Healing crystal practitioners believe that crystals create a change in subtle energies on the mental, emotional, physical and metaphysical planes that, in turn, effect healing. They may be handled or laid on the body, incorporated into jewelry, contribute to gem elixirs (polished quartz only), and used to complement meditation. Following are 10 of the many stones commonly used for such purposes and some of the reasons why.

Agate

Agate, a variety of quartz, comes in several colors. Properties shared by all agate are characterized as stimulating the intellect and balancing the intellect and emotions. Commonly known types and uses include:

•  Blue lace agate, to increase effective communication and treat throat ailments. •  Fire agate, to inspire action and freedom from inertia. •  Moss agate, to enhance prosperity and self-esteem; elixirs made from this stone are applied to relieve skin problems and eye disorders, and to aid digestion.

Amethyst

Amethyst, another variety of quartz, is found in shades of purple, from light to dark. It has been applied to aid meditation, increase psychic ability and spiritual awareness and relieve headaches. It, too, is considered a help in balancing the emotions and intellect.

Aventurine

Aventurine, of a generally pale green color, is often combined with rose quartz, because of both stones’ association with the heart chakra. It is portrayed as protection against negative physical and emotional influences on the heart center.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, also called heliotrope, is a form of chalcedony quartz that is green with red specks. It is portrayed as helping to purify the blood and increase strength and vitality. In meditation, it may be considered supportive in opening a communications link with ancestors. Because of its association with blood, it has become a popular stone associated with healing wounds and for menstrual issues.

Carnelian

Carnelian, another chalcedony quartz, available in pink, orange, red and red-brown, is intended to stimulate creativity and compassion. Because of its association with the second chakra, it is also used to arouse passion and assist with sexual dysfunction.

Clear Quartz

Clear quartz is the name for the variety of silicon dioxide that appears colorless. Appropriately, it may promote the clearing of the aura and physical surroundings of unwanted influences. Because of its amplification properties, clear quartz is often brought into play to enhance the energies of other stones, as well as increase overall positivity. Practitioners feel that it can help bring a sense of clarity to any situation.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is deep blue, with gold and white specks. In healing, it may assist in releasing deeply buried emotional disturbances, as well as assist in resolving problems like anxiety or depression arising from such disturbances. It is sometimes used as an aid in psychic development, dream recall and astral travel.

Moonstone

Moonstone is a form of translucent, white feldspar that may help bring one’s emotions under control by facilitating a happy medium between extreme emotionality and repression. It’s said to enhance intuitive skills and encourage psychic development.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz runs from pinks to whites. Known as a heart or love stone because of its ability to produce a calming, gentle feeling in the aura and atmosphere, it’s often used to heal emotional disturbances related to relationships.

Smoky Quartz

True smoky quartz appears to be transparent, with tones of gray or black throughout, and should not  be confused with clear quartz that has been irradiated to create a darker color. This stone corresponds to the root chakra at the base of the spine and assists one in feeling grounded and able to provide for material needs. It also helps to balance spiritual pursuits with the physical in day-to-day life.

References: Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals, by Melody; Crystal Enlightenment: The Transforming Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones, by Katrina Raphaell

This information is not meant to replace medical advice.

Patricia Deneen is a Michigan-based freelance writer who specializes in writing content for websites. She may be reached via her website, pjdeneen.weebly.com.