Happy Friday friends! So many of you have DM’d me pictures of you with your acupressure mats and I am loving that! I’m really happy that so many of you gave them a try – I am officially addicted to mine. Today’s wellness post is maybe a little woo woo but honestly it’s one of my favorite posts in a while, as I got to do so much research for it. A few folks got a little fiesty on Instagram DM’s when I mentioned that I was researching crystals, and I get it. So if this is not for you, feel free to scroll to the bottom of the post for the more practical stuff (this week’s workouts, links, etc!). I won’t be offended.
But let’s just have fun with this, okay? I am not suggesting we try to cure cancer here and they may not even work… but there is this whole world of people using crystals (and I’ve always loved them – I had a massive rock collection as a kid) and as a naturally curious person, I wanted to learn more about that. So I chased down a few different experts to help me understand more about the power of crystals and how to use them. After all, I’m not a medical professional, I’m not a scientist, nor am I a spiritual guru… I’m a lifestyle blogger who finds this stuff really, really intriguing. I started working on this story back in mid-January. I conducted 3 different interviews on the phone, chatted with others over email, and spent a lot of time at my local crystal store – I finally feel ready to share what I’ve learned.
First of all, why use crystals?
- I loved what Paige told me; that crystals are an antidote to technology. And as Michelle told me, right now there is this backlash to city life and social media. Things like meditation, crystals, and getting in touch with your feminine energy are the perfect way to counteract technology/social media overdose.
- I also liked what Anna Toonk said, which was very practical… “worst case, it’s a placebo; best case, I’m right.”
- And as Michelle said, at first she thought crystals were bullshit. How could holding a rock make you feel better!? Then she tried it. In her words, “if holding something makes you feel good, then that is worth it alone!”
Choosing a healing stone:
In speaking with everyone I talked to, it was unanimous. The stones choose you. So whatever stone you are drawn to is the stone you probably need/should be using. “It can seem pretty technical and specific but it’s really not!” Heidi said. “Everyone is different and responds differently to crystals so as a beginner whichever ones you are drawn to, whether you know the meanings or not, trust yourself.”
I also reallllly liked Michelle’s thoughts here. “You wouldn’t pick a bad crystal like you’d pick a bad boyfriend. They’re all good for you.” YASSS.
So basically, don’t stress out. Go to a crystal store and see what you gravitate toward. But I’ve included a few good basics/starting points below.
What stone does what?
- Rose quartz is frequently thought of as the stone of love, but it’s actually more about self love. It opens the heart and helps you to reconnect to your femininity. That’s not to say it can’t help with romantic love. As Anna put it, the more you light up, the more likely you are to attract someone.
- Clear quartz is the easiest stone. It pulls out the bad energy and is great for purification and clearing a space/your energy.
- Turquoise opens the throat chakra, allowing you to speak your inner truth.
- Black Tourmaline is very protective and can ward off negativity.
- Amethyst. Anna told me that amethysts are considered the “stone of sobriety.” They are great for helping with sleep and breaking bad habits. I now sleep with an amethyst geode on each night stand. (Again, worst case – they’re pretty and I have a little placebo effect going on… best case, they’re helpful!)
- Flourite is great when you are struggling at work. It’s gentle, protective, and positive. Keep it at your desk. Anna even suggested offering some to your boss, which we both giggled at. Just tell them it’s a present… “I just thought you might like one too!”
- Red Jasper is great for when you’re working on your sexuality/want to feel sexier.
- Peacock Ore is great for creatives and removing blocks. Anna keeps a big piece at her workspace.

Where to use healing crystals:
Heidi advises to just keeping them in your space… on you (as jewelry) or around you. “As long as you’re in the energy field of the stone, its energy is going to raise your frequency, which is essentially how they work.”
What I learned from this is that there really is no right or wrong way to use crystals. Michelle puts them in her bra as an easy way to have them close to her heart and lungs. I keep mine at my desk and nightstand, and hold crystals when I meditate in the morning. Sometimes I bring them to yoga and place them near my mat + on my body during savasana. This is more of an intuitive thing – we are all different different stones + processes work for different people.
