What is the meaning, properties and uses of different Crystal Shapes like Pyramids, Spheres, Hearts, Angels and Standing Crystal Points?
In this guide, I want to explore some of the most common crystal shapes and forms you will come across in a crystal shop. These are cut and polished shapes, not natural forms. For natural crystal formations please see my other guide Crystal Formations & Their Meanings.
An Ancient Tradition
The carving of crystals into different symbolic shapes and forms is ancient. This is why I work with both natural and man-made forms in my work with crystals. If we look back at the history and origins of crystal healing we will see that ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Mayans, Romans and Chinese all carved crystals and gemstones.
Crystals were clearly considered sacred objects by these people. If you’re interested to see how crystals were carved and engraved for spiritual protection in the past check out this amazing video:
Why Carve Crystals?
When we carve a crystal into a shape, we can enhance certain properties or add additional ones to the stone. Cut crystals are not just to look pretty but also enable us to work with the stone in more ways. Different geometric shapes direct their energies in different ways.
Selecting Crystal Shapes
When choosing a carved crystal shape, you should consider what it will be used for. Always remember all crystals have their own natural properties that are always there no matter what form they come in. Even if you are intuitively drawn to a crystal shape, I would recommend you look up the properties of both the stone and the form to understand why. Here are some things to think about when selecting crystal shapes:
Choosing A Good Shape
1 – First, look up the energetic properties of your crystal in a good Crystal Encyclopedia (Like The Crystal Bible) if you are not familiar with the stone.
2 – Then consider the shape and if it offers benefits such as enhancing any of the properties you are interested in.
3 – Consider if the crystal shape suits your chosen way to work with the stone. Are you carrying it? Is it for your Altar, Chakra Healing or a Crystal Grid?
Click the photo to learn more about how to work with different crystal shapes and forms to create powerful crystal grids
The Meaning of Crystal Shapes (Pin To Pinterest)
A Guide To Crystal Shapes & their Meanings:
The following is a guide to the energetic meanings and uses of some of the most common crystal shapes available today. This is not everything that these shapes can be used for but is a good place to start.
Tumble Stones
Tumble Stone
This is also known as a Tumbled Stone. This is the most common cut and polished shape of crystal available. Small chunks of stone are tumble polished to give them a smooth and shiny surface. The form is irregular and sizes vary but generally they are smaller stones.
This form is all-purpose and radiates energy gently in lots of directions. Tumble Stones are so versatile they can be used for carrying on you, placed in bags, in bowls around the home, placed directly on the body or chakras and are ideal for all types of crystal grids. They are more affordable than other forms and a good place to start with a new type of crystal.
Golden Healer Quartz Crystal Pyramid
Crystal Pyramid
Pyramids have four triangular sides and a square base. Pyramids both anchor and direct energies. They stabilise the energies of the earth while enhancing and projecting energies out the apex. Pyramids work well when placed around the home.
Small ones can be placed on the chakras for chakra balancing. Pyramids make powerful central stones in crystal grids to amplify your intentions, raise the vibration or protect someone.
For an in-depth guide that explains more about crystal pyramid power and uses see my guide Crystal Pyramid Meanings.
Clear Quartz Crystal Sphere
Crystal Sphere
They are also known as a Crystal Ball. A Crystal Sphere is cut and polished to be perfectly round. Spheres radiate energy smoothly and evenly in all directions. They can also slow down and neutralise harmful or unbalanced energies. They are connected to the Earth, other Planets or the Moon. Sphere’s help open the Third Eye Chakra, assisting people in developing clairvoyance.
It is no surprise that Crystal Spheres are traditionally used for scrying. They can be passed through the aura in crystal healing or held over the chakras. Sphere’s will need a stand for display, they bring a peaceful and grounded energy to the home. Place them in the centre of crystal grids for earth healing, harmony, protection or psychic development.
Here’s a little video I have on my YouTube channel about crystal spheres (please subscribe for more!)
https://youtube.com/shorts/-3yPNjRp7Tc?feature=share
Rose Quartz Crystal Heart
Crystal Heart
These are any crystal cut into the traditional heart shape symbol. Crystal Hearts represent love, our heart and connect with the energy of our Heart Chakra. These stones can be placed over this chakra in healing work. Small hearts can be carried with you.
Medium to large hearts can be placed around the home, bedroom or within crystal grids. Crystal Hearts can help to attract love or a new relationship. They help heal the heart and emotional wounds. Hearts bring loving energies and help balance relationships.
Purple Fluorite Standing Crystal Point (Generator)
Standing Crystal Point
These are sometimes called a Crystal Tower. They can be stones cut into a Crystal Point shape or a natural Crystal Point which is cut at the base to allow it to stand up. Like all points, they direct and focus energies out the termination point. Carved Standing Crystal Points are often cut into Generator Point shapes so they help amplify energy and our intentions.
They can be used to raise the vibration of location. Place them on your altar or within any sacred space. Standing Crystal Points are good for gridding the corners of a room or your home. They also make excellent crystals for the central stone in any crystal grid.
Crystals Angels
Crystal Angel
Crystal Angels come in many shapes and sizes. They are quite minimal and not realistic statues. Crystal Angels anchor angelic energies, helping you connect with different angels or your guardian angels. Small ones can be carried with you in your pocket or a bag.
They can be placed around the home or a healing room for added high vibration angelic support, protection or healing. Crystal Angels can also be placed at the centre of angelic crystal grids.
