How do Crystals Actually Work

There is some misconception how crystals work and what they are used for, and in this text we aim to shed a bit of light and clarity on the nature of crystals and how to work with them. The more you understand about crystals, the more effective they are.

How are crystals formed?

Crystals are not much older than the earth itself. Before the earth was born - before it became a solid planet - it was a whirling cloud of gas out of which was created a dense dust bowl, which became a molten ball known as magma due to the heat from the gas. The molten magma gradually cooled on the surface, creating the earth's crust upon which we walk today. The crust is relatively thin and can be compared to the skin of an apple. Inside the crust the magma continue to boil and bubble, releasing mineral rich gases which crystallise when they reach the cool crust of the earth.

All crystals are not formed in the same way, and depending on the minerals, pressure, time, and other variables, different crystals come to be in different ways - some where subjected to huge pressures, some grew deep in underground chambers, and some dripped into being.

At the heart of every crystal is the atomic structure, just like in everything else in the universe, and atoms are dynamic, consisting of particles rotating around the centre in constant motion. The atoms build the molecular structure and mass, which vibrate at a certain frequency and that is what gives a crystal its energy.

What are crystals used for?

There are multiple use cases for crystals, of which the most common revolve around decoration, protection, attraction, and healing. Crystals are highly decorative and that is usually the first thing that attracts us to crystals. They make for beautiful and powerful jewelry, and decorative ornaments in the living spaces. In ancient times, crystals were used for protection as many crystals have the property of warding of negative vibrations. As we know, everything in the universe is energy in motion, and due to the vibrational frequency of certain crystals they can protect from lower vibrating negative emotions and even what is referred as psychic attacks.

Crystals have also been used to attract different things into being, such as love, prosperity, strength, clear-mindedness and so forth. For example, Rose Quartz crystal has a vibrational frequency to that of love, which is why it is referred to as the "stone of unconditional love". Its properties help open up the heart chakra and promotes feelings of self-love, compassion and kindness, and through feeling that you attract more of it. Other crystals such as Citrine and Pyrite, are good for attracting prosperity and success.

The most controversial topic is about healing. Modern medicine do not recognise crystals as medically effective due to differing mechanisms of action. Crystal healing focuses on connecting with the frequencies of the crystals, where modern medicine focuses on treating the symptoms through medication or other procedures. Modern science is, however, being subjected to increasing evidence of benefits from holistic treatments, and this will eventually also involve crystals. Ancient peoples and shamans have long known the healing benefits of crystals and they have been in use for generations. Through resonance and vibration crystals can heal ailments in the human body. 

How to work with a crystal

Perhaps the biggest misconception today is still the matter on how crystals work. They are not magic gems that when you whisper a wish on your crystal it will become true by itself. No. Crystals are amplifiers and tools that are used to resonate your intention with. For example, if you are looking to attract wealth and prosperity into your life, simply holding a citrine and expecting magic to happen won't cut it. But when you set an intention and actively work towards it, the crystal will resonate with your vibration and help you attract more of it into your life. This is perhaps the most important thing to realise: you are the creator and only you can make your intentions come to be. Crystals can only help you to do that but they won't do the work for you.