15 Popular Crystals and Their Meanings

Crystals have always been a staple of alternative medicine, believed to come with certain healing properties. But they’re getting a major moment in pop culture, with influencers touting the benefits of their favorite gemstones.

Proponents of healing crystals believe they interact with the body’s chakras, or centers of energy found throughout the body. While the effects of crystals may be more of a placebo effect than anything else, there’s no harm in taking these beautiful stones for a spin. Try wearing jewelry made from the crystals that speak to you the most, or keep them on your nightstand to bring good vibes for a new day. There are also worry stones made from different crystals that you can keep in your pocket to relieve stress on the go. 

So, which ones have the most benefits? Here are the most popular crystals and their meanings as well as how to apply them in your daily life.

Primary chakra: Crown

Amethyst is the most popular form of quartz known for its striking, dusky purple color. It’s the February birthstone, but anyone can benefit from the amethyst’s properties. It’s associated with the crown chakra, right at the top of your head, so most of its healing benefits are tied to the mind.

Amethyst helps calm anxiety while elevating one’s sense of intuition and decision-making abilities. It’s also said to help improve sleep quality and promote an overall sense of well-being and tranquility. 

Applications: Stressed at work? Feeling indecisive? Amethyst is where it’s at. It’s also useful for easing tension headaches and banishing insomnia. 

Primary chakra: Heart

It’s not hard to guess what rose quartz is used for. Its translucent, pale pink color symbolizes unconditional love and acceptance. It’s not purely a crystal of romance but one that promotes deep, authentic self-love and inner harmony, or deeper connections with loved ones. In a physical sense, it’s helpful for circulation and heart health. It’s often seen as a feminine crystal, ideal for encouraging healthy pregnancies and love between mother and child.

Applications: Bring out the rose quartz whenever you’re feeling disconnected, hurt or just plain lonely. Rose quartz fosters emotional healing and trust in relationships.

Primary chakra: Crown

Clear quartz looks more like ice than stone. It’s similar in composition to rose quartz and amethyst, but it boasts an unmatched purity. It represents balance and is said to be an “amplifier.” That means it reflects whatever energy you pour into it. It’s excellent for improving clarity and as an all-around healing stone.

Applications: Use clear quartz to give your mental clarity a leg up. It can’t erase the effects of burning the candle at both ends, but it can help restore balance and keep you feeling emotionally stable during times of stress.

Primary chakra: Heart

Jade, best known in its green form, has been prized for centuries for the sense of balance and harmony it brings about. It can be transparent or opaque, but any form of jade is considered lucky. In feng shui, it’s used to promote serenity and gentleness. It’s also believed to help remove toxins from the body as well as to promote health of the kidneys and adrenal glands. 

Applications: Jade is a good choice for improving financial fortune. It’s also good for balancing the body’s fluids, encouraging healthy function of the kidneys, bladder and spleen.