Crystals: some see them as pretty rocks, others swear they can rebalance your soul. From amethyst “calming vibes” to rose quartz “love energy”, crystal healing has become a booming wellness trend. But does it actually work — or is it just glittery placebo?
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
WHAT CRYSTAL HEALING CLAIMS TO BE
- Crystal healing is an alternative therapy where gemstones are said to influence the body’s “energy fields” for better health and wellbeing.
- Practitioners claim that crystals absorb negativity, radiate good vibes, and realign your chakras — a concept borrowed from Asian spiritual systems.
What Kinds of Crystals Are Used?
The most commonly used ones are:
- Clear quartz: made of silicon dioxide; considered by proponents as the “Master Healer”
- Amethyst: purple quartz, said to produce “calming energy”
- Rose quartz: pink quartz associated with emotional healing
- Citrine: yellow quartz, said to attract prosperity
- Tiger’s Eye: shimmering brown quartz with fibrous inclusions, said to promote courage
- Turquoise: blue-green hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate mineral, linked to protection
WHY HEALTH EXPERTS DO NOT CONSIDER CRYSTAL HEALING “SCIENTIFIC”
- Despite its popularity, crystal healing is said to lack real world or research evidence to back up the proponents’ claims.
- To date, there is no scientific evidence for the core concepts of crystal healing such as chakras, healing energies, and energy blockages.
- Controlled studies, including those by University of London psychologist Dr Chris French, show that any perceived benefits are indistinguishable from placebo effects.
- In short, the scientific community contends that crystals do not directly cause physical healing.
Crystals are used in healthcare, but not in a manner described by proponents of crystal healing. For example:
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WHY SOME PEOPLE STILL FIND CRYSTAL HEALING WORKS FOR THEM
Even without scientific support, many individuals report feeling better after crystal healing sessions.
Skeptics attribute these experiences to the following:
- Placebo effect. Belief in the crystal’s power can trigger real emotional or physiological improvements.
- Meditation and mindfulness. Handling or focusing on crystals can create relaxing, stress-reducing rituals.
- Ritualistic and symbolic comfort. The act of using crystals can provide a sense of control, focus, and spiritual wellbeing.
- Confirmation bias. Noticing improvements that may not be due to crystal healing nonetheless reinforces one’s belief in their effectiveness.
These mechanisms can generate genuine feelings of wellbeing, even if the crystals themselves do not cause physical healing.
IS CRYSTAL HEALING SAFE?
Crystal healing involves placing crystals on one’s body, so it is generally harmless when used responsibly as an alternative complementary practice.
Also, the relaxation and anxiety-reducing effects of crystal healing can be helpful.
Like many alternative treatments, the real risk comes from using crystal healing as the sole or only therapy to treat serious medications.
Hence, it is widely recommended that, should one wish to undergo crystal healing, they should also continue their existing medical treatments as well.
Always consult the doctor without taking up crystal healing or any other alternative treatments.
| This article is part of our series that take a closer, unbiased look at alternative medicine. |
References:
- Peterson, E., Gordon, J., & Ross, R. (2022, January 25). Crystal healing: Stone-cold facts about gemstone treatments. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/40347-crystal-healing.html
- Walters, M. (2024, October 3). Healing crystals: What they can and can’t do. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/healing-crystals-what-they-can-do-and-what-they-cant
- International Gem Society LLC. (2025, April 27). Healing gemstones? Ancient crystals for modern wellness. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/gemstones-health-benefits/
