Types, Meaning and Use • Yoga Basics

Chakra stones and crystals are simple yet powerful tools that have been used for centuries to balance and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Each chakra stone or crystal is associated with a specific energy center in the body, and by using them in meditation, healing practices, or simply carrying them with you, you can harness the energy of these gems and stones. By understanding the types, meanings, and uses of these sacred tools, you can unlock their full potential to elevate your vibration and empower your life. Whether you seek balance, clarity, or just peace, chakra stones and crystals can help you on your journey to self-awareness, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.

What is a chakra?

Chakras are subtle energy centers within the human body that affect different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are seven main chakras located along the spine, and each one is associated with a specific color, element, symbol, energy and quality with a corresponding effect on our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

Keeping these energy centers aligned and balanced is crucial for your overall health. Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and utilizing chakra stones can aid in purifying, activating, and harmonizing these vital centers, fostering a sense of equilibrium and rejuvenation in your mind, body, and spirit.

What are chakra crystals?

Chakra crystals are natural gemstones and minerals that are believed to have healing properties and are used to balance and align the seven energy centers in the body. Each stone’s unique energetic vibration and resonance corresponds with a specific chakra, helping to remove blockages and promote overall well-being. Not every crystal can activate and align with a chakra, only specific stones are used based on their color, properties, and energetic qualities.

How do chakra stones work?

Each chakra is associated with a specific color and energy vibration, and different crystals and stones are thought to resonate with these subtle energy vibrations. When a chakra is out of balance, the vibrational frequency of a chakra stone can help to realign, harmonize, and balance the energy within that center. The stones and crystals work by interacting with the body’s energy field, promoting healing and enhancing the flow of energy through the body. By placing the appropriate stone on or near the corresponding chakra, you can help to restore harmony and balance to that energy center. The unique properties of each crystal or stone can also help to amplify specific intentions, qualities and spiritual powers associated with that chakra, making them powerful tools for meditation, healing, and personal growth.

While the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of chakra healing stones is limited, many individuals report positive experiences and benefits from incorporating them into their wellness practices. It is important to note that gemstones and crystals should not be seen as a substitute for medical or professional advice, but as a complementary tool for supporting holistic well-being.

Stones and crystals to heal and balance the seven chakras

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

• Location: Base of the spine
• Associated color: Red or black
• Function: Grounding, safety, and stability
• Physical associations: Colon, bladder, sacrum and legs

Located at the base of your spine, the root chakra is associated with the colors red or black. A healthy and balanced Muladhara chakra is crucial for overall well-being, as it governs our basic survival needs such as food, shelter, and safety. Signs of a balanced Muladhara include feeling a deep sense of stability, security, safety, courage, and connection to the physical world. Nurturing and strengthening this energy center is essential for feeling grounded and rooted in your life.

An unbalanced Muladhara can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of insecurity, instability, fear, and a lack of confidence. Low energy, a weakened immune system, and a lack of boundaries or willpower may indicate that this energy center requires attention and healing.

Healing Crystals for the Root Chakra

Gemstones that resonate with the root chakra are usually dark red or black, and radiate a sense of grounding, stability, protection and security. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Black Obsidian is a powerful protective stone known for its ability to absorb negative energies and protect against external negativity. This grounding stone dissolves old traumas, fosters self-awareness, empowers you to trust your instincts and intuition, and offers support during times of change.
• Smoky Quartz aids in stabilizing emotions by providing security within oneself, release stagnant energy, and dissipating negativity. This grounding crystal amplifies clarity, dissolves energetic blockages, and invites positive transformation into your life.
• Hematite is a grounding stone that strengthens our connection with the earth, providing a feeling of safety and security. It encourages courage, endurance, and vitality, making it ideal for overcoming compulsions and addictions.
• Red Garnet emanates courage, strength, and vitality. It is known for raising low energy levels and supporting emotional and physical health.
• Black Tourmaline is a powerful protector that cleanses negative energies and promotes a sense of safety and security. It grounds energy, restoring balance, and increases physical vitality, while dispersing tension and stress.
• Red Jasper is a stone of endurance, nurturing, and protection. It enhancing stamina, motivation, endurance, vitality and resilience. It can strengthen your resolve and awaken your inner fire to aids in resolving difficult situations.
• Bloodstone is a powerful stone used to promote healing, courage, and vitality to keep you grounded in your power. Known as the warrior stone, it offers emotional balance, protection, strength, grounding, resilience, and inner fortitude.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana)

• Location: Below the navel in the abdomen
• Associated colour: Orange
• Function: Pleasure, creativity, and sexuality
• Physical associations: Fertility, reproductive organs, sexual organs

The 2nd or Sacral Chakra plays a pivotal role in our ability to experience joy, creativity, and sexual wellness. It is the centre of our feelings and sensations and is particularly associated with expressing emotions and relationships. Maintaining a balanced Svadhishthana enables an individual to feel passionate, present, and dynamic, fostering a healthy outlook toward life’s pleasures.

