Here’s the thing about crystals: There’s no scientific proof that they can actually do, well, much of anything. But they’re having a serious moment (celebs love ’em, they’re showing up on beauty shelves and your friend Amy can’t see you this weekend because she’s busy cleansing hers), so we want to know what the fuss is about. Crystals expert Heather Askinosie gives us the scoop on six popular stones and how to harness their powers (if you’re into that kind of thing).
The 6 Essential Healing Crystals For Your Mystical Wellness Arsenal
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Published Apr 2, 2018
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Rose Quartz
This pretty pink crystal is also known as “the love stone,” but its properties go far beyond finding a date for Saturday night. “This stone will open up your heart chakra to every kind of love that you need—whether it’s self-love, familial love, friendship, love for humanity or romantic love,” Askinosie says. Feel like you need a little help in that department? Try making beauty water with rose quartz and spritzing it on your face whenever you need a boost, she suggests. (To do this, just add the crystal and rose petals to water and let sit for a few hours before straining.)
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Amethyst
A deep purple gem that’s often used in jewelry, amethyst is supposed to aid relaxation, help you sleep better and get rid of stress. Nicknamed “the intuitive eye,” this gem also balances the mind, which in turn encourages insightful solutions to problems, Askinosie tells us. (Don’t you just love a multitasker?) Place amethyst around your home to absorb negative energy and emit the good kind, or on your third eye (located in the middle of the forehead, about an inch above your eyebrows) to clear your mind.
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Selenite
Got some bad juju hanging around? White or transparent selenite is the crystal for you, according to Askinosie. “Selenite has the ability to cleanse, purify and align you with your highest potential,” she explains. Place the crystal on your windowsill or brush it up and down your body (about three inches away from you) to help keep negative emotions like grief, fear, anger and anxiety away.
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Citrine
Also known as “the merchant's stone,” yellow citrine is used for attracting wealth and prosperity. Translation? Harness its powers and you’ll never have to work again. (Just kidding.) And while most crystals take in negative energy, this one actually clears it. “[Citrine] makes room for happiness and light so that the spirit is welcoming to a wide range of positive possibilities,” Askinosie tells us. Top tip: Place it over your business card for good luck.
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Black Obsidian
Formed from molten lava that has cooled quickly, black obsidian helps you see—and accept—your true self (hence its nickname, “the mirror”). “Working with black obsidian will assist you in cutting the stress and negative patterns from your life by first bringing them to your attention,” Askinosie explains. “As you see what needs to be expelled from your life, obsidian rewards you by absorbing that toxic energy.” We’ll take two.
Carnelian
Want to learn to play the guitar? Looking to impress your boss with some innovative problem solving? Get those creative juices flowing with carnelian, the pretty orange crystal that is known for inspiring imagination, motivation and courage. Keep this crystal on your desk to spark new ideas or take it with you to a job interview to boost your confidence, Askinosie suggests.
