Crystal Types & Formations

CRYSTAL TYPES & FORMATIONS

To determine what type of crystal a particular specimen is, we first look at the largest of the faces sloping towards the point, and count its sides.

The most comon form has six sides to the largest face. This type of point acts as a comprehensive amplifier in that it strengthens all of a persons energies or human qualities. Its attributes are the most general, with the widest range of uses, as opposed to the more specific powers of the crystals described below, with 5, 7, or 8 edges to their largest face.

ISIS CRYSTAL

A crystal with a five-sided face is called an Isis crystal. It is believed the Isis crystal will put you in touch with and strongly amplify your feminine energy, and can help you get in touch with the 'female' or unselfish side of yourself, no matter whether you are a man or a woman. Isis crystals put you in touch with the power of the Goddess. For men, the Isis crystal will help you become more in tune with your feminine side and to become more aware of the aspects of women that you may find troubling. For women, the Isis crystal will help you regain some of the power and energy that society has taken from you.

Any healings can be enhanced with the use of an Isis crystal, as they are used to direct nurturing motherly energies toward a person. You can either do this during a face-to-face healing, or distance healing, whilst holding the point away from you and visualising white light flowing from its tip and surrounding the person in question, healing and nurturing them. You can also use the Isis crystal to perform a nurturing ritual for yourself, simply sit with the point facing you, visualizing the white light flowing from the point and surrounding you.

CHANNELLING CRYSTAL

Channelling crystals have seven sides to their largest face. The number seven is a metaphysical number symbolic of the student, the mystic, and the seeker of deeper truths and spiritual wisdom. Each side of the seven sides of the main face represents the seven qualities that the human consciousness must attain in order to access and channel the wisdom of the inner soul.
A Channelling crystal can only be used by the person holding it, in other words, you are not able to send information to another person through it, however, you can receive information regarding someone else using the crystal yourself.

They can be very helpful when you have a problem which you don't seem to be able to solve through usual reasoning patterns, as they are used for drawing information either from deep inside yourself, or from sources beyond our reasoning. People often use these type of crystals to gain contact with their "spirit guide". This type of crystal can be used anytime that you are seeking answers or guidance. Even just holding a Channelling crystals can help you gain inspiration and insights.

TRANS-CHANNELER or DOW CRYSTAL (7-3-7-3-7-3 FORMATION)

A crystal with three, primary, seven-sided faces and three secondary triangular faces between them. It is believed this crystal is a combination crystal that incorporates the properties of both a Channneler and a Transmitter crystal in one crystal. It is the crystal for creativity and service to humanity through both spiritual and mystical pursuits. Provides for a continuous connective force between the holder of the crystal and "All That Is". It is considered one of the "Twelve Master Crystals" and is a powerful teaching and healing crystal.

TRANSMITTER

Transmitters are recognized by a configuration of two symmetrical seven-sided faces with a perfect triangular face located between them. Through the use of these crystals, one can connect to the highest wisdom and can receive specific information to specific circumstances, OR can receive the universal truth necessary for ones growth to enlightenment.

GROUNDING CRYSTALS

A crystal with an eight sided face is called a Grounding crystal. They are quite rare and not easily available. Grounding crystals help you deal with practical matters in a logical and clear-headed way, attuning you to Earth energies and preventing your thoughts from becoming “scattered“. An ungrounded person does not like to deal with the practical or realistic aspects of life, and can benefit from using a grounding crystal. When used in meditation, they allow you to form a strong connection with higher knowledge, but keep you grounded so you can apply that information in a practical sense. When using a grounding crystal to work through a person problem, remember that it will require you to look at the truth of the situation and compel you to deal with that truth.

It is often hard to recognize when you may need this type of crystal, as ungrounded people are used to feeling "spacey', and may not even realise that their actions/way of thinking are not grounded. Some signs that may help you recognize the need for a grounding crystal include lack of concentration, feeling reluctant to tackle tasks that need doing, and the feeling that you are running in circles but not getting anywhere. If you need to help someone else become more grounded, you can sit holding the crystal, and visualise them firmly rooted to the earth.

BARNACLE

A crystal covered or partially covered with smaller crystals. The larger crystal is the "Old Soul" and contains the wisdom and trust which attracts the smaller crystals. It is believed the Barnacle crystal will help stimulate family or group cooperation being excellent for those employed in "service organizations" to help stimulate a group cohesiveness and willingness to work together. Also a companion when having lost a loved one.

