Crystals for Spellwork

Crystals are semi-precious and precious gemstones that occur naturally, through a process of liquid rock cooling to form the crystal shapes, says rocksforkicks.com. Stones used in spells amplify or magnify the energy each crystal possesses. The spell caster believes a particular stone has a quality or attribute and that quality strengthens the spell; amethyst has powers of healing, as an example.

There are 135 different varieties of gemstones. The type of crystal that a spell caster uses depends on the nature of the spell and what energy is desired. According to Wicca-Info.com, some gemstones for spells are amethyst for protection and clarity, quartz for psychic development, malachite for love spells, lapis lazuli for harmony, topaz for bringing love and aquamarine for peace.

The attributes a gemstone has depends on what source is referenced. While one source says that amethyst heals, another source says it increases psychic awareness. The common belief among these varied sources is that a gemstone is chosen for the spell according to how it "feels." It then becomes a part of the spell as a symbol for whatever attribute the spell caster attaches to it. In spell casting, crystals are a focus for the energy in the spell (moss agate for money, quartz crystal for healing, hematite for attraction, etc.)

In a money spell, green gemstones, such as moss agates and emerald, are used to symbolize money. Tigers eye are used for a strength spell; rose quartz for peace, etc. The spell caster uses the stone for what purpose he desires, chosen through both written references and by the "feel" of the crystal. Historically, stones were deliberately set in items and weapons as a way to cast a spell on the item by enhancing it with gemstones: rubies, emeralds and diamonds, stones symbolizing power and kingship.

The benefit of using crystals in spell work is their ability to keep the focus of the spell central to the user's mind. The symbol a stone represents gives energy to the spell and strengthens it in the mind of the practitioner. Aesthetically, gemstones add beauty to an altar and are also recyclable. They are "cleansed" (cleaned of former spells) and used again, according to thatcrystalsite.com; by holding them in running water or placing them on soil.

While many crystals are hard and seemingly indestructible, some are fragile to the touch and can shatter or layer (lapis and fluorite, for example) if not handled with care. For some spells, a smaller piece of the stone is better for pouching the spell, but usually crystals hold up well with basic care, a soft cloth and gentle storage.. The rockstarcrystalgallery.com gives detailed advice on the care of stones, including a list of crystals that don't do well in water, sunlight or heat and those that are softer.