Healing Crystals for the Sacral Chakra

Gemstones that resonate with the Svadhishthana are usually orange in color and radiate a sense of creativity, sensuality, and emotional balance. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Peach Moonstone promotes emotional balance, intuition, creativity, wisdom, health, courage, and confidence.  Known for its connection to the moon, it supports new beginnings and soothing emotional instability and stress.
• Peach Selenite assists in clearing blockages to allow for emotional and creative freedom, encouraging one to move forward with a lighter heart. A stone of emotional transformation, Peach Selenite helps in releasing negative emotions by dissolving any emotional traumas or blockages, and encourages personal growth and self-discovery.
• Orange Calcite encourages playfulness, brings positive energy, and helps overcome depression, apathy, or lethargy. This vibrant, energizing stone enhancing creativity, sexual energy, mental focus, awareness, and joy.
• Carnelian is a stone of motivation, courage, and endurance. It fostering vitality, creativity and passion. Its fiery energy promotes the courage to make positive life choices, boosting self-esteem and empowering the individual.
• Sunstone brings warmth, connection, courage, grounding, positivity, willpower, and vitality into your life. It boosts confidence and empowers you to embrace life’s challenges with enthusiasm and lightness of heart.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

• Location: Upper abdomen, below the breast bone
• Associated color: Yellow or gold
• Function: Personal power, self-confidence, and ambition
• Physical associations: Digestive system, muscles

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or the 3rd chakra, is instrumental in shaping our sense of self-identity, personal power, and determination. It’s considered the energy center, willpower, and self-esteem, pivotal in decision-making and pursuing personal and professional goals. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra empowers individuals to follow their true path with confidence and strength, fostering leadership qualities and the ability to transform thought into action.

Healing Crystals for the Solar Plexus Chakra

Crystals that resonate with the Manipura are usually yellow in color and radiate a sense of self-confidence, empowerment, and courage. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Yellow Sapphire attracts wealth and prosperity. It also encourages focus and mental clarity, helping to fulfill ambitions and dreams.
• Pyrite, commonly known as “Fool’s Gold,” stimulates creativity, mental clarity, determination, vitality, and assists in manifesting dreams into reality. Its fiery energy brings positivity and promotes emotional stability and alignment with personal goals.
• Yellow Jade is known for bringing joy and happiness, as well as promoting energy and enthusiasm for life. It helps instill optimism, wisdom, and the courage to pursue one’s goals.
• Tiger’s Eye is a popular crystal known for cultivating the conviction, faith, power, passion, and dedication needed to achieve your goals. Associated with strength and creativity, Tiger’s Eye helps maintain boundaries while keeping you grounded. This stone of protection releases fear and anxiety, promotes harmony and balance, and encourages action and decision-making.
• Citrine is often referred to as the “success stone,” as it promotes vibrational energy that encourages self-esteem, strong motivation, and positivity, attracting wealth, prosperity, and success. This success stone clears blockages, boosts confidence, and enhances feelings of personal power, empowering you to reach new heights.
• Yellow Topaz is a stone of intention, generating vast cosmic energy and attracting helpful people into one’s life. It enhances faith, optimism, and the ability to give and receive love and manifest desires. It clears negative energies, promoting balance, and activating confidence to pave the way for a renewed sense of self-assurance and positivity.
• Yellow Jasper is a nurturing stone that clears negativity, promotes tranquillity, and boosts confidence, creating a shield of positive energy. it offering protection, dispelling darkness and inviting light into your life while promoting self-confidence and courage.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

• Location: Center of the chest, heart area
• Associated color: Green or pink
• Function: Love, compassion, and connection
• Physical associations: Chest, heart

The Heart Chakra, or the 4th chakra, is the central powerhouse of the human energy system. It governs our ability to give and receive love, nurture personal and romantic relationships, and connect to all beings. A balanced Anahata facilitates unconditional love, compassion, and a deep sense of peace and centeredness, reflecting the health condition of our emotional self.

