Crystals are orderly arrangements of pure substances that form as their atoms move closer together.  Diamonds, for example, are pure carbon, while quartz is pure silicon dioxide.  The smooth faces of crystals are caused by the regular internal arrangement of atoms.

Most crystals form from lava or magma as the molten rock cools.  The slower the cooling, the larger the crystals grow.  Temperature and pressure are major factors in determining the rate of cooling.

Other crystals are deposited from an aqueous solution as water evaporates, like salt or limestone crystals.

Here's an excellent video on Healing Crystals called "How To Cleanse Your Crystals: 6 Quick & Easy Methods."  Crystal Healing expert Adrienne Goff demonstrates crystal cleansing techniques including:

• Sage

• Water

• Sunlight

• Moonlight

• Salt

• Pyramids

• Your Own Personal Energy

Choose the method that's right for you and your crystals.  These techniques are simple and do not require lots of time.
Watch Healing Crystals video now

Once your crystal has been cleansed, you can also program it for specific purposes.  Hold the crystal in your hand.  Close your eyes.  Visualize the purpose you wish to program your crystal for.  Focus, breathing deeply, until the visualization is complete and all-encompassing.  Then softly say, "I dedicate this crystal to (whatever you wish its purpose to be)."

When using your crystal, the most important rule is to be guided by your intuition, and not by what someone else says is right or wrong.  It is your personal crystal, attuned to your unique strengths, desires, and energy.  No one knows your crystal better than you do.