BRIDGE or TRIGGER CRYSTAL

A crystal that has a smaller crystal penetrating it and is located partially in, and partially out of the larger crystal. It facilitates bridging between the inner and outer worlds, between the self and others, and the self and other worlds. It is beneficial when working with the aspects of spirituality, the advanced metaphysical areas, and attempting to share this knowledge with others. This is the ultimate spiritual teacher's crystal.

CLUSTER

Crystals which have grown together, free-standing or on a sandstone base. A cluster will fill a room with positive energy and are therefore very useful for clearing negative energies from an environment. You may want to use one when moving into a new home, or after an argument to calm the atmosphere. Clear Quartz can be used to foster protection, cooperation, purification, harmony, friendship and intimacy. Amethyst or Smokey quartz clusters can be used to keep the spirit centred, as they have a certain property that keeps all the energy centres in the body aligned, balanced, and in harmony with each other.

CURVED

Crystals which have a curved shape or which the sides are curved. Produced during the developmental stages, this is a rare occurrence. They emanate a gentle yet powerful energy and can be used to cleanse the aura, promote flexibility in ones attitude, and provide strength in decisions, among other things. It allows one to see the inner workings of any situation and to understand the superficial and deeper meanings inherent in same.

DOUBLE TERMINATED

A Crystal that is naturally terminated (pointed) on both ends. These crystals don’t grow on a matrix like other crystals do. They form free-floating in clay pockets, that’s why they have two terminations. It is believed that they have the ability to receive or transmit energy from both ends and are especially useful when you need to share or exchange energy between you and another person.
They strengthen energy flow, and are used for alignment, patience, perseverance, protection, dreaming and astral projection. They promote psychic ability and dream recall; to balance the body, mind and spirit.

If you want to use the crystal for healing or any other work with another person, hold it in your hand, pointed toward the person. Visualise appropriate energies flowing into you through the crown chakra (top of your head), down through the body, along the arm and into the crystal. See it magnify and then travel into the other person. This can also work with distance healing.
If you have children, try sending positive energy to the child when they are upset or angry. It can have a very calming effect on both of you. The same can be done if you are experiencing arguing and upset with a partner.

FADEN-LINED CRYSTAL

A crystal that has clearly visible within their interior structure a milky feather line, located usually at or in proximity to the centre of the crystal, perpendicular to the termination of the crystal. Faden lines manifest primarily in tabby shaped crystals, but have on extremely rare occasions, have been found in a normal single point crystal. It is believed that the line represents the seed point of growth and they have the ability to activate or start new growth within one's self or within someone you are working with, utilizing healing energy.It is also a stone for astral travel.

FEMININE CRYSTALS

Crystals that are more cloudy ("fairy frost") and are sometimes opaque or milky in appearance. People who have difficulty relating to their feminine nature should use a feminine crystal in their daily routine. Whenever a person is suffering from an over-abundance of energetic forces or activities, using a feminine crystal can help to reduce the tension. Since we all possess masculine and feminine traits, it is best to have both in a crystal collection. However, if we have trouble balancing our two sides within, it might be helpful to own a crystal that allies with the side of ourselves that we have the most trouble coming to terms with.

GENERATOR or MERLIN CRYSTALS

A crystal with six evenly spaced sides and six approximately equal faces that all centre at the tip. The base is usually cut flat when removed from the matrix to enhance the stance. They range in size from very small to very large and the energy and flow is not related to the size at all. Generators have the ability to store, amplify and transmit or generate energy. Termed “THE” quartz crystal for the energy generation. Generator’s are a favourite of groups, placed at the centre of a circle they can help to direct group consciousness. They are also useful for stimulating all portions of the physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and subtle bodies. Small Generator crystals make excellent pendulums.

GROWTH INTERFERENCE

A crystal that has various cuts on the body that appears to have been done with a trim saw. Thin, flat calcite crystals have interfered with the growth pattern of the quartz crystal. It is believed this crystal will help remove self-limitations and energy blockages so that you can be completely in command of your life.

INCLUSIONS

A crystal with another mineral or substance included within. Some have layered points resembling pyramids of crystals (phantoms) and some may just have specks or globs of included material. The more common inclusions are black, green, brown and white. When one is attracted to and uses included quartz, the quartz inclusion will work with the person to provide the further nourishment and qualities required. Usually the chlorite and hematite included quartz provide the most powerful healing-type of included quartz.

CHLORITE INCLUDED: Chlorite is one of the most favourable healing stones. Worn, carried, placed within ones environment, or used as an elixir, the properties of chlorite are overwhelmingly positive. It attacks anger, hostility, and exasperation, and dissipates the dissenting energy.
MANGANESE INCLUDED: The colour of manganese inclusions range from metallic grey to grey-black to black. It is a mineral of bonding, bringing others closer and activating the energies of cooperation in group efforts. It furthers a firm impenetrable resolve, such that that which one initiates, one completes.

JAPANESE LAW TWIN

These crystals have twin points at a 90 degree angle. Very rare! Used to dissipate and to transmute deviations, working out problems on both the physical and subtle levels. Excellent for clearing the aura and for aligning the auric body with the physical structure. Stabilizes emotions, to dispel anger, and to encourage one to "expect a miracle" among other qualities.

MANIFESTATION or BABY CRYSTAL

A crystal with a small ‘baby’ crystal growing inside it. They are very rare. They are believed to help people who have had a traumatic, physically or emotionally, childhood. They are helpful for people who are blocking painful memories. They help bring the cause of the pain to the surface and allow the person to successfully deal with it, while shielding that person from the pain those memories can cause. These crystals work well for people who are working through current family problems. You should work slowly with this type of crystal, so that issues may be dealt with at a pace that is comfortable for you. Do not force yourself. When you are ready, you will find yourself drawn to the crystal. You may have the crystal for a long time before you are ready to use it. You can use this type of crystal for meditation, or just carry it with you. You must, however, be prepared to deal with any issues that arise. Try to have some support around you when you start working with this crystal. They can also be used to facilitate artistic creativity, creative thinking, agricultural pursuits, and to increase or decrease any aspect of ones life.

MASCULINE CRYSTAL

The most clear crystals are thought of as "masculine crystals". Such clear crystals often emit the most intense energies making them very potent tools, especially for healing. The masculine crystal will provide positive assistance for those who are somewhat confused, or their overview of life is "clouded" by emotion. They are of particular benefit where action is required, and where physical exhaustion is a problem. Since we all possess masculine and feminine traits, it is best to have both in a crystal collection. However, if we have trouble balancing our two sides within, it might be helpful to own a crystal that allies with the side of ourselves that we have the most trouble coming to terms with.

PHANTOM

A phantom is a white cloudy impression of another crystal inside a crystal.The Phantom may be partial or complete. The phantoms within a crystal provide an indication of the experiences and the transformations the crystal has undergone in its evolution. It is one of the Earth stones to be used for redemption and cleansing of the earth. The energy of the phantom works to bring together the participants of humanity to save the planet.

RAINBOW

Crystal which has rainbows inside when viewed in bright light. Caused by light being refracted by the prismatic effect of a crack or inclusion. The refraction is often temperature sensitive causing the rainbow to appear and disappear. It is believed that these crystals exhibit the closest manifestation of pure white light that can be witnessed on the physical plane. Rainbow crystals are used during meditation to escort us into the realm of the pure white light and can bring depth and clarity to dreams, help manifest wishes, and overcome negativity to be able to love life in the present moment.

These rainbow crystals bring rainbows into ones life and are a very special gift from the spirit-keeper of the crystal; they help one to deal with negativity and to maintain the constant awareness that love is within the life one experiences at every moment.

RECORD KEEPER CRYSTALS

Distinguished by triangle shaped markings on one or more of the crystals faces. The "recorders" (as the markings on these crystals are referred to) may look like a raised area on the face, but if you run your hand over it, you cannot usually feel them at all. This is why record keepers often go unnoticed, and will sometimes only reveal themselves when they come into the hands of the person they are meant for. If you want to look for a recorder on a crystal, you should hold the face to the light, and turn it slowly, observing all angles. Look very carefully, and you may just find a hidden secret!
It is believed that the Record Keeper is one of the most sacred crystals because it holds the wisdom and knowledge of the universe.

When a person is properly attuned to a Record Keeper, this knowledge is readily made available. This knowledge is ancient knowledge and contains profound secrets and esoteric knowledge of the whole of the Higher consciousness. It takes an open mind and a pure heart to access this knowledge. If one comes to you, it will be meant to teach you something. Each of these crystals has something to teach, and it is usually something you most need to learn.
To use a recorder crystal, you can meditate with it, opening your mind and receiving any messages that it. Sometimes what you receive from these crystals may not even be consciously known to you. Other ways to use the crystal is to simply carry it with you, or keep it under your pillow while you are asleep, so it can imbue your dreams with wisdom and knowledge.

RUTILATED CRYSTAL

Rutile crystallizes in the form of prismatic crystals, or in this case, as needle-like crystals. It has been known to represent both the lovely hair of Venus and the "sweet" tipped arrows of love. It has been likened to the appearance of wheat straw and angel hair. The ethereal aspects of rutile bring strength with love, ease in transition, growth in all avenues of ones development, and calm, reason and order. Rutile is used for healing and balancing the aura via repelling negative energy. It affects the physical, etheric and astral bodies. It assists one in getting to the root of a problem and hence, provides for access to the reason for a dis-ease , so that one can remedy the situation. It is a stone for stabilizing relationships, marriages, mental processes, and emotional and physical imbalances.

SCEPTOR or SCEPTRE

Recognized as a naturally formed crystal which at the base is penetrated by a rod; in actuality, the crystal formed around the rod. The sceptre crystal brings the spirituality of the higher planes into the healing ceremonies and focuses the energy deep within the "heart" of the matter. It is an excellent configuration for transmission of directional energy.

SELF HEALED CRYSTAL

A self-healed crystal is one that has been broken and damaged quite badly, but then has proceeded to grow again and repair itself. Because these crystals have healed themselves, we view them as particularly powerful healing stones. These types of crystals, again, will most probably come to you at a time when you are carrying a great deal of pain, and most need their assistance. Just sitting and holding the crystal will help you deal with any pain you are going through, but you may also choose to carry or wear one.

SMOKEY QUARTZ

The presence of sodium in clear quartz is said to produce smokey quartz.
The energy of Smokey quartz is receptive and it is a mood elevator, used as a grounding stone. It is thought to overcome depression and other negative emotions. Tends to penetrate and dissolve energy fields which have been generated from negative thought forms, anger and resentment. It is prolonged, intense and gentle in its action on the higher levels such as meditation, simply holding the stone will suffice. Provides for balancing the Yin/Yang energy. It has also been used to assist in matters of discrimination and in delineation of those actions required in life to facilitate the furtherance of objectives in any situation.

SPIRAL

The spiral quartz crystal can be recognized by the twisted configuration throughout the body of the formation. It has been used to bring the universal spiral of energy to the physical body and to assist one in maintaining connection with the physical plane during meditation. It inspires the energy of love, such that all Chakras are activated into a spontaneous flowing movement, providing for a balance of the male and female energies.

TWIN or SOUL MATE CRYSTAL

Twin crystals have two terminations (points) at the same end, that have developed from the one base. These are wonderful crystals to To promote loving contact, tender communication and togetherness; to help find our soul-mate on a personal level; to teach us our souls are joined to all beings on a spiritual level. They can also help you gain insight into the underlying problems of a relationship, and guide you in working through them. They can also provide positive energy when working towards improving a relationship. This may not necessarily be a romantic relationship, but any type, such as friendships, or family members. A twin crystal with a rainbow is especially good for healing a damaged relationship, or keeping a relationship strong. It is not possible to use the twin crystal to help others with relationship problems, as one of the twins will be specifically tuned to your energies, therefore making them very personal crystals, to be used for your own relationships. When you are having troubles with a relationship, sit quietly with the twin crystals and ask for guidance.

WINDOW CRYSTAL

A crystal with an extra diamond or rectangular face between the body and tip of a point is called window. It is believed this crystal will open a ‘window to your soul.’ and help you get intuitive answers to questions and bypass the ego or intellect. It is said that window crystals will come to a person when he/she is willing to honestly look within the self and to accept the truth. These are a very personal crystal, and when one comes into your hands, it is intended to help you specifically.

RIGHT ACTIVATION - Time line to the Future
Recognized by an inclined window located on the right side of the primary face of the crystal. Primarily activates and increases performance of the right brain function. Used with the Left Activation crystal, it brings a melding of the right and left brain abilities and a synthesis of same. I've also seen this called a "time link". A right leaning link is believed to access information from the future.
LEFT ACTIVATION - Time line to the Past
Recognized by an inclined window located on the left side of the primary face of the crystal. Primarily activates and increases performance of the left brain function. Used with the Right Activation crystal, it brings a melding of the right and left brain abilities and a synthesis of same. I've also seen this called a "time link". A left leaning link is believed to access information from the past.