Healing Crystals for the Heart Chakra

Crystals that resonate with the Anahata are usually green or pink in color and radiate a sense of unconditional love and compassion. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Rose Quartz is associated with unconditional love, compassion, empathy, and emotional healing. This “stone of love” can help you attract love, improve self-esteem, and restore balance to your heart center. This gentle pink crystal aids in healing emotional traumas, bringing inner peace, and fostering self-love during difficult times.
• Malachite, known for its powerful transformation attributes, draws out negative energies and emotional blockages, promoting healing and positive change. Malachite can help you release past traumas, increase empathy, and promote emotional growth.
• Rhodochrosite, also known as the “Stone of the Compassionate Heart,” is a powerful emotional release crystal that aids in emotional healing, raises self-esteem, and fosters self-love. It focuses the energies of love towards the self, bringing forgiveness, compassion, peace, and renewal.
• Green Aventurine is a “stone of luck” that shifts your focus from the mind to the heart, helping you live life to the fullest. It brings abundant positive energy and protective energies that encourage growth, harmony, and personal development. Aventurine can also assist in letting go of unhealthy relationships without harboring negative emotions.
• Rhodonite is known for its ability to heal emotional wounds and promote forgiveness. Rhodonite encourages compassion, love, and generosity towards yourself and others. It is also said to enhance self-esteem and dispel negative energy.
• Amazonite is a soothing stone that calms the soul and spirit, promoting love and affection. Its healing properties help balance and soothe the emotional body, encouraging inner peace and the manifestation of universal love.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

• Location: Above the collarbone in the neck
• Associated color: Blue
• Function: Communication, self-expression, and authenticity
• Physical associations: Throat, larynx, sinus, thyroid

The Throat Chakra, or the 5th chakra, is the essence of effective communication and self-expression. It reflects our ability to speak our truth, express our thoughts and feelings openly, and maintain authentic communication in our relationships. A balanced Vishuddha empowers individuals to express themselves with clarity and integrity, listen attentively, and manifest more understanding and wisdom in their interactions.

Healing Crystals for the Throat Chakra

Gemstones that resonate with Vishuddha are usually blue or turquoise in color, as these hues are associated with communication, self-expression, and truth. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Blue Topaz enhances clear communication and promotes the expression of ideas and truth. It helps those who have trouble expressing themselves with clarity and confidence.
• Angelite facilitates the verbal expression of thoughts and emotions, gently but truthfully. It fosters compassionate and understanding communication, creating a deep feeling of peace and tranquillity,
• Sodalite, considered the stone of poets, stimulates creativity, intuition and wisdom, helping you find meaningful words and fill your communication with depth and purpose. It helps in dispelling negative thought patterns and allows you to express yourself authentically with confidence and clarity.
• Aquamarine soothes anxiety and fear related to speaking your truth, enhancing communication skills and helping you connect with your authentic voice. This calming stone helps release old emotional patterns and invites you to delve deep into your soul.
• Blue Lace Agate encourages the verbal expression of thoughts and feelings. Blue Lace Agate is a great stone for those who struggle to make their voices heard, promoting clarity of thought and confidence in speaking one’s truth.
• Blue Apatite is known for its ability to stimulate creativity and intellect. Blue Apatite encourages openness and ease in expressing your thoughts and ideas, fostering a harmonious flow of communication.
• Celestite, a stone of divine communication, connects you with higher realms and supports honest self-expression. It promotes peace and clarity to facilitate open and authentic communication.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

• Location: Center of the forehead, above the eyebrows
• Associated colour: Indigo or purplish-blue
• Function: Intuition, inner wisdom, and psychic awareness
• Physical associations: Eyes, ears, spinal cord, neurological health

The Third Eye Chakra, or the 6th chakra, is the gateway to our inner realms, guiding us to our intuition and wisdom. It allows us to see beyond the physical world, deepening our understanding of the universe and our place within it. A well-balanced Ajna enhances psychic awareness, encourages vivid dreams, and facilitates a clear vision of one’s life path, assisting in decision-making and perceiving subtle energies and messages.

Healing Crystals for the Third Eye Chakra

Crystals that resonate with Ajna are usually indigo, purple, or deep blue in color and radiate a sense of intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Amethyst is a powerful stone that attracts knowledge, wisdom, courage, foresight, and manifestation. Amethyst has been used since ancient times to connect with the divine, activate intuition, and prepare one for spiritual enlightenment.
• Purple Fluorite is known to stimulate the mind, accelerate learning, and enhance focus. It helps amplify psychic intuition and clear mental fog, fostering clear decision-making.
• Lapis Lazuli awakens the Third Eye, promoting self-awareness and encouraging self-expression without holding back or compromising. It brings clarity and enlightenment, enhances dream work, and helps you tap into visions that provide clear perspectives.
• Azurite helps to relieve worries, stress, and fears by transforming them into intuitive insight. It stimulates the Third Eye Chakra, enhancing creativity, inner wisdom, and psychic awareness.
• Turquoise is a calming stone that promotes wisdom and communication. It encourages compassion towards oneself and others while fostering higher thinking and understanding.
• Kyanite supports self-discovery, intuition, clarity, and insight. It sharpens memory skills, improves logical thinking and problem-solving, and facilitates meditation. Kyanite is also known to facilitate communication with spirit guides and higher realms, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

