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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at App State chapter.

Crystals can be used in many ways. In recent years, the practice of using crystals for protection and healing has grown more and more popular. In today’s article, I’ll talk about some fun facts on the history of crystals, how to use your crystals, and some basic crystals to start your collection!

Fun Facts on the History of Crystals

The use of crystals goes back to the beginning of human life. However, the word crystal (and many names of crystals) comes from Greek origin. In Ancient Egypt, Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to use crystals. Crystals were primarily used for protection and health, and thought to get rid of evil spirits.The practice of using crystals for protection and healing became common during the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. Amulets made out of crystals were found to date back to the end of the last ice age. Amulets were banned in the Christian religion but crystals remained relevant. With the variety in crystals, certain kinds are more valuable in different parts of the world. 

Crystals have also been found to be buried with the deceased, used for makeup (this was done by grinding the crystals into a powder), and for jewelry. Crystals, with the combination of herbs, were also used medicinally but is not a super common practice now. One notable use of crystals is the relation to birthstones. Additionally, crystals can also correspond to zodiac signs and resonate with particular parts of the body known as chakras.The popularity of crystals returned in the 1980s with the introduction of the New Age Culture. Since then, crystals have grown in popularity. 

How to Use Your Crystals

Before using your crystals, you should charge them! One way to charge crystals is to put them on a windowsill in the sun or moonlight. After your crystals have been charged, you can organize them pretty on an altar, nightstand, dresser, or bookshelf. You can also purchase mats which can show you how to organize your crystals in the best way. 

Another way you can use your crystals is to carry them with you throughout the day. An example of this could be keeping a protection crystal with you while driving. It is common for people to have amethyst on their keychains or in their cars for this reason. Crystals can also be used for studying! You can place crystals that help with motivation, mental clarity, and memory on your desk while you are studying. Additionally, you can place your crystals on your mat during a yoga practice. At the conclusion of the yoga practice you can also choose to meditate with your crystals. If your crystals resonate with a specific chakra, put them in that place while doing your meditation. 

Another use for crystals is in your self-care routine. I’m sure you have seen the crystal face rollers: this is one way to use them and see physical improvement on yourself! Of course, there are many more ways crystals can be used. Some methods might not work for some people, and that’s okay. It’s  all about finding what works best for you.

Basic Crystals to Start Your Collection

  1. Clear Quartz

Clear quartz enhances mental clarity, emotional stability, and successful manifestation. Or in other words, healing and spiritual growth. The clear quartz also resonates closely with the astrology sign of Pisces. However, it is also one of the most common crystals used. This crystal is also an excellent starter crystal because gaining mental clarity is essential to use other crystals correctly. 

  1. Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is another form of quartz with the difference between clear and rose is the colors and properties. Rose quartz is commonly known as the “love” crystal which can be used to heal emotional damage. Usually, people think about this as a breakup, but that’s not necessary for use. Rose quartz can balance emotions, release emotional blockages, and, like clear quartz- balance other crystals. Rose quartz resonates with both Capricorn and Leo astrology signs. As a Capricorn, rose quartz was one of the first crystals I added to my collection. 

  1. Amethyst

Amethyst is another type of quartz which comes in shades of violet and purple. Amethyst is used for healing, calmness, and protection and closely associated with two chakras, the third eye and the crown chakra. Amethyst resonates with the Aquarius zodiac sign but also works for Pisces. 

  1. Carnelian

Carnelian is not a quartz, it’s a silica mineral with a reddish/orange tint formed via iron oxide. Carnelian is used for creativity and self-confidence and thought to be blessed with feminine energy and the menstrual cycle. It is also known to be the stone of fertility. Many college girls love carnelian because it helps stimulate love and passion. If used for physical healing, it can also boost libido.Carnelian resonates with so much sexual energy because of its chakras. It can be placed in many chakras, but it is mainly focused on the root and sacral chakra. The root chakra is at the base of your spine and pelvic bone. The sacral chakra is located below your belly button.

Ellie Jensen

App State '24

Hello! I'm El Jensen. I am a senior at Appalachian State University majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Global Studies. I am serving as Co-Campus Coordinator for App State's Her Campus chapter this semester. I love listening to podcasts, reading, and traveling. When I'm not in school or working, I love hanging out with my friends and family. My career goals include working for the United Nations or working a job in crisis communication.