Angelite. Lapis Lazuli. Jasper. Moonstone. How many different types of crystals are there? An awful lot! Some are all one colour, some have patterns or swirls, and some are multi-coloured. Even the same type of stone can look dramatically different from one piece to the next. Think about it…have you ever visited a local metaphysical shop and seen a display full of beautiful rose quartz crystals? There were likely differences in the shape, details, and even colour. Those natural differences can make it difficult to identify your crystals from time to time. Even the most advanced crystal enthusiasts have a crystal or two in their collection that is unidentified! Need a little help? Here are a few things to do when you can’t identify stones in your collection.
Different Ways to Identify Your Crystals
Are there crystals in your collection that you aren’t quite sure about? There are many different ways to ways to identify your crystals. Just remember that sometimes you may need to try more than one approach. It all depends on the particular stone. Some are more common and are easier to identify than others. Whatever stone it happens to be, don’t give up hope…just keep trying until you are able to identify all of the crystals in your collection.
Look Online or Read Crystal Themed Books
The easiest place to start is with a quick online search. There are many different websites that can make identification easier. For instance, if you have a blue stone that you cannot quite figure out, search for “blue crystals.” Several options should appear and this may help to identify your crystal if you happen to see a similar image appear. Keep in mind that your particular stone may not look exactly the same as those pictured, so do your best! Books are also an excellent resource. If you have any crystal guidebooks (such as the beloved, “The Crystal Bible,” book by Judy Hall) these can be excellent starting points as well. Use the index or flip through the book until you find information that identifies your crystal.
Short on time? That’s okay. Another option is to make good use of apps. These days, there are many different apps that can dramatically simplify the identification process. Some are free and some have a small fee. Examples include Rock Identifier: Stone ID (where you take a picture of the crystal in your collection and the app will do its best to identify it correctly) and STONE (which is more of a crystal guidebook and may assist you in the identification process). When in doubt, remember that technology and new age practices can go hand in hand.
Get Social and Ask Around
If you are still having troubling identifying your crystals, the next option is to ask around. Do you have friends that are interested in crystals and crystal healing? Family members? A loved one? They may be able to assist you. Perhaps they have a similar crystal in their collection already and can immediately identify the stone. Or they might have some crystal themed books or a favourite website to share with you. Those outside resources might make the identification process easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or reach out to someone with a similar interest.
Additionally, crystal groups on social media sites and crystal themed message boards can be another wonderful place to start. Post a photograph of your crystal and ask your fellow crystal enthusiasts for assistance. With such a wide range of knowledge to draw from…it likely won’t take long for someone to identify your crystals. Not only is this a wonderful way to learn more but it can also lead to online friendships with people who have similar interests.
Speak to a Professional
Sometimes, it is best to bite the bullet and speak to someone with an awful lot of know-how. Perhaps there is a local metaphysical shop or a spiritual store nearby. You can always take the crystal into the store and ask whether someone there is able to identify the piece. They have a lot of experience with crystals and stones of all shapes, sizes, and colours. It likely will be very easy for a professional to identify the piece thanks to all of their experience.
Alternatively, you can always go back to the source. Do you remember where you purchased the crystal? If it was from an online retailer, look through your order history and identify the crystals that way. If it was from a particular shop, look to see if you still have the receipt (sometimes the name of the crystal will be written on the receipt) or ask whether the store keeps online records of previous purchases. Or you can always visit the shop itself and inquire.
Consider What You Know About the Crystal
Have you tried everything and still aren’t feeling certain about the identity of your stone? Then consider what you do know about it. What colour is the stone? If it is a purple stone, then you know right away that purple crystals are often associated with the third-eye chakra. Purple stones are also linked to enhanced intuition and spirituality. Alternatively, if you have a green stone, then you know that it is connected to the heart chakra. Green crystals are often linked to abundance, creativity, and harmony. Start by looking into the colour of the crystal. Even if you do not know the exact type of stone that you have… there are certain things that you can deduce.
Another idea is to focus your intention into the stone. If you haven’t been able to identify your crystals, actively decide how you would like to use that particular piece. Do you feel nurtured and calm when you hold it? Intentionally decide that the stone will be used to increase a sense of safety, security, and ease. That simple ritual can be extremely meaningful.
There is no right or wrong way to identify your crystals. You may need to try one or more method until you find the answer… but once you do? The mystery will be solved and you will be able to use your crystals fully and completely.
