Crystal meanings: a simple guide
Crystals have been treasured for thousands of years for their beauty and the meaning people give them. Here are the most popular crystals, what they're used for, and which tarot card and chakra each one matches.
Many people use crystals as reminders of an intention: a rose quartz by the bed for love, a citrine on the desk for abundance. Whether you see them as energy tools or beautiful symbols, they can help you focus on what you want.
Crystals aren't a replacement for medical or professional help. Think of them as companions for your spiritual practice, your meditation or your tarot readings.
- Amethyst
- Rose quartz
- Clear quartz
- Citrine
- Black tourmaline
- Selenite
- Tiger's eye
- Labradorite
- Moonstone
- Carnelian
- Green aventurine
- Lapis lazuli
- Obsidian
- Aquamarine
- Pyrite
- Smoky quartz
Amethyst
The stone of calm and intuition. Amethyst is used for peaceful sleep, meditation and protection from negative energy.
Use it for: calming an overactive mind, dreams, and deepening your intuition before a tarot reading.
✦ Tarot card: The High Priestess
Rose quartz
The love stone. Rose quartz is linked with self-love, romance, friendship and healing old heartache.
Use it for: attracting love, softening a hard time, and being kinder to yourself.
✦ Tarot card: The Lovers
Clear quartz
The master healer. Clear quartz is said to amplify energy and intentions, which is why it's often paired with other crystals.
Use it for: clarity, focus and charging your intentions.
✦ Tarot card: The Magician
Citrine
The merchant's stone. Citrine is linked with abundance, success, confidence and a sunny mood.
Use it for: money goals, business, motivation and self-belief.
✦ Tarot card: The Sun
Black tourmaline
A strong protection stone. Black tourmaline is used to absorb negativity and keep you grounded.
Use it for: protection, setting boundaries and staying calm around stressful people.
✦ Tarot card: The Emperor
Selenite
A cleansing crystal of light. Selenite is often used to clear the energy of a room or of other crystals.
Use it for: cleansing, peace and connecting with spirit.
✦ Tarot card: The Star
Tiger's eye
The stone of courage. Tiger's eye is linked with confidence, willpower and clear decisions.
Use it for: courage, focus at work and taking action.
✦ Tarot card: Strength
Labradorite
The stone of magic. Labradorite flashes with hidden colour, and it's linked with intuition, transformation and inner light.
Use it for: change, spiritual growth and psychic development.
✦ Tarot card: The Moon
Moonstone
The stone of new beginnings and the divine feminine. Moonstone is linked with the moon's cycles, emotions and intuition.
Use it for: fresh starts, emotional balance and moon rituals.
✦ Tarot card: The High Priestess
Carnelian
A warm, energising stone. Carnelian is linked with creativity, passion and motivation.
Use it for: creative projects, confidence and getting unstuck.
✦ Tarot card: The Empress
Green aventurine
The stone of opportunity and luck. Green aventurine is linked with growth, prosperity and an open heart.
Use it for: luck, new opportunities and calm optimism.
✦ Tarot card: Wheel of Fortune
Lapis lazuli
The stone of wisdom and truth. Lapis lazuli has been prized since ancient Egypt and is linked with honesty and insight.
Use it for: speaking your truth, learning and self-awareness.
✦ Tarot card: Justice
Obsidian
Volcanic glass with a strong grounding energy. Obsidian is linked with protection and facing hidden truths.
Use it for: shadow work, protection and letting go.
✦ Tarot card: The Tower
Aquamarine
The stone of calm waters. Aquamarine is linked with courage, clear communication and soothing worries.
Use it for: calm conversations, travel and peace of mind.
✦ Tarot card: Temperance
Pyrite
Fool's gold, with a serious message about abundance. Pyrite is linked with wealth, ambition and protection.
Use it for: money, work goals and staying focused.
✦ Tarot card: Strength
Smoky quartz
A grounding, detoxing stone. Smoky quartz is linked with releasing stress and turning negative energy into calm.
Use it for: stress, grounding and moving on.
✦ Tarot card: Death
How to cleanse and use your crystals
Many people cleanse crystals when they first get them and then every few weeks. Popular ways: moonlight (especially a full moon), smoke from herbs, sound from a bell or singing bowl, or resting them on selenite. Some crystals, like selenite, don't like water, so check before rinsing.
To use a crystal, hold it, set a clear intention, and keep it where you'll see it: on your desk, by your bed or next to your tarot deck. It's a reminder of what you're working towards.
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Crystals: questions answered
Which crystal is best for love?
Rose quartz is the classic love crystal, for self-love and romance. Green aventurine and moonstone are also popular.
Which crystal is best for money?
Citrine and pyrite are the most popular abundance crystals. Green aventurine is linked with luck.
Which crystal is best for protection?
Black tourmaline, obsidian and smoky quartz are popular protection stones.
Which crystals go well with tarot?
Amethyst and labradorite are favourites for intuition. Many readers keep clear quartz or selenite on their deck to cleanse it.