On my journey with crystals, I get a lot of the following questions, and truth be told, I also wondered them myself early on in my journey (sometimes even now too). 

Here are some of the learnings I have gathered over the years myself and hopefully can help you to understand the world of crystals a little better. If you have more to share, I'd love to hear them too~

Easily, the most asked question - be it from a "skeptic" or just being genuinely curious. THE #1 question I get all the time, "Does it really work?" 

1. How do crystals work and do they really work?

Crystals work in many different ways, one of which is through their unique atomic structure and symmetry, which give them distinct physical and chemical properties, from their distinct atomic structure to their highly repetitive and orderly structures and formations. 

Actually, crystals are also used in more common ways than you think! Electronics, semi-conductors and optics also make use of crystals. Quartz is particularly common in the use of electronics due to their piezoelectric properties as they produce an electric charge. You can find them in clocks, watches and even radios! Silicon crystals on the other hand, is a fundamental process in the manufacture of semiconductors for computers and other electronic devices. Coloured gems like Sapphire and calcites are used in lasers, cameras and even microscopes due to their ability to polarize light. 

But, if you are asking this question, you are probably referring to the "assumed" and metaphysical properties, right?

Metaphysically, crystals are believed to have various healing and spiritual properties. While these claims are not scientifically proven, they are a significant part of many cultural and spiritual traditions. Crystals are thought to work by interacting with the body's energy field, or aura, to promote balance and healing. They are believed to amplify positive energy and absorb negative energy. Every crystal possesses unique vibrational energies and interacts uniquely.

They are used in much practiced mindfulness and meditations, able to amplify energy fields and auras as well as the ability to align our Chakras. 

Ultimately, whether or not you believe in such properties is actually entire up to you and how sensitive you are to yours and the energy fields around you. Take all with a pinch of salt, see and explore what works for you. In any case, they can just be a pretty accessory to have that matches your vibes :) 

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2. How to take care of my crystals? 

When wearing crystal jewelry, there are several do's and don'ts tips to keep in mind to maintain both the aesthetic and the energetic properties of the crystals:

Do's:

1. Cleanse Regularly:
   If you constantly wear your crystals, especially daily, I recommend to do a cleansing regularly - like every fortnight or monthly. Cleanse your crystals regularly to remove any negative/stagnant energies. Methods include smudging with sage, using sound - like using a singing bowl or tuning fork, or placing them under moonlight, I like to place under the full moon for the brighter. 
   
   
2. Store Properly:
   Store your crystal jewelry in a clean, dry place, preferably wrapped in a soft cloth or in a jewelry box to prevent scratching. In our humid weather, the silver/gold hardware in jewelry may oxidize or tarnish easily. Hence it is also recommended to put them in zip lock pouches to protect them.
   
   
3. Be Gentle! 
   Crystals can be fragile, so avoid dropping them or exposing them to rough handling which might cause chipping or breaking. All crystals are rated on a Mohs Hardness scale, from the softest gypsum to the hardest materials in the world - diamond. All of them are pretty to look at so do handle them with care.

Don'ts:

1. Do not leave them in water for prolonged time periods: 
   Some crystals can be easily damaged by water over a long period of time, so avoid wearing them while swimming, bathing, or washing dishes. (Washing hands briefly with them on is fine, as long as you remember to pat them dry afterwards) Such crystals like Selenite, Celestite, Halite, Calcite, Gypsum and Fluorite are known to be sensitive to water and can potentially dissolve in water. Even harder crystals can lose their polish or develop cracks over time. If you're unsure, it's safer to avoid water altogether and use alternative cleansing methods.
   
   
2. Do not leave Crystals in direct Sunlight for extended periods:
   Many crystals, such as Amethyst, Rose Quartz, and Citrine, can fade or lose their vibrant color when exposed to direct sunlight for too long. While sunlight is often used for charging crystals, it’s best to limit their exposure or opt for moonlight instead.
   
   
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals: 
   Avoid using any kind of harsh chemicals or household cleaners on your crystals. These can damage the surface, alter their appearance, or affect their metaphysical properties.
   Keep your crystal jewelry away from harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions. They don't have good chemistry together, IYKWIM. 
   
   
4. Do not overload:
   Wearing too many different types of crystals at once can cause energetic chaos. Too many cooks spoil the broth! Try to stick to a few complementing pieces to wear at any one time. 

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3. How do I choose the right crystal for me?

 

There truly is no wrong answer to this. It's like choosing clothing or hairstyle. You need to have one, use one first before knowing it is "right" for you.

There are many ways to choose and decide which is right for you. I recommend, the simplest (albeit people might say it is the most superficial way) - by what catches your eyes first. In Chinese, we call this "眼缘", which literally translates to "eye affinity". Fancily, it's fate, the stars have aligned for both you and the crystal to have met in this diverse world of consumption and capitalism, subconsciously calling out to you etc. etc... Basically, whichever that catches your eyes first is one that you should go for. 

Other ways to choose of course is through purpose. Each crystal is unique and holds specific metaphysical properties. There are so many that there is bound to have a crystal for your needs. From protection from negative energies to loving vibes and calming anxieties. 

You can also choose crystals based on colours! Crystals come in all colours in the spectrum and you'd definitely be spoiled for choice. Or, how about choosing based on your horoscope/zodiac signs? Personally, I like to pair crystals when gifting, to zodiac signs or horoscopes so as to help enhance or curb certain traits.  

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4. Which crystals cannot be worn together? 

This is another question I get often, as your collection grows. A rule of thumb I like to follow is based on their "vibrational energies and/or frequencies". Each crystal as we have established above, has their own energy wavelength. I would avoid pairing a high vibrational one with a low one so that they don't conflict with each other and the overall energy it is giving out. This is however, highly personal and based on individual's experience. 

Another guide I like to use is based on the crystal's hardness level on the Mohs scale. Too soft crystals should not go with hard crystals so as to protect them from each other. This is purely based on the chemical makeup of the crystal as they are technically all minerals, so do your research first, especially when wearing them as jewelry accessories. 

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5. Can I gift crystals as gifts? 

Of course! Crystals can make meaningful and thoughtful gifts. It’s often appreciated if you choose a crystal based on the recipient's needs or preferences. Especially if the other party loves crystal too! 

Gifting good energy and good vibes is always great!

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6. If my crystal breaks or if I lost it, what does that mean? 

It is believed that a lost or broken crystal means that you no longer in need of it's energy of the crystal. It has gone to another person/place that needs it more. You are probably ready for a different crystal and energy in your life. Once it has broken, it probably also meant that it has served it's purpose for you and therefore "released" itself from duty. 

Although it's really a pity that it broke or was lost, it probably was a very pretty one too. As the saying goes, "out with the old, in with the new". 

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Lastly, there is another question that you probably have on your mind, Is my crystal fake? How to identify fakes? 

That my friends, is a session all by it's self as there is much to discuss and share. 

See you on the next one! 

 

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