eye can diminish the libido, lithium or rose quartz can decrease a person’s sense of ambition. A crystal’s effects may need to be balanced or influenced by another crystal, or avoided altogether, depending on the results you want.

I tell my students that there are as many ways of working with crystals as there are people working with them: It’s a highly subjective and intimate healing art. I work with crystals in four primary ways: to absorb lower or harmful energy, to dissolve or release blockages, to provide the energy we need to heal and transform our lives, and to increase the flow of chi through the body. (Chi is the natural life force or essence that animates and flows through all life forms. It is also known by other names, such as qi, prana, mana, and ether.)

COMBINING CRYSTALS

You can work with a single crystal on its own, or you can put together a combination of crystals to achieve a desired result. I love to cook, and I was naturally drawn to combining crystals, just as you would mix ingredients in a recipe. This really opens up possibilities, because just a few crystals grouped into different combinations can address a wider range of issues. You can work with citrine for optimism, and green aventurine for self-love, but paired together they can also help you feel more awake and alert midafternoon, or recover from a respiratory illness more quickly. If you add in sunstone for confidence, and red jasper for grounding, you’ve now got a powerful combination that will help empower you in honoring and affirming your boundaries. You’ll still have the influence of each crystal’s individual properties, but then you’ll also have the benefits of their combined energy.

I’m often asked if there are crystal combinations that should be avoided, and while there’s no hard-and-fast rule on this, I encourage people to use common sense in terms of their needs. If you’re working with hematite because you need grounding, pairing it with a high-vibration stone like selenite would be counterproductive. On the other hand, certain crystal combinations can reliably produce results that you desire in all aspects of your life, which is an underlying theme of this book. For example, if you’re working with selenite to elevate and enhance your meditation experience, pairing it with smoky quartz will help balance selenite’s high vibration so that you can remain present and mindful in your body. Again, it’s all about your needs and the results you want to achieve.