The Best Crystals & Stones For Your Chakras + How To Work With Them

Chakras are the primary energy centers of our body, and when they're flowing freely, we tend to feel light and well. When one is blocked, however, we can feel off in many ways, depending on which chakra isn't flowing—and that's where crystals come in.

Different crystals and stones have vibratory qualities that resonate with each of the chakras, making them an excellent tool to work with if you're looking to unblock or balance a particular chakra(s).

The root chakra (Muladhara) is the first chakra, located at the base of the spine. It's related to our general sense of security and safety, relating to things like survival issues (finances, food, etc.), and develops in the first seven years of our life.

The sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) is the second chakra, located in the lower abdomen, roughly 2 inches below the navel. It's related to our sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality, and develops between the ages of 8 and 14.

The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is the third chakra, located in the upper abdomen. It's related to themes like self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem, and develops between the ages of 15 and 21.

The heart chakra (Anahata) is the fourth chakra, located in the center of the chest. It relates to love—both giving and receiving, to ourselves or others—as well as joy and peace. It develops between the ages of 21 and 28.

The throat chakra (Vishuddha) is the fifth chakra, located in the throat. It relates to expression, truth, and communication, and develops between the ages of 29 and 35.

The third-eye chakra (Ajna) is the sixth chakra, located between the eyes. It relates to our ability to see the big picture and access intuition and develops between the ages of 36 and 42.

The crown chakra (Sahasrara) is the seventh chakra, located at the very top of the head. It relates to our ability to be fully connected to the divine and develops between the ages of 43 and 49.

One of the simplest ways to work with crystals for any of the seven chakras is by incorporating them into chakra meditations. Crystal expert and co-founder of Energy Muse Heather Askinosie recommends holding your crystal in your nondominant hand while you sit for meditation, or even placing the crystal on the corresponding body part of the chakra.

If you were working with obsidian for your root chakra, for example, you would simply sit for meditation with obsidian in your nondominant (the energetically receiving) hand or place it near your root chakra. From there, you can visualize the chakra coming back into balance, and/or work with an affirmation such as "I am grounded."

Ritual baths are an excellent way to balance your chakras because you can incorporate certain crystals, but also herbs, essential oils, and any other helpful tools you want to lean on. Always make sure the crystal you want to use is safe to be placed in water; otherwise, you can keep it on the side of the tub as you bathe your chakras back to balance.

Lastly, working with crystals to unblock your chakras doesn't have to be complicated. Simply keeping them on your person (whether as jewelry or in your purse) or nearby on a desk, nightstand, etc., is helpful for reminding you of your intention and having their healing vibrations nearby.