Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat’s All the Hype About?Are Healing Stones and Healing Crystals the Same?Common Types of Healing Stones and What They’re Used ForHow to Use Healing Stones to Benefit Your Mental HealthWhat the Research Says About Healing StonesWhere to Get Healing Stones
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What’s All the Hype About?
Are Healing Stones and Healing Crystals the Same?
Common Types of Healing Stones and What They’re Used For
How to Use Healing Stones to Benefit Your Mental Health
What the Research Says About Healing Stones
Where to Get Healing Stones
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We all have at least one friend or family member who is particularly inclined towards new age, spiritual, holistic, and alternative methods of healing. Some practices (think yoga, meditation) are rooted in science and can do a world of good, others (astrology, tarot reading) are still up for debate.
Healing stones, also known as healing crystals or gemstones, are one of these alternative healing methods that don’t have enough medical research behind it to be deemed a legitimate modality of clincal treatment. However, when used in conjunction with established medical practices, they can be a comforting supplementary practice for some.
Healing stones are believed to hold properties that can promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Different stones, such as obsidian, jasper, and quartz, are thought to have certain energies and benefits.
At a GlanceProponents suggest that healing stones can provide a range of health benefits, from reducing anxiety to building mental strength. However, there is a lack of scientific support for such claims. If you want to try them, anoptimistic attitudeabout their possible effects, as well as placebo, may be the key to their effectiveness.They should never be used in place of other treatments, but the good news is that integrating healing stones into your daily routine won’t be harmful. If nothing else, you’ll build a nice collection of beautiful, natural stones that can become meaningful keepsakes.
At a Glance
Proponents suggest that healing stones can provide a range of health benefits, from reducing anxiety to building mental strength. However, there is a lack of scientific support for such claims. If you want to try them, anoptimistic attitudeabout their possible effects, as well as placebo, may be the key to their effectiveness.They should never be used in place of other treatments, but the good news is that integrating healing stones into your daily routine won’t be harmful. If nothing else, you’ll build a nice collection of beautiful, natural stones that can become meaningful keepsakes.
Proponents suggest that healing stones can provide a range of health benefits, from reducing anxiety to building mental strength. However, there is a lack of scientific support for such claims. If you want to try them, anoptimistic attitudeabout their possible effects, as well as placebo, may be the key to their effectiveness.
They should never be used in place of other treatments, but the good news is that integrating healing stones into your daily routine won’t be harmful. If nothing else, you’ll build a nice collection of beautiful, natural stones that can become meaningful keepsakes.
Healing stones have grown in popularity in recent years. In addition to their viral popularity onTikTok and Instagram, the trend is also linked to a growing interest in complementary and alternative health practices.
The main explanation for their validity is the millions of years of pressure they endured to become the stones they are today. In other words, there istheoreticallya massive amount of stored energy within these rocks. Geologically speaking this is accurate, but medically speaking the jury is out.
Another popular, more abstract argument for their validity as a healing tool is the power the user bestows on them. That is, using them to set positive intentions for your well-being and letting the power of placebo or positive psychology do the work.
“Since the pandemic, there has been a cultural shift in overall wellness and holistic practices,” explainsChloe Panta, a transformational coach and author of “Untapped Magic.”
She continues, “People want to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and that is at the forefront for a lot of our lives. It is a priority now, and many individuals are seeking alternative routes to health instead of mainstream medical routes.”
Tarot, Astrology, and Crystals: Why These Practices Are Helpful to Certain People
History of Healing Stones
The use of healing stones for wellness dates back thousands of years and can be traced to cultures throughout the world. Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Native American cultures are a few that have used healing gemstones for various purposes.
New-age holistic healing practices have helpedrevive interest in these gems and stones. Modern uses often combineancient traditionswith modern complementary and alternative health practices as a way to promote well-being.
Healing crystals are often associated with enhancing experiences of spirituality and are known to help people live a more aligned and overall healthy, happy life.—CHLOE PANTA, AUTHOR AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH
Healing crystals are often associated with enhancing experiences of spirituality and are known to help people live a more aligned and overall healthy, happy life.
—CHLOE PANTA, AUTHOR AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH
For many people, the idea that these beautiful stones might possess healing properties is an appealing one. Despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their purported effects, such stones and crystals have taken off thanks to social media, word of mouth, and online retailers.