• Location: Top of the head
• Associated color: Golden-white or violet
• Function: Spiritual connection, enlightenment, and purpose
• Physical associations: Spiritual well-being

The Crown Chakra, or the 7th chakra, is the gate to higher states of consciousness. It is essentially our bridge to the cosmos, our spiritual connector to the divine, and the realm of infinite possibilities. A healthy and open Sahasrara allows for the flow of divine energy, enhancing one’s spiritual growth, enlightenment, and sense of unity with all. This center empowers individuals to reach their highest potential, fostering peace, bliss, and fulfilment.

Healing Crystals for the Crown Chakra

Crystals that resonate with Sahasrara are usually white or violet in color and have a high vibrational frequency that promote spiritual connection, enlightenment, and higher consciousness. Choose one or more of the following stones to support this energy center:

• Labradorite, known as a stone of transformation and magic, is believed to connect with the universe’s spiritual energy, promoting spiritual awareness and awakening. This mystical stone that clears energetic blockages, stimulates imagination, protects the aura, and helps in connecting with your highest self.
• White Calcite dispels self-limiting beliefs and aligns body, mind, and soul with high vibrations. It promotes mental clarity and spiritual growth, aids in decision-making, clears blockages or negative energies, and facilitates balance and harmony in the body.
• Clear Quartz Often referred to as the “master healer,” Clear Quartz amplifies the effects of energy, thought, and other crystals. It aligns and purifies the entire chakra system, connecting the physical and mind dimensions.
• Selenite cleanses the aura and other crystals, removing energy blockages from the body and promoting a sense of peace and clarity. This ethereal crystal is used to open up pathways for spiritual guidance and wisdom to flow in.
• Rutilated Quartz grounds light energy into the physical body, activating the higher mind and expanding awareness. It is known for its powerful cleansing properties, helping to release any blockages or negative energies. This crystal is also believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, making it an excellent tool for meditation and spiritual practices.

Chakra Stone chart

How to choose Chakra Stones and Crystals

1. Intention
   When choosing chakra stones and crystals, it is important to start with setting your intention. Consider the specific chakra you wish to work on or balance, and what qualities or energies you are seeking to bring into your life. This will help guide you in selecting the right stones that resonate with your goals and intentions.
2. Color
   Each chakra is associated with a specific color, so choosing stones in the corresponding color can help support the balancing of that particular energy center. For example, red stones such as garnet or red jasper are often used for the root chakra, while green stones like emerald or jade are beneficial for the heart chakra. Familiarize yourself with the colors associated with each energy center to make informed choices.
3. Intuition
   Trust your intuition when selecting chakra stones and crystals. You may feel drawn to a particular stone based on its appearance or energy. Pay attention to any sensations or emotions that arise when handling different stones, as this can indicate which ones are best suited for you at the moment. Trust that your intuition will guide you towards the right crystals for your needs.
4. Quality
   There can be a wide range of the quality of chakra stones and crystals available on the market. High-quality stones are more effective in harnessing and transmitting energy, so investing in authentic crystals is key to maximizing their benefits. Look for stones that are smooth, without cracks or chips, and have a vibrant color. Crystals that are ethically sourced and sustainably mined are also a good choice, as they carry a more positive energy. Be sure to purchase stones from reputable sellers who can provide information on the origins of the crystals. When shopping online, make sure to check out the customer reviews and ratings of the seller to ensure that you are getting a good quality product.

How to Prepare Chakra Stones and Crystals for use

While crystal healing is a personal and intuitive practice, there are some general guidelines that can help you get the most out of using chakra stones. Here are some tips to ensure your gemstones and crystals are cleansed, charged, and ready for use:

1. Cleanse your stones
   Before using your chakra gemstones, it is essential to cleanse them of any negative energies they may have absorbed or been influenced by. You can cleanse your stones by placing them under running water, , immersing them in sea salt, smudging them with sage or palo santo, or placing them on a selenite charging plate or in direct sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. It is important to choose a method that resonates with you and feels right for your specific stones. Allow the stones to sit in the cleansing method of your choice for at least a few hours to overnight.
2. Charge your stones
   Once your chakra stones are cleansed, it is important to charge them up with positive energy and healing power. You can charge your stones by placing them in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours, or by holding them in your hands and focusing on sending them positive energy. Visualize the stones being filled with their corresponding chakra color light and positive energy.
3. Set your intention
   To further enhance the effectiveness of your chakra stones and crystals, you can program them with specific intentions. Hold the stone in your hands, close your eyes, and focus on the specific intention you want the stone to help you with. Repeat this process several times until you feel the stone has been programmed with your intention.
4. Store your stones
   Once your chakra stones are cleansed, charged, and programmed, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their energy. Keep them in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed or come into contact with negative energies. You can also store them with other crystals or gemstones that complement their energies to amplify their healing properties.

