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Crystals are like the Miranda Kerr of the mineral world: They do so much more than just sit there and look pretty—and to write them off as such would be a big mistake.

In Crystals, the first title in Los Angeles-based (obviously) Hat & Beard Press’s The New New Age series exploring spirituality in the modern world, editor Jessica Hundley details the emotional, spiritual, and healing powers of 50 of nature’s finest and shares insight into the best way to care, keep, and cultivate connection with the stones.

With a basic understanding of the properties that each gem, rock, and ore possesses, it’s easy enough to find vibrational frequencies to your benefit. Just keeping them around is a plus. But to amplify their effects, Hundley shares her picks for strategic placement around the house and complementary plants, herbs, and objects to really bring out their best.

In your studio or creative workshop

The stone: Natural Citrine

Characteristics:

  • Opens inner perception
  • Increases clarity of thought
  • Enhances creativity
  • Ignites one’s power of manifestation
  • Stimulates creativity and imagination
  • Helps to overcome adversity
  • Encourages decisive action
  • Clears emotional and mental blocks

The plant:

Any cactus or succulent. I love these because they are easy to care for, and come in an endless array of shapes and sizes. To me, cacti and succulents are defiant sculptural art in plant form, inspiration to create and thrive despite the odds.

The object:

Looking at art always helps to inspire it. I’m continually blown away by the new wave of ceramic and glass artists and the idea of working with fragile, hard to manipulate materials to create something intricately beautiful, like this sacred geometry stained glass Mandala from artist Colin Adrian.

In your dining room, living room, or kitchen

The stone: Aragonite

Characteristics:

  • Balances energy
  • Encourages emotional healing
  • Removes emotional blocks
  • Assists in self-awareness and inner work
  • Facilitates connection to higher consciousness/meditative states
  • Offers renewed energy and confidenceReleases attachment to drama and ego

The plant:

Spices like cardamom have long been used to invigorate, warm, and energize. In this amazing smelling candle collaboration between Le Feu de L’eau and Edible Gardens LA cardamom is mixed with bright scents like parsley and eucalyptus.

The object:

Any object LA designer Tracy Wilkinson makes, makes me smile. I’m always astounded at her pieces and the imagination, skill, and playfulness that go into creating them.

In your office or workspace

The stone: Fluorite

Characteristics:

  • Enhances mental clarity
  • Clears negative energy
  • Improves decision-making abilities
  • Encourages coherent and incisive thinking
  • Soothes anxieties and stress
  • Helps with memorization and retention of ideas and information
  • Ignites clear and cohesive action
  • Balances left and right brain

The plant:

The good old fashioned spider plant—decorative, hearty, but also one of the most powerful air purifiers out there. NASA studies on the space station have shown that spider plants clean carbon monoxide and chemicals like formaldehyde from the hair. Plus, they’re very pretty.

The object:

Sure, you need to keep track of the daily grind with datebooks and desk calendars, but what about the phases of the moon and the movement universe? These beautiful moon calendar prints and “Planespheres” from Ojai artist Jeremy Redina add a cosmic touch to any office space.

In your bathroom, or any room where you want to purify and cleanse

The stone: Desert Rose

Characteristics:

  • Calms the mind
  • Encourages meditative states
  • Aids in mental clarity and acuity
  • Strengthens affirmations
  • Helps with focus and attention
  • Protects and neutralizes negative energy
  • Removes energetic blocks
  • Encourages clarity in decision-making

The plant:

Sage, sage and more sage. You can brew it as a tea, burn it as incense, and diffuse it as an essential oil. It purifies the air and clears bad vibes. I love the sage products from Juniper Ridge—they source all their plants through walkabout adventures in the Western wilderness.

The object:

Nothing better than water and purifying charcoal to cleanse and purify. This simple glass bottle from Kaufmann Mercantile is both elegant and functional.

In your bedroom, or the space where you relax

The stone: Amethyst

Characteristics: Ignites spiritual exploration, connection and protection Enhances and protects physical environments Wards off negativity Aids in giving up unwanted habitual behaviors Helps in identifying root cause of deeply held behaviors and patterns Nurtures calmness and clarity Facilitates meditative states

The plant:

Lavender is my go-to for calming and soothing the mind and body. You can add to bathwater or spray on sheets before bed. One of my most used lavender products is Poppy and Someday’s Marfa Moon Mist, which blends the herb with a magical mix of frankincense and ylang ylang and is named after one of the most magical spots in Texas.

The object:

I’m relatively new to surfing and nothing makes me more relaxed (and exhausted). These new surf robes from Mr. Merz are perfect post waves, pool, or leisurely bath. The line is wryly called “Quiet Time” for a reason.

Related reading: 

How to DIY a Zen, Spa-Like Bath at Home This Tranquil Home Just Mastered Decorating with Neutrals Mudcloth 101: How to Use This Handmade Textile Right