Caring for your stones:
Anna told me that crystals are inherently positive. If a crystal gives you a bad vibe it is because of who has been handling it. You can cleanse them with a smoke bath (sage or palo santo) or a salt bath. So whenever I buy a new crystal I burn some palo santo (I do this anyway, I am obsessed), and float the crystal around in the smoke. Don’t leave them in the sun for long periods of time as they will fade over time.
Resources:
- So many of your recommended following the Energy Muse instagram account. It’s really cool.
- Books! I bought two books about crystals. This one, by Yulia Van Doren is a good starting point. It covers all the basics, what stones are good for what, etc. It’s the perfect beginners guide. The Energy Muse book, Crystal Muse is also really good but it’s a bit more advanced, containing several rituals and spells you can perform. I’m not quite at the point of doing rituals just yet but it’s got a ton of good information.
- Paige Novick sells crystal kits on her site – I have the balance one and use it (holding the stones in my hands) when I meditate.
- Etsy sells soooooo many crystals. I’ve ordered quite a few from them.



This week’s something new:
Workouts/#sorryforslacking :
Friday – Monday: Not a whole lot of exercise… was on vacation. I really did have every intention of exercising (I even packed a yoga mat for crying out loud) but it was hot, we were doing the things, and I chose sleep over getting up early to work out. Oh well. I got right back into the swing of things upon arriving home.
Tuesday – Sky Ting Yoga Class
Wednesday – 40 min run/walk on the treadmill at Equinox
Thursday – Sky Ting Yoga Class
This Week’s Healthy Links:
- How to get rid of brain fog.
- Why you need to shower after working out (duh, but seriously).
- Loving the new colors from Outdoor Voices.
- This avocado toast recipe sounds SO good.
- Try this shoulder opener for stress relief… I’ve been doing it at my desk when I remember and it makes a difference!
- Something I’ve thought about before – stress can be contagious.
Don’t forget to share your progress this week in the comments! PS – I have been looking for some new wellness/fitness/healthy living blogs + instagram accounts to follow – what are your favorites?

I don’t think crystals are for me, ultimately, but this was an interesting post. I like the idea that they’re antidotes to technology!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thank you Charmaine! x
Thank you for sharing all this great info and demystifying crystals quite a bit. I happen to love them as well and really love to pick up new ones when I travel as a subtle reminder of the trip. I also carry a few small ones in my bag in a little coin purse as talismans or “good luck warriors.”
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
That’s such a great way to remember the trip! x
Love this post! I’ve been using crystals for a while now, and agree with you that it could totally be placebo but at least they look pretty! There is a great crystal store in the east village (Crystals Garden) that I’ve been going to for years, very old school. You tell them what you need and they tell you which crystal you need and make a necklace for you out of it. I’ve recently been using malachite for “inspired leadership” and lava stone for “stability during change”.
That sounds so cool! I will have to pop in! xx
I now look like a fool doing the shoulder opener at my desk – but hey, that’s ok! Super intrigued by crystals and excited to learn more.
have an awesome weekend!
HAHA! Get your coworkers to follow along! 😉
Omg yoga balls!! They’re the most AMAZING things. I have one in every size (I’m not even kidding I have 8!!). A couple studios near me have classes that teach you how to use them. It’s the best/most painful hour you’ll ever experience. Just look for “tune up” classes near you!
YAY they are the best. Will have to look into classes!
I still love your blog, but this was definitely not the post for me, lol. Between the crystals and the article about showering after workouts – I was one of the commenters noting that yogic philosophy discourages showering right after workouts – I think I wasn’t the audience for today. 🙂 I took this week a little slower. I did my usual trail runs with my dogs over the weekend, but then after the time change, I decided I needed a bit of a down week to adjust. Bootcamp and lots of walking, but not much else, and this is the easiest DST transition I’ve had in years. And still loving the acupressure mat. That one is a definite keeper!!!
