Crystal Glossary
Your comprehensive A-Z guide to crystal and gemstone terminology. From geological formations to healing properties, find clear definitions for every term you encounter on your crystal journey.
A
Aggregate
A rock composed of many tiny crystals packed tightly together rather than a single crystal formation. Many popular healing stones like jasper and agate are aggregates.
GeologyAmorphous
A solid material lacking the long-range ordered atomic structure of true crystals. Amorphous minerals include obsidian (volcanic glass), opal, and moldavite. They solidified too quickly for crystals to form.
GeologyAsterism
A star-shaped pattern of light visible on the surface of certain cabochon-cut gemstones, caused by light reflecting off needle-like inclusions arranged in a symmetrical pattern.
GeologyAura
The subtle energy field believed to surround all living beings. Crystal practitioners use stones to cleanse, protect, and strengthen the aura. Not to be confused with "aura" treated crystals.
MetaphysicalB
Birthstone
A gemstone associated with a particular month of birth. Modern and traditional birthstone lists differ. Wearing your birthstone is believed to bring good fortune and protection.
MetaphysicalBookend
A large crystal or geode slice used decoratively to hold books upright. Agate and amethyst geode bookends are popular functional pieces that bring crystal energy into living spaces.
ShapesBowl
A crystal carved into a vessel shape used for holding tumbled stones, jewellery, or sacred items. Crystal bowls can also be used for cleansing and charging other crystals placed inside them.
ShapesC
Cabochon
A gemstone that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, rounded dome rather than faceted. This cut style highlights chatoyancy, asterism, and colour play in opaque or translucent stones.
ShapesCarving
A crystal shaped by hand or machine into a representational form such as an animal, skull, angel, or deity. Carvings combine the energy of the stone with the symbolism of the form.
ShapesChakra
One of seven major energy centres in the body according to Hindu and yogic traditions. Each chakra corresponds to specific colours, organs, and emotional themes, and can be balanced with crystals.
HealingCharging
Restoring or amplifying a crystal's energy after cleansing. Methods include sunlight, moonlight, burying in earth, placing on a cluster, or using intention and visualisation.
CareChatoyancy
An optical phenomenon where a narrow band of light moves across the surface of a gemstone, resembling a cat's eye. Caused by parallel fibrous inclusions reflecting light.
GeologyCleansing
The process of removing accumulated negative or stagnant energy from a crystal. Common methods include moonlight, smoke, sound, running water, and placing on selenite.
CareCleavage
The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces determined by its crystal structure. Different minerals cleave in different directions and with varying ease.
GeologyCluster
A group of crystals that have grown together on a shared matrix. Clusters radiate energy in multiple directions and are excellent for cleansing rooms and charging other crystals.
ShapesCrystal Ball
A perfectly spherical crystal used for scrying, divination, and meditation. Crystal balls emit energy equally in all directions and have been used for centuries across many cultures.
ShapesCrystal Grid
A geometric arrangement of crystals designed to amplify and direct their collective energy toward a specific intention. Grids often use sacred geometry patterns as templates.
HealingCrystal System
The classification of crystals based on their unit cell geometry. The seven crystal systems are cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, hexagonal, trigonal, monoclinic, and triclinic.
GeologyCrystalline
Having atoms arranged in a highly ordered, repeating three-dimensional pattern (a crystal lattice). Crystalline minerals display distinct crystal faces and geometric forms when they grow freely.
GeologyD
Double-Terminated
A crystal with naturally formed points at both ends. These are relatively rare and are valued for their ability to send and receive energy simultaneously in healing work.
ShapesE
Egg
A crystal carved and polished into an egg shape. Eggs symbolise new beginnings, fertility, and potential. Their shape fits comfortably in the hand and emits a gentle, harmonising energy.
ShapesElement
In crystal healing, one of the four classical elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air) associated with a crystal based on its properties. Elements indicate the type of energy a stone carries.
MetaphysicalElixir
Water that has been infused with crystal energy, also called gem water or crystal-infused water. Only water-safe, non-toxic stones should be used. The indirect method (crystal outside the water) is safest.
HealingF
Facet
A flat, polished surface cut into a gemstone at precise angles to maximise light reflection and refraction. Faceted stones display more brilliance than cabochons.
ShapesFeldspar
A group of rock-forming minerals that make up about 60% of the Earth's crust. Crystal-healing feldspars include moonstone, labradorite, sunstone, and amazonite.
