Crystal guides
Our crystal guides explain each stone's traditional meaning, which crystals to start with and how to choose between tumble stones, points, clusters and jewellery.
New to crystals, or adding to a collection? These guides explain what each stone is, what it is traditionally associated with and how people use it, in plain words. The meanings are tradition and crystal lore, never a promise of what a stone will do.
Every guide links the stones it talks about, with live prices and sizes, so you can go from reading to your own crystal in one click.
Our crystal guides guides
Amethyst meaning: what this purple quartz stands for
Amethyst is purple quartz and February's birthstone. Its name means 'not drunk' in Greek, and in crystal lore it is traditionally associated with calm, intuition and spiritual awareness.
Read the guide →Rose quartz meaning: what does this pink crystal stand for?
Rose quartz is pink quartz, traditionally associated in crystal lore with love, kindness and the heart chakra, and linked in Greek myth with Aphrodite and Eros.
Read the guide →Obsidian meaning: what does this volcanic stone stand for?
Obsidian is natural volcanic glass, not a true crystal. In crystal lore it is traditionally associated with grounding, protection and reflection, and is often called the 'truth stone'.
Read the guide →What is the chakra meaning, and what are the 7 chakras?
Chakra is Sanskrit for 'wheel'. In Hindu and Buddhist tantric tradition, chakras are described as centres along the spine; the Western system lists seven, each with its own colour.
Read the guide →Chakra stones and chakra bracelets
Chakra stones are gemstones traditionally linked to the seven chakras, such as a heart stone, a quartz cluster, tiger eye chips or a sodalite necklace.
Read the guide →Crystal jewellery: bracelets, necklaces and pendants
To choose crystal jewellery, pick the wear you want: a stretch moss agate bracelet, a rose quartz teardrop pendant or a tiger's eye necklace.
Read the guide →Crystals for beginners: which to buy first
A beginner should start with an amethyst bracelet, a clear quartz obelisk point, a green aventurine tumble stone or a selenite wand.
Read the guide →Questions
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More guides
Which crystal should a beginner buy first?
Clear quartz, amethyst and rose quartz are the classic first stones: easy to find, fairly priced and each with a well-known traditional meaning. A small tumble stone set is an easy way to start.
Do natural crystals vary?
Yes. Every natural stone differs a little in colour, size and markings, so the one you receive may not match the photo exactly. Each product page gives the size range.
Are crystal meanings proven?
No. Crystal meanings come from tradition and crystal lore, not science. We share what tradition holds and never promise a result.