Crystals -- In science, a crystal is a solid substance in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. The word crystal is a loan from the ancient Greek word (krustallos), which had the same meaning, but according to the ancient understanding of crystal. At root it means anything congealed by freezing, such as ice. The word once referred particularly to quartz, or "rock crystal". Most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically intergrown to form crystal twins.

Gemstones -- A gemstone or gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of attractive mineral, which - when cut and polished - is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry and gemstone rings, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone .

The use of crystals and gemstones in the attempt to harness their magical properties and qualities is a practice that spans many centuries, religions, and continents. Found in historical tomes and religious texts around the world, the history of crystals and healing is lengthy and complex. Many beliefs held by certain religious/ethnic groups or during specific historical eras were later incorporated into other spiritual systems.

Crystals have been used in medicine as amulets and as spiritual and psychic tools since ancient time.  Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also used crystals in their study of astronomy and astrology.  The planets were believed to be ruled by certain gemstones and crystalsals.  The crystals were used to create magical talismans to fortify the wearer with the characteristics of that planet.

Crystals were also assigned special meanings that would have been popularly accepted at the time. Engraving was also thought to enhance the magical properties.  This led to precious stones being engraved with emblems, animals, and astrological symbols as powerful personal amulets. Crystals and gemstones are mentioned throughout most holy books, such as the Bible and the Koran and devotees of these faiths have incorporated crystal symbolism and magick into their charms and rituals. 

So how do you choose the right crystals and gemstones for you to work with? If you are just starting out you can't. It will take personal study and expoerience before you are able to know and hopefully be able to "feel" which ones are right.  

This is  a very controversial subject because anything that involves beliefs, emotions and experiences, is open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations and your meanings or interpretations will be what matters in the end, for it is your unique energy and your unique needs that will be the deciding factors.

With the "new age movement" and more people being interested in spirituality, there has been a rise in sales regarding articles related to crystals and gemstones. Of course you must be aware when visiting a crystal shop or web seller that theses are businesses and their main focus is to sell you something, usually starting with a sales pitch about your "birth stone" or just going with "THIS IS YOU!".

You have to experiment with different crystals to find out which ones work best for you before going on a buying spree.

You can begin by looking over our pages on the properties and qualities of crystals and gemstones, but they are only places to begin, primers to get you started.

Crystals and Gemstones Link

The Properties of Crystals and Gemstones

The Qualities of Crystals and Gemstones