GeologyFreeform
A crystal polished into an organic, free-flowing shape without adhering to a specific geometric form. Freeforms showcase the stone's natural beauty and unique patterns.
ShapesG
Geode
A hollow rock lined with crystals or mineral matter on the inside. Geodes form when minerals precipitate from groundwater inside gas bubbles or cavities in volcanic rock.
GeologyGrounding
The practice of connecting one's energy to the earth for stability and calm. Grounding crystals help reduce anxiety, promote presence, and anchor scattered energy.
HealingH
Hexagonal
A crystal system with six-fold symmetry. Minerals in this system often form six-sided prisms. Notable hexagonal crystals include emerald, aquamarine, and apatite.
GeologyI
Inclusion
Any material trapped inside a mineral during its formation. Inclusions can be other minerals, liquids, gases, or earlier growth stages of the host crystal.
GeologyIntention
A clearly defined purpose or goal set during meditation with a crystal. Setting intentions is a foundational practice in crystal healing, directing the stone's energy toward a specific outcome.
HealingIridescence
A play of colours caused by the interference of light waves within a mineral's structure. The colours shift as the viewing angle changes, creating a rainbow-like effect.
GeologyL
Lapidary
The art and craft of cutting, shaping, and polishing gemstones and minerals. A lapidary (or lapidarist) uses specialised equipment including saws, grinders, and polishing wheels.
GeologyM
Manifestation
The practice of using focused intention, visualisation, and crystal energy to attract desired outcomes into one's life. Citrine, clear quartz, and pyrite are commonly used manifestation stones.
MetaphysicalMassive
A mineral that occurs as a solid mass without visible individual crystals, rather than in distinct crystal forms. Rose quartz most commonly occurs in massive form rather than as individual points.
GeologyMatrix
The surrounding rock in which a crystal or mineral is embedded. Some specimens are sold with matrix attached to show the natural growth context of the crystal.
GeologyMetaphysical
Relating to the non-physical, spiritual properties attributed to crystals. Metaphysical properties include energy healing, chakra balancing, emotional support, and spiritual development.
MetaphysicalMohs Hardness
A scale from 1 to 10 that measures the scratch resistance of minerals. Talc is 1 (softest) and diamond is 10 (hardest). Important for determining care and wearability.
GeologyMonoclinic
A crystal system where two axes are at right angles and a third is inclined. Crystals in this system include selenite, jade (nephrite), moonstone, and malachite.
GeologyMoonlight Cleansing
The practice of placing crystals under moonlight (especially during a full moon) to cleanse and recharge their energy. Safe for all crystals, unlike sunlight which can fade some stones.
CareO
Opaque
A mineral that does not allow light to pass through, even at thin edges. Examples include hematite, obsidian, and most jaspers. Opposite of transparent and translucent.
GeologyP
Palm Stone
A crystal polished into a smooth, flat, oval shape that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand. Used for meditation, stress relief, and carrying healing energy throughout the day.
ShapesPalo Santo
A South American holy wood burned for its sweet, cleansing smoke. Used as an alternative to sage for purifying crystals and spaces. Its energy is considered gentler and more uplifting than sage.
CarePendulum
A weighted crystal suspended from a chain or cord, used for dowsing and divination. The pendulum is asked yes/no questions and its swing direction is interpreted as answers.
ShapesPhantom
A ghost-like image of a smaller crystal visible within a larger one, formed when growth was interrupted and later resumed. Each phantom records a stage of the crystal's history.
GeologyPiezoelectricity
The ability of certain crystals (notably quartz) to generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical pressure. This measurable property is used in watches, electronics, and sonar technology.
GeologyPleochroism
The property of certain crystals showing different colours when viewed from different crystallographic directions. Caused by differential absorption of light waves.
GeologyPoint
A crystal with one or more naturally formed or carved pointed ends. Points direct energy through the tip and are fundamental tools in crystal healing and grid work.
ShapesPolished
A crystal that has been smoothed and buffed to a glossy finish through mechanical or hand polishing. Polished stones have a sleek appearance and are pleasant to hold and carry.
ShapesProgramming
Setting a specific intention into a crystal through focused meditation and visualisation. A programmed crystal is believed to continuously broadcast your chosen intention.
HealingPyramid
A crystal carved into a four-sided pyramid shape. Pyramids are believed to focus and amplify energy through their apex, drawing on the sacred geometry of ancient Egyptian structures.