How to Use Chakra Stones and Crystals

Depending on your preference and intention, there are many ways to use chakra stones and crystals. Some popular methods include wearing them as jewellery, carrying them in a pocket or pouch, placing them on the body during meditation or energy work, or simply keeping them in a room to promote positive energy flow. Regularly using chakra stones can help bring balance, harmony, and healing to your energy centers, supporting your overall well-being and spiritual journey.

Here are some basic tips for using chakra stones and crystals:

Crystal Chakra Meditation

With regular practice, crystal meditation can help deepen your connection to your chakras and promote inner harmony and spiritual growth.

Start by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Hold the chosen crystal in your hand or place it on the corresponding chakra location on your body. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and allow yourself to enter a meditative state. Visualize the energy of the crystal flowing into your body, balancing and aligning the chakra it represents. Focus on any sensations or emotions that arise during the meditation.

You can also incorporate chakra symbols, affirmations, or mantras related to the specific energy center to enhance the healing process. After the meditation, take a moment to reflect on your experience and journal any insights or feelings that emerged.

Chakra jewelry

One of the simplest ways to keep the energy of chakra stones with you throughout the day is by wearing them as jewellery. Chakra necklaces can help align and balance your energy centers in the chest and neck, while chakra bracelets can be worn on the wrist to support the flow of energy throughout the body. Earrings and rings are also popular choices for wearing chakra stones. When choosing jewellery, consider the specific properties of each stone and how they align with your intentions or the energy you are looking to balance.

Crystal Grids

Crystal grids are arrangements of stones in geometric patterns that focus and amplify their healing energies. Creating a crystal grid that corresponds to your chakra needs can enhance their effectiveness in balancing and healing. Place your grid in a meditation space, bedroom, or wherever you feel it’s needed most.

Energy healing

Incorporating small or medium-sized polished stones into energy healing sessions can provide deep relaxation and rejuvenation. They can be placed on corresponding chakra points on the body during massage, reiki, or other healing modalities to enhance the therapeutic effects.

To use the chakra stone for healing, place it on or near the corresponding energy center on the body. For example, if you are working on your heart chakra, you can place a heart chakra crystal like rose quartz stone on the center of the chest to allow its gentle energy to flow through the area.

Bath Water

Adding gemstones to your bath water allows for a serene, spa-like experience at home. The water absorbs the healing properties of the stones, enveloping your body in their energy. Ensure the stones you choose are water-safe, and cleanse them before and after use.

Sleep with the Stone

Place your chosen stone under your pillow or bedside table for a restful night’s sleep and deep spiritual healing. This can help calm your mind, promote good emotions in dreams, and balance your energy centers as you sleep.

Placing in Your Space

If you prefer a more subtle approach to chakra healing, you can simply place stones in a room where you spend a lot of time. Each stone emits its unique energy, and by strategically positioning them around the space, you can create a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere. You can also use larger stones or clusters as decorative pieces to enhance the overall energy flow of the room.

Choose the energy of the stones to correspond to the specific chakra you want to work on. For example, if you want to promote love, compassion, and emotional healing, you can place heart chakra stones like rose quartz or green tourmaline in your living room or bedroom. Or if you want to boost your spiritual awakening, you might opt for crown chakra stones like amethyst or clear quartz in your meditation space or altar.

Final thoughts

Incorporating chakra stones and crystals into your spiritual practices or daily life can truly be a transformative experience, allowing you to align, balance, and harmonize your energy centers for overall well-being. From the grounding properties of Black Obsidian for the Root Chakra to the heart-opening qualities of Rose Quartz for the Heart Chakra, each crystal offers unique healing energies that can support your journey towards self-awareness and spiritual growth.

By setting intentions, choosing crystals based on their colors and properties, trusting your intuition, and properly caring for your stones, you can tap into the profound benefits of chakra healing. Whether you wear them as jewelry, create crystal grids, use them in energy healing sessions, or simply place them in your space, these sacred tools can enhance your meditation practices, promote emotional balance, and invite a sense of peace and clarity into your life.