What are Healing Crystals and Do They Work?

By Maple Crystals Staff

Colorful healing crystal towers

We’ll be honest with you.

Crystal healing is not a thing. Or rather, it’s not an actual proven practice, apart from optimistic anecdotes and wishful placebo affects.

But that doesn’t mean healing crystals can’t work for you and your unique needs. Even a simple appreciation of crystals can do wonders.

So how does that work?

We’ll run down the basics of crystals, what they are, how they work, and how to use them. You know, if you’re interested in dabbling.

What are healing crystals?

Group of healing crystals

Crystals are naturally occurring minerals that have been on this planet for billions of years. Healing crystals are believed to contain certain frequencies which the human body can absorb and utilize for balancing, purifying and realigning our bioenergetic systems. Some crystals are thought to produce electromagnetic waves, acting as a balancer for the body. They are a physical embodiment of energy which have the ability to focus, amplify and store energy.

Popular healing crystals include gemstones such as amethyst, rose quartz, jasper, and citrine, among others.

Healing crystals can help alleviate symptoms of illness and emotional or physical stress, or even just bring balance to your life. Some crystal energy healers suggest using a stone in conjunction with other treatments, while others encourage folks to use them on their own. Either way, crystals can help transform your energy and your life.

What is crystal healing and is it real?

Meditating with clear quartz crystal in hand

Crystal Healing is a holistic approach to healing the mind, body, heart and soul. The practitioners of crystal healing claim that crystals emit positive energy, and that this energy can be used to cure diseases and ailments. Crystal healing is regarded as pseudoscience because it relies on the belief that crystals have special powers, which are not proven scientifically.

There is no scientific evidence that crystal healing actually works. However, some people may feel better after undergoing treatment. This could be due to a placebo effect, or because the crystals were used in a relaxing and calming setting.

How does crystal healing actually work?

Man with healing crystals on hiw back

For starters, it’s important to understand that crystal healing works on the premise that crystals do not work in the way that Western medicine does. Western medicine works through chemicals and chemistry that react and break down. Healing crystals work in a different way, through energy.

Crystal healers believe working with crystals is an exchange of energy, as both humans and crystals made up of energy. By connecting with them, we can tap into that energy and use it to help us in our own lives.

On a more grounded note, crystals are often used in everyday objects, such as watches, lasers, and hospital equipment, to balance out their energy. In fact, quartz can be used to start a fire or generate electricity. Many people believe that such practical uses of crystals translates to the balancing of frequencies of the electromagnetic currents in the body.

So in other words, crystals emit an energy or vibrations that can influence our body’s energy and wellbeing.

The science behind crystals

Woman meditating with crystals on the floor

A study led by Christopher French, French, head of the anomalistic psychology research unit at the University of London, suggests that crystal healing may induce a placebo effect in a patient who receives this type of treatment.

The study asked 80 participants to meditate for five minutes while holding a quartz crystal, real or fake, and report any effects that the crystals might have on them, like tingling sensations or temperature changes in their hand while holding the stone.

The result? The researchers found that the effects reported by those who held fake crystals while meditating were no different than the effects reported by those who held real crystals. This suggests that the power of crystal healing may lie more in the mind of the participant than in the crystals themselves.

The mind is a powerful thing, but ultimately there is no proven science behind crystal healing and claims that alternative therapies can cure diseases or treat health conditions. If you are suffering from a serious medical issue, you should seek treatment from a licensed physician.

So, why use healing crystals?

Meditating with amethyst healing crystal

While there is no doubt using crystals to heal is all about placebo, that does mean – technically – that crystals have an effect on our body’s energy.

The placebo is that effect.

Whether our bodies are vibrating at a healthy level or we have an imbalance caused by our emotions or our environment, crystals can help bring us back to center.

There are a number of different types of crystals out there, each with different properties and healing abilities for the mind, body, and soul. Many cultures have used crystal healing for thousands of years in belief that the practice can help everything from brain-fog and stress to more serious conditions such as depression and cancer.

For example, the quartz family is known as the master healer. Amethyst, in particular, is a very good crystal for helping with detoxification.

Curious about other crystals?

What are the best types of crystals to have?

There are many different varieties of crystals that are believed to help with healing, including rose quartz, amethyst, and obsidian. There are even crystals purported to work with specific ailments, such as stones that are believed to help heal arthritis or insomnia.

If you’re just getting into crystals and don’t know where to start, here’s a quick rundown of the best stones to nab.

What crystals are good for health?

1. Clear quartz

Clear quartz crystals in bowl

Clear quartz has been prized for its clarity, purity, and beauty. It is the most common variety of quartz, found around the world. It’s considered a master healer and believed to support the entire energetic system. It is said to be a great crystal to place on the body as it will work on whatever area of the body it is located. It is used to amplify whatever energy or intention is programmed into it. This crystal is perfect for meditation or rituals as it will enhance and magnify the energy of the person doing the ritual.

2. Jasper

Tumbled red jasper stone

Jasper is a calming stone that is believed to bring a sense of balance and stability, as well as emotional grounding. Jasper is a variety of chalcedony quartz and is often banded in colorful patterns, making it a very attractive stone. This stone is said to improve physical strength, endurance and resistance to disease. It is also said to aid in mental disorders and provide support during times of stress.

3. Obsidian

Holding a polished obsidian crystal sphere

Obsidian is a naturally occurring black volcanic glass that is created when lava interacts with water or air. It is a stone that helps the wearer process and let go of negative feelings, emotions and experiences. Holding Obsidian can help to bring about a calm, rational attitude if you are feeling riled up. It also helps you to take more control of your life and your emotions.

