Crystal Basics: The Energetic, Healing, and Spiritual Power of 200 Gemstones

by Nicholas Pearson

A full-color practical handbook of essential techniques with an in-depth directory of healing stones

• Offers guidance on selecting your crystals and gemstones and step-by-step instructions on how to cleanse, charge, activate, and program them

• Includes templates for crystal grids and healing layouts, recipes for crystal elixirs, and directions for crystal meditations and energy clearing with crystals

• The full-color directory includes 200 different rocks, minerals, gemstones, and crystal formations, organized alphabetically and featuring the physical, psychological, and spiritual healing qualities for every stone

In this in-depth yet easy-to-follow guide, crystal healing teacher Nicholas Pearson offers a full-color compendium of 200 crystals and gemstones as well as a hands-on practical handbook on crystal healing, perfect for those just beginning their crystal journey as well as long-time stone lovers seeking an all-in-one reference.

The handbook of crystal use opens with a thorough explanation of crystal energy, including its interactions with the human energy field, and teaches readers how to extrapolate what a crystal does based on its composition, crystal structure, formation process, and other properties. In the chapters on techniques, Pearson offers guidance on selecting your crystals and gemstones, then step-by-step instructions on how to cleanse, charge, activate, and program them. He explains how to make crystal grids and healing layouts, including templates for both, and also discusses the numerology and geometry of crystal grids. He explores the essentials of crystal elixirs, complete with elixir recipes, and details how to perform crystal meditations, clear the energy centers and the aura, and practice more advanced techniques, such as engaging with the crystal devas, creating sacred space, and practices for spiritual hygiene and protection.

The compendium includes 200 rocks, minerals, gemstones, and crystal formations, organized alphabetically and featuring full-color photographs. Each entry includes geological information and the physical, psychological, and spiritual healing qualities for every stone. Some stones, such as jasper and quartz, have multiple varieties, each given their own entries to provide a thorough reference guide for crystal healers and collectors.

This accessible yet comprehensive guide offers the essentials of crystal energy healing paired with a highly illustrated stone directory to give you everything you need to know about crystal basics in one handy volume.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Spirituality

416 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[The Starry Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a Nicholas Pearson fan, and was delighted to see that he wrote another book on healing crystals. I really appreciate his scientific and metaphysical perspective on crystals because it’s rare to find a blended perspective like his in books these days. Kudos to Pearson for starting the book off with a chapter on how crystals work. Explaining their energy from a scientific and metaphysical perspective is absolutely necessary for those working with crystals. Most books on the subject exclude this kind of information so I was very happy to see it explained by the author in such a simple yet effective way. He even went on to explain specific attributes of crystals which are ways they interact with energy. Once again, I have not come across this type of information in other books, so it was incredibly enlightening. A discussion on the crystalline matrix of the human body was a lovely inclusion because humans and crystals have more in common than one would think.

My biggest takeaway was the chapter on the composition and structure of crystals and how this informs their healing properties. This is essential and missing from most crystal books. In order to understand why a particular crystal has certain properties, you have to understand its growing conditions, structure, hardness, composition, system, colour, etc. A section on the human energy field such as the chakras and subtle bodies was also included. A chapter on how to start a crystal collection was a nice addition because anyone who loves crystals knows it can be an intimidating process. Many different foundational practices were outlined in the book such as how to care for your crystals, cleansing, charging, meditations, crystal grids, elixirs, layouts, protection, and sacred spaces. A large directory of crystals listing their geological information was included along with their concise physical, psychological, and spiritual healing properties.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who uses crystals or anyone who would love to learn more about them. For me, the standout was the geological information which helped to explain why crystals have the healing properties that they do. This is a book that I would definitely purchase.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas Pearson writes some of the most comprehensive and scientific books on crystals and crystal methods. I loved his book Stones for the Goddess which focused on crystals working with the divine feminine, but Crystal Basics is even more accessible.
This truly is the ultimate introduction to how crystals work, how to work with them and general crystal knowledge.
Nicholas Pearson starts by delving deep into crystal structure and formation, focusing on science and facts and relating those facts to how crystals can work with humans metaphysically. This section of the book is fascinating and great to help those with questions as to crystals real "powers" to create change in human life. I will say that it's written in an understandable way, but it is science heavy so it could put some people off the book, especially as it's right at the beginning. Stick with it or skip ahead and go back to it, if you find yourself getting into a reading slump.
Nicolas then goes into how crystals react to our auric fields, the act of connecting to, activating and programing stones, meditation, elixirs, healing practices and so much more!
The book ends with a look at 200 of the most popular stones, including some that have become more popular recently.
I loved how Nicolas Pearson focused on how to create your own personal connection with your crystals, instead of only relaying what the traditional meanings are and so many of the themes he speaks about mirrored crystal courses I've taken that cost a lot more than this book. A great addition to every crystal lovers library, both beginners and the more experienced. I can't wait to get a physical copy.

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet's website on 02/19/2020.