The specific terms practitioners use can vary, but the underlying meaning is the same.
“There is no distinct difference from using the term healing crystals, gems, or healing stones. I use them interchangeably, and it depends on personal preference,” Panta explains. “The focus remains on the perceived energetic qualities of the minerals in the crystals and their impact on our well-being.”
There are a number of popular healing stones, each with its own uses and purported benefits. Once again there is minimal research to back up these statements, but it doesn’t hurt to think optimistically about them.
Amethyst
Jasius / Getty Images
Proponents suggest that amethyst possesses calming energies, which is why it is often incorporated into meditative practices.
“Amethyst is a stone I personally keep in my office. Its benefits include promoting a calming environment, relievingstressand anxiety, and is an excellent tool to use in meditation to promote ease, calm, andflow,” Panta says.
Clear Quartz
Tetra images / Getty Images
This healing stone is known for its versatility. It is thought to help improve intentions and energy. It is often used to help people gain clarity in their thoughts and to magnify the effects of other gemstones.
“Clear quartz is an everyday crystal that someone can carry around with them in their pocket,” Panta suggests. “It’s a powerful stone, known for promoting enhanced clarity and promotingspiritual growth.”
Rose Quartz
Irina Marwan / Getty Images
This pink healing stone is believed to boost connection, harmony, love, trust, and comfort.
“Known as the ‘love stone,’ rose quartz can promote self-love,compassion, and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is going through a breakup, needs to heal emotionally, or cultivate self-love, this is the perfect stone to help open the heartchakraand attractpositive relationshipsinto your life,” Panta says.
Citrine
Irina Marwan / Gett Images
If you are trying to amplify your creativity orself-confidence, citrine might be the stone to try. Proponents suggest it is linked to success, confidence, and wealth.
“This crystal is known for bringing in abundance and success into your life. It is believed that this crystal can enhance personal power, creativity, and attract positive energy. It’s the perfect stone to keep in your home, office, or to take with you to bring positive vibes all around,” Panta explains.
Obsidian
Andia / Contributor / Getty Images
This healing stone is thought to have protective properties. It may be used to promote strength, block negativity, and help people connect with theirauthentic self.
“One of my personal favorites,” Panta says. “Obsidian is a powerful stone that is known to repel negative energy and act as a protective shield against negativity andtoxic people. It has grounding energy, which means it absorbs any negative atmosphere around you.”
Jasper
ivstiv / Getty Images
Proponents suggest that jasper can absorb negativity and promote feelings of self-confidence. It is thought to have a grounding effect that can help combat feelings of stress and help people feel more empowered.
Chloe Panta, author and transformational coachThese crystals are generally known for helping us to promote inner strength, stability, and nurturing energy within our lives.
Chloe Panta, author and transformational coach
These crystals are generally known for helping us to promote inner strength, stability, and nurturing energy within our lives.
“There are many different types of Jasper, such as Ocean Jasper, Picture Jasper, and Red Jasper, to name a few. They each have different healing properties such as protection, calming properties, and emotional strength,” Panta explains.
There are a variety of ways that people use healing stones to benefit their mental health.
Wearable Jewelry
Healing stones and crystals can also be worn as jewelry, just as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. In addition to being stylish and beautiful, wearing these stones allows you to keep them close all day, which may help maximize their possible benefits.
Visualization
Visualizationcan be a powerful tool for achieving goals and managing stress. One way to incorporate healing stones into your visualization practice is to imagine the healing energies of the stone aiding in your mental well-being.
For example, you might visualize a stone’s energy bringing you a sense of calm and peace. As you focus on this mental imagery, you may find that your mind and body become more relaxed.
Meditation
Meditationhas been shown to have a range of mental health benefits.
Environmental Placement
You can also place healing stones in your environment, such as around your home or workspace. The goal is to help create a more positive, harmonious, and balanced space. As an added bonus, these objects can also function as attractive decor togive your space a boost—which might also lift your mood and energy.
Intention Setting
This can play a powerful role in yourmindset. When you feel inspired, energized, and focused, you’re better able to tackle the challenges that life sends your way. Using healing stones to set intentions may also help you cultivate a healthier, more positive mindset.
