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Writer's pictureElissa Torres

Back to Basics: Crystals 101

Let’s talk about crystals bby.

First, can we just acknowledge how amazing the Earth is for creating these gems? Honestly. It blows my mind every time I look at my crystal collection. They’re all just so stunning. I’m out here literally bowing down to our beautiful planet right now.



Alright, let’s get into it.

If you’re new to crystals, hello. Hi. How are you? Welcome.


I’m not a scientist, so I’m not going to get into the nitty gritty of how crystals are formed, but I will say crystals are described as a solid rock formations that have been formed over time. Crystal formation can range from hours to thousands of years and that depends on the particular kind of crystal. They can also vary in size, color, toughness, etc. and that all depends on what they were made out of and what elements they contain.


Crystals and Spirituality Practices

Crystals have been used since the beginning of time. I mean they recently gained popularity, but they’ve been around for a while as we know. Lapis Lazuli was ground down to create a blue pigment that was used as paint. It’s said that Cleopatra used Lapis as eyeshadow. Even Amethyst has a story. Amethyst is tied to Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, due to its purple color. Not every stone has an origin story like that, but it’s fascinating to hear how ancient civilizations use crystals and how they connected with them.


I mean I geek out over so many things, history is another one to add to the list.

Nowadays we use crystals in a variety of ways. Crystals can cleanse, protect, heal and bring in some much needed energy to a space or person. You can even put some of them in water where the water can absorb the energy.


Where Do I Start on my Crystal Journey?


If you’re new to crystals and want to begin that journey, I suggest thinking about what you need most in your life. Is it energy, protection, money, healing, growth, happiness, etc. Pin point what you need some extra help in manifesting into your life. If you’re unsure about what you need peruse around the internet or a local shop, and see which crystals call you. You may be drawn to the color, size or shape. Whatever it is, I invite you to explore it.

Some sites to check out: I really enjoy browsing Pinterest or head over to Energy Muse https://www.energymuse.com. That site is my go-to when I’m in full-blown crystal research mode.



My Recommendations for Crystal Inspiration


Labradorite (Cosmic. Higher Consciousness. Illumination.): If you are looking for something to center and open your mind, Labradorite is perfect for you. This stone invites you to explore the unanswered questions you have and really question what you know to be true. Labradorite is also connected with setting intentions, meditation, astral projection and anything spiritual in between. I mean how can you not look at this pretty little thing and think about the cosmos?


Citrine (Happiness. Abundance. Creativity.): Citrine is pure joy and positivity encapsulated in a crystal if you ask me. It's also referred to as "The Merchant's Stone" and "The Success Stone". And with that, citrine is known to help boost manifestation and help whoever has citrine to have financial success. Reach for this stone if you need motivation and/ or an optimistic mindset when working toward your goals. Citrine is also a stone of happiness and joy, the color even reminds you of sunshine. This stone is tied to the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Solar Plexus is where you hold your power, tapped and untapped, this is where it resides. If you're looking for a stone to help increase your self-confidence and tap into your power, reach for citrine.


Lapis Lazuli (Protection. Serenity. Awareness.): Lapis is perfect for anyone looking for spiritual enlightenment and allows you to connect with your true self. Blue stones often evoke a sense of calm, serenity and self-expression. Prepare to transform when applying this stone to mediating practices. It also helps activate your third eye chakra.

Rose Quartz (Love. Compassion. Heart Opening.): This beautiful pink quarts is perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little more love into their life. Whether its self-love or to simply open themselves up to love, Rose Quarts is a go-to for many. Legend says when Adonis was attacked by Ares, who was in the shape of a boar, his lover Aphrodite came running to his aide. Along the way, she got caught on a briar bush and by the time she found her lover, a mix of their blood started to soak into the quartz stone, giving Rose Quartz its iconic rosy pink hue.


Amethyst (Intuition. Spirituality. Inner Peace.): As one of the most popular crystals out there, Amethyst is perfect for those looking to connect with themselves more. According to Greek mythology, the god Bacchus was angry, and had vowed to descend a hoard of tigers upon the first person who crossed his path. Amethyst was on her way to give thanks to the god Diana, when she happened saw Bacchus. Before the tigers could eat Amethyst, she was saved by Diana, who turned her into a clear crystal. Bacchus was full of remorse and poured the juice of grapes over the stone as an offering, and that’s how the crystal got its unique purple coloring.



Lil Bit of Advice


Did any resonate?

I really hope this helped. If you need any guidance please feel free to ask. I don’t know everything about crystals, but I have a few that have really helped me in times of need.

Also, before you purchase a crystal, I highly encourage everyone to inquire where the crystal came from. Ethically sourced crystals are the way to go. Supporting a small business is one more thing I’ll suggest.

Okay, I’m done rambling. Happy crystal collecting!


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Elissa

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