In 2017, Time Magazine wrote an article about healing crystals, stating, “…the human mind is a powerful thing, and it’s trickier to say flatly that crystals don’t work, if you define ‘work’ as providing some benefit.” What they determined was that yes, crystals can heal, but only if the mind believes they can heal.

With that said, here’s a list of crystals that are believed to have healing powers. If you’re a fan of alternative medicines, consider getting a spiritual rock collection.

Amethyst
Amethyst has a long history as a spiritual healing stone and is referenced in a handful of modern and ancient religions. According to the Egyptian “Book of the Dead,” instructions are given for laying a heart shaped amethyst atop those who have died to help the body peacefully transition into their next life. The Roman Catholic church looks upon amethyst as a gem of purity often associated with the church’s bishops. And Buddhist prayer beads in Tibet are often created using the stone, so clearly there is a deep spirituality when it comes to the purple gem.

In terms of their modern healing powers, amethyst is said to boost inner strength and provide spiritual protection as well.

Citrine
Used extensively as a talisman against evil, overindulgences, treachery, and scandal during the first and second centuries in the Roman empires and throughout Greece, citrine found its place in history even though it wasn’t as popular as its purple sister, amethyst.

The healing powers most associated with the orange-hued gemstone (which some say receives those powers directly from the sun) are prosperity, abundance, opportunity, protection, and weight loss. Known largely as the “Merchant’s Stone,” citrine is also said to help one prosper by removing financial stalemates.

Rose Quartz
The pale pink hue of the rose quartz emits a soothing, calm vibe, emitting harmony, peace, and even love. It is a crystal often used by those who are emotionally troubled, are struggling with mental illness, or are having relationship woes as it is said to lower stress.

Sometimes referred to as the “love crystal” or “heart stone,” the energy of the rose quartz is said to allow the wearer of the stone to open themselves up to all forms of available love including romantic love, self-love, familial love, and platonic love among friends.

Carnelian
Ancient Egyptians wore the gemstone carnelian as a source of constant renewal and vitality, and the stone was even placed in tombs as “magic armor” for the afterlife.

Varying in color from light orange to reddish brown, carnelian is said to be an energy boosting gemstone that helps to keep the wearer motivated, confident, forward-thinking, and inspired. It is also said to alleviate addictions while inducing joy through creativity and sensuality.

Clear Quartz (also known as Rock Crystal)
Known as “The Master Healer,” many believe that rock crystal offers the wearer the power of a divine white light while allowing one to be in touch with one’s higher self. Clear quartz is also said to be a versatile stone because it magnifies the vibrations of the crystals that surround it and is frequently used to cleanse and re-energize other healing crystals.

Another important property of rock crystal is said to be its ability to stimulate the immune system, bringing the body back into a proper state of balance through the enhancement of organs in the body and through the cleansing of the soul. This allows the wearer a solid connection between physical self and the mind.

While crystals aren’t for everyone from a healing standpoint, there’s no denying that any gemstone in any form brings some sort of emotion to the onlooker and/or wearer. If you’re wearing a ring made with a huge amethyst cut into a beautiful shape, chances are that ring is going to make you happy. If you’ve been gifted a pair of rock crystal earrings, you may not go to your local healer to experiment with their properties, but you’ll likely wear them with pride which will give you confidence and make you feel good about yourself and the person who gave them to you, and at the end of the day, maybe that really is the true healing power of gems.