The use of crystals for healing has been around since the Ancient Sumerians. They used crystals in their own magical formulas, used them for protection over evil spirits, and even used them cosmetically. Other cultures also used crystals such as the fascination with jade for the Chinese, who believe that jade is for kidney healing and even represented their ancestors. Another example is the Greeks wearing crystal amulets to keep them safe at sea, and even rubbing hematite on themselves before a battle because it represented the god of war, Aries and that he would look over them.

According to a 2018 Pew Research survey, 62% of adults believe that spiritual energy can be found in physical objects, psychics, reincarnation, and astrology. Today, there is a rapid growing trend of crystal healing making a comeback, specifically in the younger people’s lives ranging from millennials to Gen Z.

According to a study on mental health done by Harvard Business Review, 75% of Gen Z’ers are suffering from some kind of mental health related issues and half of millennials on the US have left jobs due to anxiety in the workplace. These two generations are the generations dealing with the most anxiety out of all the generations. According to researchers, Gen Z is the most educated generation but the path to success for them is also less clear. However, millennials and Gen Z are far more conscious of mental health issues and unlike their parents and elders, they are able to articulate their issues and needs.

Social media is one of the biggest causes of stress and anxiety among the younger generations. Since 2011, depression has skyrocketed and most of this deterioration roots from their smartphones. The hours spent isolated with increased screen time is extremely unhealthy but social life also revolved around virtual communities this day and age. On these smartphones they have access to endless information and unrealistic expectations of life and bodies and many factors that can cause comparison internally and result in high anxiety and risk of depression.

“Finding a balance is key to a much happier and healthier life,” says Diamyn Rembrant, healer and owner of Diamyn’s Crystal Bar.

Her journey began with a piece of amethyst and how holding it and meditating on it changed her life positively. Her clients are typically between 18-34 and has noticed that this age range has a heightened anxiety rate. “This is the first time we’re dealing with a pandemic and these people are in school and it’s hard, it’s not easy at all, but definitely anxiety is a focus.”

Her game plan for each session with a client dealing with anxiety is to find out where it came from, how they can deal with the root cause of that anxiety, and then being able to recognize when the anxiety builds back up so they can tackle it and move past it.

“We are always worried about what everyone else thinks and how everyone else sees us. But with crystal healing and meditation you can really turn inward and find out how do I feel about myself, how do I think about myself?” says Emily Wright, University of South Carolina student age 21 and one of Diamyn’s clients.

“With prescriptions there’s side effects and things like that and with crystals and non-traditional forms of healing, you have all the control and you can really delve deeper to find the issues within yourself or the things you want to change and work on.” Emily claims that crystal healing and meditation has made her calmer, more energized, and has helped her battle anxiety.

“The crystals aren’t magic, you are.” Diamyn wants those who are skeptical about crystal healing to know that you have to believe in what you are searching for and to be open minded to non-traditional forms of healing. If you are going into a session with a negative mindset, most likely you will not be able to feel the crystal’s energy.

You can find Diamyn’s page on Instagram @diamynscrystalbar

Below is a beginners guide to crystals and their properties: