Seven Crystals to Have in Your Home, and Where to Get Them in Boston

Photo by Tessa Yannone

From birthstones, to amulets, to the rocks some women wear on their left hand—crystals play a large role in our society, whether you want to believe wholeheartedly in the crunchy nature of some of their claims or not.

Crystal healing has been around for as long as humans have searched for deeper meaning in their own existence. Bodyworkers, like Reiki practitioners and yoga teachers, often incorporate it into their teachings and meditation practices to help students change the way they think and feel. While crystal healing isn’t rooted in science, and serves more as a placebo, it can be especially helpful for those who are highly visual and sensory. Either way, if it makes you feel better, that’s all that matters.

Donna McRae, owner of Laughing Lotus Boutique in Wellesley, tells me she thinks a lot of crystal work is about personal evolution and how you think about things—a.k.a., a healthy mind. “The power of the mind is quite strong,” she says. “The brain has a plasticity quality, and you can rewire it through building a sound spiritual practice.”

She says that in the crystal world, there’s a belief that you don’t find crystals, the crystals you need find you—but it’s about being open to the natural flow of energy through all things and, most importantly, approaching the world from a place of high vibration, positive energy.

Here, you’ll find seven crystals and gemstones, what their qualities are supposed to be, and where to find them in Boston. Who knows, maybe one will be just the thing you need.

Seven Crystals to Have in Your Home:

1. Clear Quartz: McRae says this one is considered an amplifier, and  it will increase the energy of any other stone you are wearing or working with. It also increases and absorbs your own energy. “The more you wear it, the more it becomes a talisman for your own personal life force.”

2. Blue calcite: Said to facilitate physical healing by clearing negative emotions and encouraging rest and relaxation, blue calcite connects your body, mind, and spirit to activate deeper intuition and inner sight.

3. Pink quartz: Given that it’s touted as the stone of love and kindness, McRae says if Buddha had a stone, it would be this one: “It’s the stone you can just hold in your hand and feel in your heart.” Pink quartz is not just for romantic love, but also self-love and kindness. It’s the stone of friendship and forgiveness.

4. Amethyst: A deep purple color, amethyst is a universal healer. It is considered a natural stress reliever, bringing calmness and clarity when you need it, and supports cleansing and detoxification, McRae says. Amethyst next to your bed can help you sleep.

5. Black tourmaline: This crystal absorbs negative energy and radiation. McRae suggests putting it by your computer if you sit at a desk all day, or to wear it around your neck to protect your thyroid.

6. Labradorite: It is said that labradorite got its shimmer from the Northern Lights, and is connected with deep intuition. It imparts strength and perseverance through change and typically looks like a butterfly wing when cut by a crystal cutter.

7. Moonstone: Considered ethereal and feminine, this stone connects you to the cycles of the moon. It shares many of the same properties as labradorite, with rainbow pearly hues and luminous qualities, McRae says.

Where to Find Crystals in Boston:

These flower shops, bookstores, and gift shops in Boston and Cambridge all have an extensive selection of beautifully curated crystals and gemstones, as well as jewelry made from stones.

1. Ritual Arts: 153 Harvard Ave., Boston, 617-787-4157

2. Seven Stars: 731 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-1317

3. Ten Thousand Villages: 252 Washington St., Boston, 617-372-8743

4. The Stone Flower: 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge, 917-385-2133

5. Back Bay Florist: 90 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, 617-236-0101