Gem Rat

Tiger Eye in a pyramid and raw form

Yes, you read that right! I am not an avid gym goer but I am an avid gem and crystal collector. When I was a kid, the craft store sold tumbled gem stones in a bin with assorted colors. You could pick as many stones that would fit in a velvet drawstring bag. I chose one stone that stood out from the rest. Tiger eye! It did indeed look like the eye of a tiger and I kept it for many years just for the sheer beauty and luck I received from it. It wasn't until my 20s that I started getting back into crystals. I soon learned that each one carried energy and vibrations for different things and it helped that they were all beautiful and unique. Going to the crystal store was like a kid going to a candy store. I'd buy whatever jumped out at me. They felt like magic little treasures! Today, I own quiet a few and keep them in rotation as I further expand my knowledge on them and what they can do.

To many, crystals and gems seem like a "woo-woo" idea but think about when you see a large diamond embedded in a ring and how that makes you swoon. Crystals have that same energy and power. I truly believe they work for me and they will work for you too! Going forward, I want to do a monthly post on a crystal where I inform you guys on their properties and how to take care of them should you become a Gem Rat too. But before we get into April's crystal of the month, let's talk basics.

Types of crystals: Raw vs. Tumbled

Raw stones (see the tiger eye in the pic above on the right) are stones that came straight out of the ground and were most likely rinsed off. They are less altered than the polished stones and may have a dull and rough/jagged appearance.

Tumbled stones (see the tiger eye in the pic above on the left) have been put into a tumbler and are more polished with rounded edges. They tend to be more smooth on the surface.

Shapes of crystals

-Tumbled: Typically rounded in shape and shiny. Usually smaller and easier to carry around in pockets. More affordable than other shapes.

-Points: A crystal that is pillar like with a pointed end that points intentions up into the universe. Good for tables or alter spaces with a flat surface.

-Clusters: Similar to points but with several other points attached. This vibrates at a higher energy and directs intentions in several directions rather than just upward.

-Spheres: Shaped into a ball so it allows energy to flow in all directions. Represents balance, peace, and wholeness. It is good for connecting with energy all around you. I recommend purchasing a stand to sit it on so it doesn't roll around and break.

-Pyramids: Very powerful for manifesting and amplifying energy. Vibrates high energy upward and represents one of the strongest shapes.

-Cubes: Cubes help with grounding and reconnecting with Earth. These are good for placing in corners of your rooms for grounding and protection of the space.

-Hearts: Representation of all types of love and may even attract love into your life. They also help amplify self-love!

-Harmonizers: Cylinder shaped crystals that help clear energy blocks and imbalances. Usually a set of 2 so that you can hold one in each hand in order to restore balance.

-Wands: Wands are pointed at one end and round at the other end like an actual wand. They come in various sizes and can be used to direct energy, draw out negative energy or as a massage wand for the chakras. There are also double pointed wands.

-Other common shapes: Angels, eggs, skulls, animal like shapes, and pendulums.

Black Obsidian also known as Dragon's Glass (my husband's choice of crystal)

Choosing a crystal: You pick or it picks

In most cases, when one sees crystals, they will pick up one that draws them to it. If this happens, take that one. It means that there is a reason behind your choice. As I discussed above, my first crystal was a Tiger Eye because I could not take my eyes off of it and I carried it with me. Years later, my husband purchased a raw one that sits on my nightstand (it represents focus, courage, and grounding)! Pick whatever draws you in and research it when you get home. I guarantee it will make sense once you find out its properties

You also may want to do some research and find a stone that can help with a particular ailment. For example, you want a stone that helps you release grief and pain. You would want to get a Black Onyx to carry with you.

Maybe someone has gifted you with a stone. The universe has decided to use this person to gift you with a stone that it felt you needed and may have not gotten by yourself normally. If a loved one gives you a rose quartz, they are gifting you healing of the heart or love/self-love.

Ways to use crystals:

1. water your crystals in jewelry.

2. Put them in your pocket or purse

3. Meditate with them in your hands

4. Create a crystal grid

5. Use them in your baths (make sure your crystal can be added to water)

6. Place them around your environment

7. Use them for a ritual (Place on your body for healing and balancing)

Care for your crystals:

After you get a new crystal, it is important to clear previous energy from it. Or sometimes we may need to recharge our crystals by clearing them. There a few techniques listed below but you always want to do your research on each crystal because some are solvable and can't be added to water or liquids.

-Water: Hold the crystal under running water. Rivers and streams are best but tap will do. Make sure your crystal isn't water soluble so it doesn't get destroyed.

-Moonlight: Set your crystal in moonlight for a night. Full moons and new moons are the ideal time to recharge them.

-Sunlight: You can also set them out in the sunlight

-Salt: I like to use sea salt mixed with dried flowers to set my stones in. Leave them in the salt for up to 2 days.

-Sage (also known as smudging): Light some sage and bow out the flame until it only gives off smoke and wave the sage bundle around the stones so the smoke can clear energy.

-Soil: Bury them in the earth so the soil can cleanse them.

-Quartz: Certain crystals like quartz and selenite will help charge and raise the vibration levels of your stones.

Rose Quartz Image from Irocks.com (my daughter's favorite stone)

Programing your crystal:

This is not required but will help increase the vibrations of the crystal. Programing your crystal means that you are giving it a purpose that helps your purpose. So you must first decide what you need, pick a stone that carries those qualities, then you wil hold or set your crystal on your third eye chakra (space between your eyes on your forehead). Make sure you are in a quiet environment where you won't be disturbed for atleast 15 minutes. This can be a meditation for or whatever you are comfortable with. Close your eyes and visualize either white light or what you want your crystal to help you with. State out loud, "Crystal, please assist me with...(your intention/request). That's it! It may sound crazy or too simple but remember energy attracts like energy.

2019 Gem and Mineral Show in Colorado

This of course is just the basics! So whether you collect gems for a design aesthetic or you want to raise vibrations, there are plenty of resources available online, in books, and in your local gem store!

Stay tuned for our next post which will be the Crystal of the Month for April!

So come, my little gem rats!

With love,

Micole Elise