Crystals, (semi-rare stones and minerals) are thought to have healing powers by many. Some go as far as conducting rituals with crystals, carrying them in purses, and adding them to clothing to bring anything from luck to pain relief. The practice of using crystals for physical and mental benefits dates back to ancient Egyptian times, in which the colorful minerals were turned into jewelry and used for protection and health, but do these magical benefits truly exist? (crystalage).

The truth of the matter is that all evidence suggesting that crystals contain spiritual “energy” capable of protecting and healing people, is anecdotal. Studies conducted on the benefits of crystal healing suggest that fake/placebo crystals reportedly had identical “effects” to those of real crystals, revealing that most of the magic surrounding these minerals comes from a placebo effect alone (Healthline). So the healing power of crystals may not truly exist; however, the placebo effect should not be immediately discredited. According to Harvard Health research, the placebo effect can be just as effective as real medications at regulating symptoms controlled by the brain. If a person unknowingly takes a fake medication (or touches a crystal), thinking it is real and expecting to feel better, that person is likely to genuinely experience a lessening of their symptoms. The placebo effect has been proven to lower nausea, lessen insomnia, and assist with mental illnesses such as depression (HarvardHealth). So essentially, if a person truly believes that crystals will help with their anxiety, there is a very real chance that the crystals will do exactly that. 

Science has also proven that being in the presence of plants and natural elements has healing benefits, as humans are intrinsically drawn to nature through a phenomenon called “biophilia” (SpaceRefinery). Given that crystals are created wholly in nature, it can be argued that having various crystals throughout one’s home may help create a connection to nature, which will improve health. 

So crystals probably won’t magically cure cancer, or help someone score 100% on their test without studying, but the placebo effect and natural beauty of crystals could genuinely help people gain confidence and feel healthier. In such cases, crystals are not going anywhere anytime soon. As long as these perceived benefits continue to exist, so will these shiny rocks’ popularity.