While healing stones are part of holistic healing traditions, it is important to recognize that there is little scientific evidence to support their use and effectiveness.
The Power of the Placebo Effect
Research has found that while many people have heard of healing stones, willingness to use them hinges on personal beliefs about the impact that gemstones might have on health.
The use of stones, crystals, and minerals for healing purposes is generally regarded as a pseudoscience. Critics suggest that any benefits people experience are most likely attributable to theplacebo effectand the power of suggestion.
However, it is important to recognize that using stones and crystals in healing is rooted in traditional medicine. Such practices are often not rooted in empirical research, but that does not mean they don’t necessarily benefit health and well-being.
Healing Stones May Still Have Benefits
That said, engaging in activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable is beneficial for mental health. Having hobbies, such as collecting healing stones and crystals, can help relieve stress and instill confidence.
Healing stones may be most effective when they are used in conjunction with other wellness practices that have been shown to have mental health benefits. Meditation and mindfulness are a couple of good examples.
Using healing stones and crystals while practicing mindfulness and meditation may help you focus your mind. This may maximize the beneficial effects of these mind-body practices.
It is also important to remember that healing stones and similar objects often hold cultural significance. If these stones hold special meaning in your culture, incorporating them into your healing orspiritual practicesmay help you to feel more connected to your community and history.
Complementary Medicine Fills an Unmet Need
Some experts have also noted that the growing interest in complementary and alternative treatments such as healing stones indicates that people are seeking something they aren’t getting from mainstream medicine.
Rather than dismissing people’s genuine beliefs in the power of these practices, these experts suggest that healthcare providers should find ways to incorporate greaterempathyand understanding into their patient care.
You can purchase healing stones online or in retail shops. A few sources include:
No matter where you buy them, it’s important to do a bit of research first. Make sure that your healing stones are ethically sourced to avoid contributing to environmental or social problems.
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation: In Depth.Ishaque S, Saleem T, Qidwai W.Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding gemstone therapeutics in a selected adult population in Pakistan.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:32. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-9-32Walach H.Placebo effects in complementary and alternative medicine. In:Placebo and Pain. Elsevier; 2013:189-202. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-397928-5.00019-2Wielgosz J, Goldberg SB, Kral TRA, Dunne JD, Davidson RJ.Mindfulness meditation and psychopathology.Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019;15:285-316. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know.Rimmer A.Empathy and ethics: Five minutes with Edzard Ernst.BMJ: British Medical Journal. 2018;360.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation: In Depth.Ishaque S, Saleem T, Qidwai W.Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding gemstone therapeutics in a selected adult population in Pakistan.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:32. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-9-32Walach H.Placebo effects in complementary and alternative medicine. In:Placebo and Pain. Elsevier; 2013:189-202. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-397928-5.00019-2Wielgosz J, Goldberg SB, Kral TRA, Dunne JD, Davidson RJ.Mindfulness meditation and psychopathology.Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019;15:285-316. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know.Rimmer A.Empathy and ethics: Five minutes with Edzard Ernst.BMJ: British Medical Journal. 2018;360.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation: In Depth.Ishaque S, Saleem T, Qidwai W.Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding gemstone therapeutics in a selected adult population in Pakistan.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:32. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-9-32Walach H.Placebo effects in complementary and alternative medicine. In:Placebo and Pain. Elsevier; 2013:189-202. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-397928-5.00019-2Wielgosz J, Goldberg SB, Kral TRA, Dunne JD, Davidson RJ.Mindfulness meditation and psychopathology.Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019;15:285-316. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know.Rimmer A.Empathy and ethics: Five minutes with Edzard Ernst.BMJ: British Medical Journal. 2018;360.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation: In Depth.
Ishaque S, Saleem T, Qidwai W.Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding gemstone therapeutics in a selected adult population in Pakistan.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009;9:32. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-9-32
Walach H.Placebo effects in complementary and alternative medicine. In:Placebo and Pain. Elsevier; 2013:189-202. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-397928-5.00019-2
Wielgosz J, Goldberg SB, Kral TRA, Dunne JD, Davidson RJ.Mindfulness meditation and psychopathology.Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019;15:285-316. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know.
Rimmer A.Empathy and ethics: Five minutes with Edzard Ernst.BMJ: British Medical Journal. 2018;360.
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