4. Amethyst

Rough amethyst crystal

Amethyst is one of the most powerful crystals for healing, purifying, and enhancing willpower. It is also quite effective for all kinds of protection, due to its ability to absorb negative energies from the environment. Amethyst can help you to feel more grounded and centered, encouraging the development of stability and balance in your life. It can also shield you from outside influences, such as negative people or energies.

5. Bloodstone

Polished bloodstone

Bloodstone is a member of the quartz family, and gets its name from the flecks and spots of red iron oxide that can be found trapped in its crystalline structure. This stone is thought to have several healing properties, including the ability to improve the flow of blood and the regulation of blood pressure. It is also said to be useful in treating disorders that cause pain and internal bleeding.

What are the best crystals to attract wealth?

1. Tiger’s eye

Three tiger eye stones on black background

Tiger’s eye is a type of chatoyant gemstone that is typically a golden brown color and has glittering particles, or inclusions, of rutile in it. Tiger’s eye is used for focus and performance. It also reduces fear, which can be a hinderance to achieving your goals. It helps keep your eye on the prize, rather than the potential obstacles.

2. Citrine

Rough citrine crystal

Citrine is an opaque, golden-yellow variety of quartz. It is one of the most popular quartz varieties in the gemstone market. Citrine is a stone of creative expression that is also said to promote a sense of personal power and self-confidence. It is said to bring about feelings of enthusiasm and optimism, making it an excellent choice for people who feel stuck or “stuck in a rut.” It is also associated with the crown chakra, and is believed to promote psychic abilities.

3. Turquoise

Two polished turquoise stones

Turquoise is a semi-precious gemstone that is known for its pale blue shade. It is believed to soothe emotions, attract good fortune and grant protection from harm. Ancient civilizations once used turquoise for ornamentation, and it has also been used in jewelry and works of art.

4. Sapphire

Rough sapphire crystals

Sapphire has a reputation for being a stone of prosperity and it is said that it protects the wearer from evil and negative forces. It is a stone of unending energy, according to lore, and can bring the wearer success. It has been used by mystics and healers for millennium.

5. Jade

Rough green jade stone

Jade is a stone that has been used for countless centuries. It is known for its beauty as well as its spiritual properties. Jade is often used to promote health and good fortune. The use of jade in jewelry can be traced back about 6,000 years. Jade has long been considered a symbol of luck, healing and strength.

What are the top healing crystals for love?

1. Rose quartz

Three polished rose quartz stones

Rose Quartz is a quartz crystal that has a pink hue. It has been said that Rose Quartz is one of the most important crystals for humanity because it can help restore trust, harmony and unconditional love back into our inner world. Rose Quartz can help heal old emotional wounds and current emotional pain, bringing much-needed relief and comfort. It is a stone of love, perfect for those who wish to open their heart and develop unconditional love for themselves and others.

2. Moonstone

Rough rainbow moonstone

Moonstone is a stone of intuition, a stone of dreaming. Because of its association with the moon, it is a stone of mystery and the unknown, but of positive mystery. It is a helpful stone for anyone who is looking for insight into a situation, or for a creative solution to a problem. It is a stone of strong emotions, especially love and passion, and of all the phases of love, from the first stirrings, through all the trials, up to the melding of souls.

3. Ruby

The ruby is a gemstone that is known for its fiery red color. The red in a ruby has a radiant energy, and a believed ability to be a conduit for the energy of the Sun. It is said to be the gem of the passionate and ardent, and is associated with love, sensuality, and devotion.

What are the best healing crystals for stress and anxiety?

1. Black Tourmaline

Hand holding black tourmaline

Tourmaline occurs in a variety of colors including pink, green, yellow, black, blue, brown and red. Black Tourmaline is the rarest and is considered to be the most powerful of the tourmalines. It is a very protective stone and is excellent for clearing negative energy and removing EMFs. Black tourmaline is useful for those who need to make a decision and stick to it. It is also good for grounding in order to find a place of peace and happiness within. Black tourmaline is often used to help ease feelings of depression, anxiety and other negative emotions.

2. Lepidolite

Raw lepidolite stone

Lepidolite is the stone of transformation. It helps to create a balance between our physical and energetic bodies, inspiring a sense of peace and well-being. This stone also helps you to let go of negativity so you can focus on the things that are important to you. Lepidolite is also used to help with depression as well as dealing with trauma.

3. Moonstone

Raw moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar. It is translucent with a pearly luster and is a popular gemstone, due to its beauty, in jewelry. Moonstone is said to calm the emotions, ease stress and anxiety and make you feel more secure. It can also help you to be more optimistic, and encourages the mind to be more receptive to intuition and inspiration.

4. Smoky Quartz

Close up of rough smoky quartz crystal

With a name that evokes images of crackling campfires and autumn leaves tumbling through the crisp air, Smoky Quartz certainly sounds like a delightful, cozy stone. If you take a closer look at it, you may notice that it’s actually transparent, and can display a rainbow of colors if it’s held up to direct light. Just like any other quartz, Smoky Quartz is a grounding stone, but it’s especially good at dealing with the intense kind of stress that keeps you up at night. If you’re looking for a stone to counteract stress, Smoky Quartz is just the thing.


Please note: We at Maple Crystals recognize there are no substantial scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of crystal healing. But we believe crystals can be used to center one’s self for positive manifestation. Crystal healing is not to replace treatment from medical professionals.

Please note: We at Maple Crystals recognize there are no substantial scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of crystal healing. But we believe crystals can be used to center one’s self for positive manifestation. Crystal healing is not to replace treatment from medical professionals.

Please note: We at Maple Crystals recognize there are no substantial scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of crystal healing. But we believe crystals can be used to center one’s self for positive manifestation. Crystal healing is not to replace treatment from medical professionals.