Stones and Crystals...Is there a difference? Well, yes there is - but it gets a little tricky. Let's first discuss what they have in common, Minerals! Minerals are building blocks of pretty much everything on Earth, they form Crystals, Rocks, Stones, and much more. Typically the words "rock" and "stone" are interchangeable, however there are slight differences. A stone is a solid mass comprised of non-metallic mineral matter, which will always be hard. While a rock can consist of one or more minerals and can be either hard or soft. Stones forming together create rocks, the stone's mineral composition and the process on how they bind together determine if the rock will be hard or soft.
Crystals on the other hand actually start out as a liquid that eventually solidifies or "crystalizes" over time. They are defined as a solid mass which are comprised of different ions, atoms, and molecules perfectly aligned in a repeating pattern to allow the crystallization process to happen. All three; rocks, stones, and crystals are formed in the Earth, however - crystals can also now be lab created, per the definition of what a crystal is. I hope this helps some in understanding the differences and similarities of rocks, stones, and crystals. Please remember, I am not a geologist, I have only tried to explain this info in a simple and hopefully somewhat understandable manner. :)
Now the fun stuff! Why do we love stones and crystals soooo much? For me, it's because I feel they are gifts from the Earth to help us connect on a deeper level with the energy the Earth provides, so we can manifest our intentions! And, lets not forget...they are amazingly beautiful and unique! Every stone or crystal provides us with its unique energy, and helps us with different aspects of life; love, healing, grief, anxiety, clarity, understanding, compassion, depression, shyness, lack of motivation, you name it. The Earth has provided us with these useful and powerful energy connectors which covers all aspects of life, we just have to find the right ones for our situations.
I have compiled a list of 10 of some useful stones and crystals, along with a brief description of its unique energy.
1) Red Jasper - A stone used with the Root Chakra
The Jasper is known as the "Supreme Nurturer", it has amazing grounding energy that allows us to deeply connect with the Earth's vibrations. The grounding energy helps us remain empowered, and resistant from attempted outside emotional dominance. It helps support us when healing from high stress situations, or trauma. Allowing us to heal, feel "whole" again, and will help bring tranquility into your life.
2) Carnelian - A crystal used with the Sacral Chakra
The Carnelian will help with our creativity and compassion. It will give you the courage and physical energy needed for new ideas or dreams you have. It also assists us with having a more concentrated meditation, by keeping out any disruptive and interrupting thoughts.
3) Tiger's Eye - A crystal used with the Solar Plexus Chakra
Tiger's Eye is a powerful stone that motivates you to take action, and helps make decisions with facts unclouded by your emotions. It will help release fears, anxiety, or depression so we can embrace a more harmonic life balance.
4) Rose Quartz - A crystal (gemstone) used with the Heart Chakra
Rose Quartz is all about love, no matter if its; Self Love, Relationships, Platonic Friendships, Family, or Humans in general. This crystal has high energy and is used to purify and open our heart, it guides us with our empathy, reconciliation, forgiveness, deep inner healing, and our ability to find peace.
5) Lapis Lazuli - A stone used with the Throat Chakra
Lapis Lazuli is viewed by many as a protection stone for our true selves. This stone protects us from all kinds of psychic attack, and also inspires us to speak our truth. It guides us to become aware of our own inner self-knowledge, self-awareness, and self expression. It helps enhance our personalities, our qualities of honesty, morale, and trustworthiness. It also inspires us to be confident in who we are, and always speak our truth.
6) Amethyst - A crystal used with the Third Eye Chakra
Amethyst, as a member of the quartz family is also a very high energy crystal, and probably my absolute favorite! It's a powerful protective crystal that not only guards us from psychic attack, but will convert all the negative energy or ill will being sent to you into love and positivity! Amethyst also allows us to expand our minds, and will encourage selflessness and spiritual wisdom.
7) Clear Quartz - A crystal used with the Crown Chakra
Known as "The Stone of Power" is one of the most versatile crystals around. It not only promotes healing of all kind, it also protects us from all forms of psychic attack, and assists with connecting to our higher selves! This very powerful crystal is one of the strongest to help us manifest our energy into intentions.
8) Ruby in Zoisite - A stone and crystal combination!!!
This beautiful stone carries the energy of a ruby and a green zoisite! It helps balance and harmonize the Root, Heart, and Third Eye Chakra. It enhances our ideas and gives us strength to accomplish our dreams. It will allow you to find a deeper understanding of the negativity you carry, and how you can overcome it! It is a masterpiece for meditation, it promotes our psychic abilities, and increases our ability to travel inter-dimensionally for those who like to visit the Astral Plane. What a prize possession to have!
9) Agate - A stone that works with the mind, body, and soul
Agate helps stabilize our Aura and enhances our mental capabilities. It improves our perception and concentration, and promotes inner anger healing that allows us to move towards feelings of safety and security. Its energy is calming, soothing, and it reduces tension. There are many types of Agate stones, each of those also also presents their own energies as well!
10) Carbonate Jade/White Jade - A stone used when Grounding
Carbonate Jade is great for meditation because it allows us to link to the Earths vibrational energy. It allows us to think more clearly, increase our insight, and act on our own intuitions. It also protects us from negative energy.