Crystals have been used for centuries in many ways to help with healing and balance. Each crystal formed in the earth has its own unique lattice structure which dictates how electromagnetic energies move through it. Crystals are said to have unique vibrations and energy patterns that can help to balance and align the body, mind, and spirit. Some popular ways to use crystals include carrying them on your person, placing them in your environment, using them in meditation and using them in crystal healing sessions.

I once heard Kyle Gray explain that crystals are like physical representations of transformation because before a crystal existed as a physical item, it existed as gases and liquids deep in the earth and through pressure and the plates of the earth moving, crystals could no longer exist in their previous form. They were forced to transform into something new. So the reason that human beings are so drawn to crystals, not just because they’re beautiful and shiny is because when we hold them, we know that transformation is possible that we can be served a difficult pressured situation, and we can turn it around. We can elevate our experience.

There are many different types of crystals, each with their own unique properties and uses. Some of the most popular crystals include:

Amethyst: This purple crystal is said to help with emotional balance and spiritual awareness. It is also said to keep us grounded in states of higher consciousness. It’s high frequency is said to allow us to remain centred.

Rose Quartz: This pink crystal is said to be the stone of love and emotional healing. It is said to help with self-love and self-acceptance, and it is also said to help with relationships.

Opal:  It is hard to ignore the luminescence of this crystal. It is often used to help break through emotional darkness bringing light to all aspects of our aura and self. 

Clear Quartz: This clear crystal is said to be the “master healer” and is said to help with all types of physical and emotional issues. It is also said to help with focus and concentration.

Black Tourmaline: This black crystal is said to be protective and grounding. It is said to help with negative energy and EMF protection.

When working with crystals, it’s important to cleanse them regularly to remove any negative energy they may have picked up. This can be done by :

Sunlight
Charging crystals in sunlight is a common practice with newly acquired stones. It is said the sun brings a vitality and a potency to crystals. To charge crystals in the sun, leave them outside for a few hours or leave your stones on a windowsill before dawn and remove them after sunset, to get the most sunlight exposure possible.

Moonlight
Moonlight is the opposite of sunlight. Where sunlight brings masculine energy, moonlight has long been considered a source of feminine energy. It is seen as a more delicate way to cleanse stones. Moonlight cleansing doesn’t pose the same risk of fading to your stones that sunlight cleansing does. The most popular phase for moonlight crystal cleansing is the full moon. Because there’s no exposure to direct sunlight or to water, moonlight cleansing can work for most stones. 

Salt water
Historically, both salt and salt water have been used to neutralize crystals’ negative energy. Many people use fresh salt water from the ocean for this but mixing a handful of table salt or sea salt into clean water will work well. Make sure that your stones are completely submerged and allow them to soak for a few hours. Once you’re satisfied with your cleanse, rinse your stones and pat them dry. Rinsing well removes the negative energy that’s been drawn out of the crystals. Softer, porous stones and stones with trace metals, like selenite, angelite, and calcite should not be exposed to water.

Sound
Using singing bowls, bells, chanting etc are all ways to use sound when cleansing crystals. Let the sound wash over the crystals and allow the vibrations to seep into them for a few minutes. This cleansing method works for all stones, and it is a great option for someone with a large crystal collection that needs cleansing.

Soil
Place your stones outside on soil or bury them somewhere that’s special to you. If you’re burying your stones, they need to be only a couple of inches underground. Agate, jasper, tigereye, and citrine all do well with this type of cleansing.

Other crystals
You can also use other, larger crystals to cleanse your stones. Geodes or slabs are typically used for this method. Cleansing crystals with larger stones allow the crystals to work together to share the healing energy. To cleanse your crystals with other crystals, simply place the stones you need cleansed on top of the cleansing crystals or rest them all on a plate together. You can leave them together for a few hours or overnight.

In terms of how often you cleanse your crystals will depend on the kind of work you use them for and how frequently you use them. You should cleanse all new crystals as soon as they come into your possession. Part of crystal cleansing is building a personal connection with your stones. Cleansing sessions help to start this relationship off on the right foot.

For crystals you use or carry with you every day, it’s recommended that they are cleansed more often than stones that decorate altars or bedside tables. If you’ve been doing any Reiki work, it is good to cleanse your stones once per month or after an especially heavy session. It’s ultimately up to you: If you feel your crystals are due for a cleansing, do it!

Cleansing crystals is an important part of owning and utilizing these powerful stones. Removing the negative energy your crystals have absorbed allows them to function at full capacity again. The process of cleansing your stones also deepens the connection you have with them and this small ritual can bring a sense of peace, healing, and spiritual fulfillment to your life.

Have fun picking out some crystals for you and in the end, the crystal you choose should resonate with you and your intentions. Trust your intuition and have an open mind to the healing properties of crystals.