Haha I’m sorry – not every post will be a winner with everyone! SO GLAD you are still loving the acupressure mat though!!!
Hi Grace,
Thanks for another interesting post! Between you and Julia from lemonstripes writing about crystals this week I think it’s finally time I check some out for myself. As you say, worst case it’s just something pretty in your apartment/work space.
This week I FINALLY feel like I’m getting back on track with wellness, I’m so glad this series has continued as it’s helped keep me accountable even when I had a few off weeks. This past week I did a lovely yoga class on Saturday evening (so relaxing to watch the sun set from the studio windows during class), did the treadmill on Sunday, yoga Monday night, Yin Yoga on Tuesday night (very relaxing but next time I’m going to go on the treadmill beforehand), took Wednesday off, and did a workout video with a friend on Thursday (my something new). I’ve recommitted myself to 10,000 + steps per day and feel like I’m back on track!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Emily
PS – that shoulder opener video was awesome, I’m planning to add it into my daily routine!
So glad!!!!
Awesome job!!!! xx
While I don’t see myself getting into crystals, that was super interesting and I love how much thought/reasearch went into it! Also, if crystals make you happy/feel good, go for it!
Finally got 5 workouts in! Really loved the Aaptiv class All speeds, All you. Felt pretty good about this week except that one of my workouts was cut short thanks to a terrifying cockroach that took me 20 minutes to shoo away from me ha. hoping to get a yoga class in this weekend!
Thanks Molly! I will check out that Aaptiv class! Sorry about the cockroach – yuck!
This post is everything!! Girl, I’m so into this.
Totally understand why you’re not sharing where you are going to your retreat but do you mind sharing *how* you found it? I am looking for one in October and am not sure if you had a strategy or if just random googling works?
I’m on several yoga studios mailing lists and I they’re always advertising different retreats. 🙂
I don’t know if I’m a believer in crystals but I found this post to be very interesting! And like you said, best case scenario, they help, worst case, they’re placebo and pretty! Maybe I should look in to getting some fluorite…. work has been ROUGH lately. I rejoined a gym this week and went twice, using Aaptiv to guide my workouts. I’ve been slacking on my workouts so hopefully this will get me back on track!
Exactly! Worst case they are just really, really beautiful to look at! xx
I just bought my first crystals on a girls trip to Sedona, Arizona – rose quartz & pink tourmaline (for creativity)! We saged them outside under the stars and heard the coyotes howl! I don’t think much about my crystals on a daily basis (they sit on my nightstand), but because of them I have some amazing memories from a pretty emotional trip.
That’s so nice – the memories are great too!
I found my Crystal Muse book and favorite crystals in the lounge area at my mediation studio, Inscape. I enjoyed reading your take on the growing popular use of crystals in New York City’s scene of self-care. Unfortunately, I was very underwhelmed with Chloe’s class yesterday at Sky Ting, and love this new studio I found in my hood called Woom Center. Very groovy and a must-try experience.
I love Inscape! Sad you didn’t love Sky Ting, it’s my favorite!!!
I got into crystals last year just after my mom died—again, even if they don’t actually “do” anything, they make me feel better and they’re cheaper and better for me than wine?
I also put crystals in my bra…and a few weeks ago, I was bathing suit shopping and took off my bra to try on a top… and my crystal bounced out. My BFF was just outside the fitting room door. “Theodora, is that another boob crystal??”
Definitely not…
Hahahaha, I love this. Thanks for sharing.
I have always been interested in the healing properties of crystals… Thanks for sharing such an informative post…
I’m so happy it was informative!
Thanks for this wonderful blog! You mentioned the basic guide of healing crystals. Choosing the right crystal is very difficult but you made it clear in your blog. I love crystals not only because of effectiveness but also because of their look that is quite different in shape and color. I love that people are going back for natural remedy like crystals for everyday problems. I ordered Amethyst crystals from Ayana Wellness. I purchase crystals very often from them. They have a wide range of crystals at an affordable price.