Crystals have been used since the ancient days, like the Ancient Sumerians, who used crystals in magic formulas. The Ancient Egyptians used crystals such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald   and   clear   quartz   crystals   in   their   jewelry,   primarily   for protection and health. Chrysolite was used to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits. Ancient Greeks also used crystals (he word “crystal” comes from the Greek word for “Ice”). Amethyst (a popular crystal) means 'not drunken' and was worn   as   an   amulet   during   ancient   times,   to   prevent   both drunkenness and hangovers. Hematite comes from the word for blood, because of the red coloration produced when it oxidizes. Hematite is an iron ore and the ancient Greeks associated iron with Aries, the god of war. Greek soldiers would rub hematite over their bodies before battle, apparently to make themselves invulnerable. Greek sailors also wore a variety of amulets to keep them safe at sea. In ancient China, Jade was greatly valued in ancient China and some Chinese written characters represent jade beads. Musical instruments in the form of chimes were made from jade and around 1000 years ago Chinese emperors were sometimes buried in jade armor. There are burials with jade masks from Mexico as well, during that time. Jade was recognized as a kidney healing stone both in China and South America. The Maoris of New Zealand (250 years ago) wore jade pendants representing the ancestor spirits, which were passed down many generations through the male line. The tradition of green stones being lucky continues in parts of New Zealand to this day.

 

While crystals have been used for many centuries and for many purposes, today’s crystals are still primarily used for healing, protection, manifestation, healing and other personal reasons. Crystals have different properties and healing uses and energy impact. Crystals that enhance energy include Citrine, Rose Quartz and Fluorite, for example. Crystals that balance energy include Tiger’s Eye, Turquoise and Red Jasper. Each crystal is associated, and optimized, with a specific chakra. For example, Rose Quartz for the Heart Chakra, Citrine for Solar Plexus and Crown Chakras, Flourite for Throat Chakra, Amethyst for Third Eye, Carnelian for Sacral and Red Jasper for Root Chakra.

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Crystals are not just defined by their colors and types, but also their shapes have an impact on its energy and effectiveness.  Cubes are used for grounding the energy around you, while pyramid-shaped crystals are good for manifesting your desires. Sphere-shaped crystals are good for when you want to connect to the greater whole and clusters are good for creating a space for open dialogue and community. Tumbled stones are general stones and are specifically useful to carry around due to the size. Crystal points are good for when you want to stay focused and heart-shaped crystals are good for when you want to bring in love or open your heart chakra.

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If you're looking for a place to buy crystals, online stores such as amazon, etsy and crystals.com, or your local crystal stores have good quality crystals (always check the reviews)!