ShapesQ
Quartz Family
A large family of silicate minerals with the chemical formula SiO₂. Includes macrocrystalline varieties (amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, rose quartz) and microcrystalline varieties (agate, jasper, chalcedony).
GeologyR
Raw
A crystal in its natural, unpolished state as found in nature. Raw crystals retain their original formation and are believed by some to carry stronger, unaltered energy.
ShapesS
Sacred Geometry
Mathematical patterns found throughout nature and ancient architecture, believed to hold spiritual significance. Crystal grids use sacred geometry patterns (Seed of Life, Flower of Life) to amplify crystal energy.
MetaphysicalSage
A sacred herb burned for its purifying smoke in smudging ceremonies. White sage is most commonly used to cleanse crystals, spaces, and auras of negative or stagnant energy.
CareScrying
A form of divination that involves gazing into a reflective or translucent surface — such as a crystal ball or obsidian mirror — to receive visions, messages, or insights.
MetaphysicalSelenite Plate
A flat piece of polished selenite used as a charging and cleansing station for other crystals. Placing stones on a selenite plate is one of the easiest maintenance methods.
CareSilicate
The largest group of minerals, making up over 90% of the Earth's crust. Silicates contain silicon and oxygen in their structure. Most popular healing crystals — including quartz, feldspar, and jade — are silicates.
GeologySlice
A thin cross-section cut from a larger crystal or geode, then polished on one or both sides. Slices reveal internal patterns, banding, and colours not visible from outside.
ShapesSmudging
A traditional cleansing practice using the smoke of sacred herbs such as sage, palo santo, or cedar to purify crystals, spaces, and auras of negative energy.
CareSound Cleansing
Using sound vibrations from singing bowls, tuning forks, bells, or chanting to cleanse crystals. The sound waves are believed to break up stagnant energy and restore the crystal's natural frequency.
CareSpecimen
A crystal or mineral sample kept in its natural form for collection, study, or display. Museum-quality specimens showcase exceptional crystal formation, colour, or size.
GeologySphere
A crystal carved and polished into a perfect ball shape. Spheres emit energy equally in all directions and are used in meditation, scrying, and as room harmonisers.
ShapesT
Terminated
A crystal with a naturally formed pointed tip. Single-terminated crystals have one point; double-terminated crystals have points at both ends and are prized for energy work.
ShapesTetragonal
A crystal system with two equal horizontal axes and one vertical axis of different length, all at right angles. Minerals in this system are relatively uncommon in crystal healing.
GeologyTower
A crystal that has been cut with a flat base and polished to a point at the top. Towers amplify and direct energy upward and outward, making them excellent room centrepieces.
ShapesTranslucent
A mineral that allows some light to pass through but diffuses it, so objects behind appear blurred. Rose quartz and moonstone are typically translucent.
GeologyTransparent
A mineral that allows light to pass through clearly, so objects behind can be seen. High-quality clear quartz, amethyst, and citrine can be fully transparent.
GeologyTriclinic
The least symmetrical crystal system, with three unequal axes at oblique angles. Notable triclinic minerals include labradorite, amazonite, kyanite, and turquoise.
GeologyTrigonal
A crystal system characterised by threefold rotational symmetry. Many popular healing crystals belong to this system, including all varieties of quartz (amethyst, citrine, clear quartz, rose quartz).
GeologyTumbled
Stones that have been polished in a rotating barrel with progressively finer grit until smooth and glossy. The most affordable and beginner-friendly form of crystals.
ShapesTumbling
The process of polishing rough stones by placing them in a rotating barrel with progressively finer abrasive grit over several weeks. The result is smooth, glossy tumbled stones.
ShapesV
Vibrational Frequency
The concept that every crystal vibrates at a unique energetic frequency determined by its mineral composition and crystal structure. This frequency is believed to interact with human energy fields.
MetaphysicalW
Wand
An elongated crystal point or carved stone used to direct energy during healing sessions. Wands can be single or double-terminated and are used to scan, channel, and focus healing energy.
ShapesWorry Stone
A smooth, flat stone with an indented thumb-sized groove. Rubbing the stone with the thumb is used as a tactile stress-relief technique and mindfulness practice.
ShapesZ
Philip Speidel
ExpertProduct & Marketing Specialist · Gemstone Quality Expert
Product and marketing specialist at Age Of Crystals. Philip combines gemological knowledge with years of hands-on quality assessment to ensure every product meets our standards.
Reviewed by Hanna Jakab — Crystal Healing Practitioner
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