A beginner's guide to crystals

In turbulent times, many of us harness tools to ground us; to calm anxiety and soothe stress. So it's not surprising that alternative therapies like crystal healing have come to the fore. The concept of using crystals to manifest and heal has been around for centuries, but with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Miranda Kerr speaking publicly about their belief in the practice – and accessibility flourishing thanks to online shopping, it's had a more mainstream resurgence in recent years. And, as with most trends reentering the zeitgeist, social media has played a huge part in its popularity – in more ways than one.

"What I have seen these last few years especially is this deeper need to connect," says crystal healer Emma Lucy Knowles. "I really feel the rise of social media has helped more people rediscover a sense of community as well as a sense of confidence in who they are. But on the other, we have become reliant on that fix, that energy hit from a small computer in our hand that never really fulfils us fully with that nourishing connection that the heart, soul and mind need. So, we seek deeper and scroll further searching in the wrong spaces."

Cue mother nature "and her abundance of goodies" – from plant power to crystal vibrations – presenting tactile, deeper-rooted connections. "Crystals allow us, quite effortlessly, to move fresh energy into the being, offering internal connectivity that enhances your external connectivity," Knowles says. "More and more people are tuning in to how that energy can be beneficial."

But how does it all work? We spoke to Knowles and other experts in the field to find out everything a beginner to crystals needs to know...

What exactly is crystal healing?

Healer Michelle Roques-O'Neil, who has worked with crystals for more than 20 years, explains that "crystals are different combinations of minerals that help purify, balance and realign by working with our bioenergetic systems".

Judy Hall, in her work The Little Book of Crystals, writes that crystals are said to "have a stable and unchanging energy pattern, each with a unique frequency and energy field, or resonance" that gives them special properties. As a result, "they act like tuning forks," helping bring "harmony" to the "very unstable energy field of the human body".

Put simply, crystal healing involves using gemstones to bring balance to an individual's life and mind.

The benefits of crystals

The proposed healing benefits of crystals predominantly surround areas of mental wellbeing; including feelings of increased tranquility, positivity and focus, as well as enhanced immunity and natural pain relief.

Individual crystals are also known to have their own special energies that can align to different areas of life, with their shape and colour – as well as their type – affecting their influence.

Jade : for health

Jade has long been used to purify the body and has been employed as a healing tool for centuries. Using it either physically on your body – for example in the form of the Psychic Sisters Jade Facial Roller – or as part of a meditative practice, is said to help rid the body of toxins by stimulating the filtration system.

Citrine : for business

Properties: prosperity, creativity, digestion, confidence

Citrine is said to be ideal for entrepreneurs with its power to stimulate the brain, increasing self-esteem, motivation and creativity.

Rose Quartz : for love

Properties:love, relationships, friendship, fertility, recovery

For those seeking feelings of unconditional love, both for others and themselves, rose quartz is a well-known and popular crystal. It is seen to replace negativity with loving energies, opening individuals up to self-forgiveness and trust, while additionally being used with the view to help increase fertility.

Turquoise : for the city

Properties: protection, friendship, love, balance, wisdom, purification

Turquoise is often used to protect against surrounding pollutants or external influences, by enhancing your immune system, and it is meant to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, making it particularly appealing for individuals working in cities. It can stabilise mood swings by aligning the chakras as well, meaning that it's a popular crystal for calming fears and exhaustion in daunting situations.

Clear Quartz : for healing

Properties: psychic abilities. healing, energy

Crystal Quartz is a popular crystal for healing, due to the belief that it is 'the energetic bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds'. It is said to hold and regulate negative energies to allow for a balanced and revitalised self, boosting one's internal strength.

Amethyst : for mediation

Properties: healing of mind, body and soul

Amethyst is also believed to have healing powers and is used to relieve stress and sadness, remove negativity, and ease grief. The stone's use can often be a symbol and source of support, as well as helping focus your mind and reduce the effect of headaches, making meditation easier and more beneficial in the process.