Say hello to truly the only book on crystals you’ll ever need, “Crystal Basics: The Energetic, Healing & Spiritual Power of 200 Gemstones” by Nicholas Pearson. At this point Pearson has already established himself as THE crystal expert. His past books, such as “Crystals for Karmic Healing”, “Crystal Healing for the Heart”, and “Stones of the Goddess” all explored a specific facet (no pun intended) of crystals. Long has his fan base (which includes myself) clamored for the crystal basics book that Pearson himself wasn’t sure he was ever going to write.

But it is here, in all its glory. Pearson’s “Crystal Basics” is a constant reminder that working with crystals is an art, and a science. If you want to learn about crystals, and I mean really learn, like geology class learn, this is for you. How are crystals formed? What are they made of? How are they classified? There is also a decent chunk of text dedicated to exploring the possibilities of how crystals work. A well thought out, well written exploration that includes an examination of the human energy field.

How to start a collection of crystals, including ethical sourcing, is covered, along with their care and upkeep. There are so many ways to use crystals to aid yourself and help others, and you find it all in here. You’ll learn how to create crystal grids and elixirs, ways to cleanse with crystals, their abilities to help with grounding, and just so much more. Better still, there’s a section dedicated to 200 crystals and stones for healing. And why yes, the whole book is full color.

“Crystal Basics” by Nicholas Pearson is destined to be a classic. I can’t imagine what crystal mountain is left for Pearson to climb, but I cannot wait to find out.

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for those looking to learn the basics of crystal usage. I have to say that the author packed this book with everything that the beginner needs. Of course my copy of this was all in black and white but you could just tell that the full color pages are going to make this book come alive and help identification so much easier.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was both insightful and informative. It was very helpful to me . It was very well written in the way a beginner can understand. I found this book to be very thorough in my beginning studies of crystals.

[Beca ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

This is a great reference tool for those wanting to learn more about crystals. The first part of the book provides great introductory information including scientific facts and how to choose crystals. The second part information on crystals themselves - this includes pictures, healing facts, etc. There is also an index provided where you can find crystals that help with specific things.

[Annmarie Reddick · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC: Crystal Basics is the perfect book to read if you are wanting to learn more about crystals or to even use them! I read this book and then immediately bought some crystals. My experience with them have been great so far and I owe it all to this book! I definitely recommend this book if crystals are something that interests you. It is a great starting point!

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations it’s packed full of much more information then I expected. I had to spend more time than usual absorbing the facts and science as well as the basics of crystals. I really recommend this if you are interested in the use of crystals because this book really is in-depth. The author seems to really have a passion for crystals and it shows in the time and presentation that went into the information in this book. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Sarah Dunmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one (compared to the Crystal Bible) was more concise and had a more comprehensive introduction (almost too much there, actually). Pictures are really clear. The entries list just enough information. I like that explanation was given as to why certain crystals are given certain meanings/power because it can seem really arbitrary. I did think it was odd, considering this book is supposed to be basic, that the author is giving suggestions for what to do in treating patients. I don’t think beginners are there yet…

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good look for other information than crystal introductions. Does have some of that - but is more of the information like selecting crystals and what you can do when you get them into your home. More reference of different things which is nice.

[Lalia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review copy was provided by Destiny Books an imprint of Inner Traditions Bear & Company.

This attractive book is filled with information about 200 different stones that are used in jewelry and as New Age healing stones.

The first 193 pages are devoted to how and why crystals work. There are chapters about what crystals are and how they work as well as several chapters on how to use crystals. This encyclopedic book has information for the novice to more advanced information for someone who is already pretty familiar with crystals. There is a chapter on the human energy field that is useful to every spiritual seeker. The chapter on spiritual hygiene and protection is another one that is useful to just about every person, whether or not they are a fan of crystals.

The second half of the book is devoted to a directory of crystals and stones. Each entry has a full color picture of the stone itself, as well as its formula, hardness, crystal system, formation process, chakras it is attuned to and its uses in physical healing, psychological healing, and spiritual healing.

For example, aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is attuned to the heart, throat, and crown chakras. It helps resolve pain, swelling and inflexibility. Psychologically is creates flexibility, awareness and illumination. Spiritually, it awakens latent information from your spiritual blueprint, invites lightheartedness and promotes greater awareness.

If you have any interest in using crystals and stones, this is an excellent guide for you!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me longer than usual to get through this. I am new to crystals, so I thought this book would be a good introduction. While the book was full of information, I often felt like I was reading a textbook (particularly in the first half of the book) and it was almost too much. However, the second half of the book (the index) was very helpful and I enjoyed that part of the book. I would perhaps recommend this book to someone who is somewhat familiar with crystals and wanting to learn more, rather than a total beginner (like myself).
***This review is based on an electronic advance reader copy provided to me by the publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***

[Leah Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had A LOT of information. Valuable but at times I felt really overwhelming. I definitely didn’t feel this was a basics book. It was far too wordy and detailed. While wanting to learn about crystals I think less is more when beginning.

It was well done but it wouldn’t be my first choice to begin learning with.

[Sam Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would recommend this to anybody newer to working with crystals, who's interested in learning the science behind them, how to meditate with them, cleanse them, etc !! for anybody who's been working with crystals for a longer time though, this may be a bit repetitive or cover known knowledge !