Don't Understand Crystals, But Want To? Read This

They’re pretty, they’re powerful…and they fit in your pocket. Could crystals be the secret source of perma-positivity? Here’s exactly how to *rock* this wellness trend...

- Shelby Newsome

If feel like you’re seeing crystals everywhere, it’s because...well, you are. Major retailers like Free People and Urban Outfitters have entire departments dedicated to them, influencers If you feature them frequently in their Instagram feeds (looking at you, Meredith Foster!) and buzzy beauty brands infuse them into blinged-out skincare staples.

So what’s science—and what’s superstition? Devi Brown, author and founder of wellness brand Karma Bliss, says that crystals have the ability to help connect us with the universe. Think about it like this: “Our bodies get energy from food and water. Our homes can be powered with wind and sun. Crystals, like everything else in this world, retain the vibrations of the Earth as well. And we are able to harness that energy for ourselves by wearing crystals, holding them, placing them in our homes and carrying them with us.”

While crystal energy might seem like a new trend, the practice is actually ancient. Healers and shamans have been using them for over 5,000 years to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing; kings and queens used them as talismans for protection.

And while crystals should never be used to treat medical issues in place of a doctor’s advice—whether it’s a sprained ankle or anxiety—some practitioners believe harnessing crystal energy can be a positive supplement to your all-around wellness practice. (Our take? While it’s not backed by science, anything that makes you more mindful will never be a bad thing.)