Crystals, gems, stones, and whatever else you want to call them have a variety of uses. They can be used for healing, works of magic, and much more. How can crystals do all of these things? It is a common belief that crystals and gems vibrate with their own, natural energies. They are believed to be able to store it, channel it, and balance it. Unfortunately, they can do this with both positive and negative energy so it helps if you clean your crystals regularly.
Cleansing Crystals:
I have heard people say that you can use water to cleanse stones, but in some folklore stones, such as hematite, are not supposed to come into contact with water. My method for cleansing is pretty simple. I pass my stones through the smoke of an incense stick and then place them in the sunlight for a few days. When you pass them through the incense some, it helps if you visualize the smoke burning away any negative energy that might be attached to the crystal.
Healing:
Because of their abilities to channel energy, it's a common belief that crystals can be used to channel healing energies as well. One method that can be used is to visualize the stones surrounding you in a golden, healing light. Visualize this light spreading healing.Keep in mind that stones aren't going to heal you immediately and if you have a serious injury or medical condition you need to see a doctor a.s.a.p. I have also heard of people using them during Reiki healing sessions to help with the healing process. (I'll try to add more on this point later.)
Crystals and Your Chakras:
The colors of certain stones are associated with each chakra. You can place stones over each chakra point and use them to help you open and balance your chakras.
(These are listed from root to crown)
Root Chakra - red stones like garnet
Sacral Chakra- orange stones like tiger's eye.
Solar Plexus Chakra- Yellow stones like citrine
Heart Chakra- Pink or green stones like rose quartz or aventurine
Throat Chakra- Light blue stones like aquamarine
Third Eye Chakra- Blue or indigo stones like lapis or blue fluorite.
Crown Chakra- Violet or clear stones like amethyst or clear quartz
Place the appropriate stone over each chakra point. Slowly begin to visualize the stones helping the chakras to open and getting the energy to flow smoothly throughout your body. I know that when I do this, I can feel a tingly sensation slowly move from the top of my head all the way down to the bottom of my feet. You can feel the energy moving and eventually balancing out.
Magic:
You can use stones to increase the potency of spells or rituals. The crystals can be used to amplify the energy. I use clear quartz. It's an amazing energy amplifier and I use it for just about everything. I usually have mine on my altar or in my hand while I'm doing a spell. If you are doing a ritual, you can sit some of them up around your ritual area or your circle (if you use one.)