Article by Lili Jones

Edited by Grace Kennedy

Crystals seem to be everywhere, bewitching and fascinating a new generation. Whether you already believe in the power of crystal healing or you’re a complete sceptic, these gems are coming back in a big way - both on and off the catwalk. Crystals are certainly not new. Cast in the role of nature’s little healer, crystals have been treasured for centuries for both their beauty and the belief that they could change the human mind and body. But do they actually work?

In some sense yes. While having a crystal does not mean your life will automatically change in the way you want, they can help. The main idea surrounding crystal healing is that like all things, crystals have a frequency. Some have even been proven to generate electricity and so have higher frequencies than others. As such they can interact with the frequencies in our bodies and so redirect energies to operate in a different and more beneficial way. The theory is that in changing your own energetic frequency, you attract the things you desire and repel - the negative emotions you wish to dispel. For some, the belief is that crystals change our way of thinking and so can have a significant impact on our lives.

Personally, I don’t believe my crystals have changed my energetic frequency but I think, even if you are a sceptic (like me), what cannot be ignored is that even if the stone’s ‘powers’ are mute, their placebo effect can still have a huge impact. If you believe the stone will help balance your energies, reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence, you will train your mind to act accordingly. So if you do not believe that the crystals themselves have any real effect, they can be used as a touchstone or a physical manifestation to remind you to think positively.

And if you are unsure about this, from an aesthetic point of view, they are mesmerising to look at. This, coupled with the fact that each is unique, means that jewellery containing these semi-precious stones is becoming increasingly popular both on and off the high street, whether it is taking centre stage in the new Zara campaign or within the Kate Middleton approved jewellery by Monica Vinader.

Does size matter?

What is important to note is that the size of the stone doesn’t really change how effective it is because it’s about how it resonates with you. The size will only make the stone more expensive which, in this case, does not necessarily mean better. Instead, focus on how the stones have been sourced and their quality. Often you will naturally gravitate towards a crystal that FEELS right to you and this is what you should go on and so this is one area where you should just trust your instincts.

Crystals for students?

Usually within these next few weeks we have other things on our minds: Balls and BBQ’s. But this time of year also comes with exams and all the stress they bring. Even though exams have changed somewhat this year, I think it goes without saying that stress is an unavoidable aspect for most of us. The range of crystals out there can be overwhelming. When I started learning about them, I had no idea which ones I needed or what would help me best. So, below I have listed the crystals I have found most helpful. I hope this helps!

MY TOP 5 CRYSTALS FOR STUDENTS:

Fluorite:

Not only are the rainbow patterns beautiful, these wonderful little crystals serve to increase concentration and, thankfully for Libras like myself, help individuals make decisions. One of their best attributes is that they help balance energies: encouraging positivity and absorbing negative frequencies, making them perfect for exam study sessions. All in all, Fluorite had to make my top 5 crystals for students.

2. Rose Quartz:

The love crystal. But more than this it helps in forgiveness and learning to love yourself. This stone encourages kindness towards yourself and others and I firmly believe that what you send out into the world, you get back. In a university like ours where pressure is high and everyone seems exceptional, it’s quite easy to start getting down on yourself, to doubt your abilities and get into a negative mindset. This stone is not only a beautiful pale pink but reminds you that you are enough, and you should trust in yourself. All in all, the rose quartz is a truly beautiful gem. (I rarely leave the house without mine).

3. Amethyst

Calming amethyst will serve to melt stress away and help you sleep, something which I find very difficult to do at the best of times, let alone when I'm nervous or stressed. Known as one of the ‘master crystals’, amethyst is a real all-rounder when it comes to healing: helping to balance energies, absorb stress and ease mood swings.

4. Howlite:

These marble looking fragments enable us to tap into the higher version of ourselves and remove that pesky second-guessing nature. It also serves to help with memory retention and inspiring a desire for knowledge which, after several hours in the library, is always, for me at least, needed to stop me just popping off to the pub instead.

5. Tiger’s Eye:

Tiger’s Eye is a stone of confidence and self-worth. Often half the battle when it comes to work is the fear of failing or not being good enough. This stone promotes a positive outlook and helps us to believe in our own abilities. Perfect for calming nerves before exams if, like me, you always feel like you know nothing before you go in.

Love them or hate them crystals seem to be resurfacing, encompassing both beauty and spirituality as they do. Personally, I love crystals and so I couldn’t be happier these stones are back in style and, in my opinion, they never really left. I think the rock formations are nature’s own adornments, mother nature’s bling if you will. As for their spiritual abilities, I still don’t know if they hold mystical powers, but I am certainly less sceptical than I once was.

FORCE OF NATURE: Do crystals really “work” or are they just pretty stones?