Faceted Crystal Wands
Crystal Wand
A Crystal Wand is a solid piece of crystal that is cut into either a faceted Crystal Point or rounded, these are sometimes called Massage Wands. Crystal wands come in various shapes and sizes now but the idea is still the same. They are mainly used to direct the energies of the crystal into the aura or chakras.
They can also channel other energies such as Reiki through them by an Energy Healer. The rounded end or fattest end of a Crystal Wand is sometimes used to draw off negative energies. Although they are mostly used for healing work you can hold them in meditation. They could be added to large crystal grids but this will end up quite expensive.
Hematite Egg
Crystal Egg
Three dimensional Crystal Eggs come in many different sizes. The egg shape can be used to help shield, heal or strengthen the aura. Crystal Eggs channel the energies of renewal, personal transformation and support new beginnings. Small Eggs could be carried but may be a bit fragile.
Crystal Eggs can be held to meditate with, passed through the aura or placed around the home. Place them in bowls or use a stand like those for crystal spheres. They can be used in the centre of crystal grids for protection, healing or new beginnings.
Amazonite Crystal Skull
Crystal Skull
These can be very realistic carvings to more symbolic skulls. The most common ones are based on human skulls and they have the properties described here. Crystal Skulls help people connect with their ancestors, guides or other spiritual teachers and masters.
They can also be worked with for healing, protection and channelling guidance or ancient knowledge. Crystal skulls can be held in the hands while meditating, placed around the home or used as part of crystal grids. For more info please see my article How To Choose A Crystal Skull.
If you would like more detail on these and many other shapes with clear practacle ways they can be used for manifesting and healing with crystal grids or for psychic protection then please check out my books Crystal Grids Power and Psychic Protection Crystals.
If you want me to cover more crystal shapes or forms in the future, please let me know which ones in the comments below (please keep any questions you have concise and on topic if you want a response).
With gratitude,
Ethan
www.ethanlazzerini.com
P.S. If you know anyone who may be interested in this article please share it with one of the sharing buttons at the end or side of this post.
Copyright © Ethan Lazzerini
I’m curious about the spheres that are not full spheres, like the almost fully closed or half spheres we typically see with the druzy’s. Are they more spheres, or are they more geodes. Ooh! I’d also love to read anything you’ve done on Geodes!
Hi Astrid, those will have the properties of a Sphere and a Geode, so quite a strong earth energy. I have a bit about Geodes in my other artcile: Crystal Formations and Their Meanings
What about carved flames? I recently purchased some smokey quartz carved into a flame – I have not seen this before.
Hi Deb, they are still not too common but I have covered them in both my books, Crystal Grids Power and Psychic Protection Crystals. They tap into the energy of the fire element and support cleansing, gaining knowledge and transmutation.
I have a beautiful green jade elephant and was thinking of using it in a prosperity grid but now second guessing myself. So wondering what your thoughts are on using items like these.
Thank you.
Yes that makes perfect sense. The Elephant can be used like other carved stones in crystal grids if you have them.
I’ve just purchased a clear quartz octahedron: I’m yet to discover the properties of this particular carving. Please can you help? Thanks!
Hi Emma, Octahedrons carry the energies of the element of air. They work with the mind, throughts and mental body in healing. You could use it to seed new positive beliefs through affirmations for example.
Hi, I’m having a baby <3 in 8 weeks time and am wanting crystals to have around me at the birth. I'm hoping for a waterbirth again so was going to put some in the pool. I'm being drawn to moss agate mainly then rose quartz and selenite (not for in the pool) and finally red jasper but not as strongly. I was planning on giving the crystals to the baby as a keepsake after. Is there a shape you would recommend as best for birthing/baby? I'm drawn to spheres as they seem gentle but maybe 4cm spheres would be quite strong? Am I better with a few small tumblestones? An egg shape for new beginnings? A heart from a Mama to her baby? My baby brain is easily confused :/ Thanks for any help!
Congratulations Camilla. Yes, all the shapes you mentioned are all suitable for the energy of child birth. Spheres, eggs and hearts are a great idea but go with what draws you the most though. I don’t think 4cm is too big or strong.
Hi I can’t wait to read your book! I want to start using crystals and I didn’t know if any of them help with physical pain. I know I’m getting a few others for other things but I just wanted to know if there are any that helps with pain. Do you have a recommendation on a good place to purchas them? Also,which ones should I start with? Stones or wands? Thank you and have a wonderful day! This information was so helpful.
Hi Lisa, using crystals for physical health is not my forte. I have heard some people use Hematite and Selenite for pain relief. It is best to start with tumble stones unless you are really drawn to another shape. Please see my article on my Crystal Buyer’s Guide for more info.
Hi Ethan,
Thank you for your informative blog. What shape/form of crystals would work best for wealth&Success intention? I would like to put them on my working desk. Thanks in advance.
You could try a Pyramid, Dragon or Standing Point
Hi!!
What does a flat oval mean? And do ttpes of jewelry alter meanings? Necklaces, beads, etc?
Thanks!
Flat ovals could be used for any chakra healing, but also for the protection of the aura. Jewellery relates to the different chakras they are close to. The shapes used also add difffernt meanings, depending on the ones used.
I’m using tiger eye in shape of a cross. Is it good?
Yes, they are not easy to find though. Crosses have many meanings but are good for protection, earth or sun energy for example.
What shape would be best to have in the bedroom for one who often has dreams with the theme of being lonely. I’m guess Rose Quartz would be the best stone. Thank you
I recommend any rounded shapes for the bedroom. You could try a Rose Quartz heart.
What about bowls? I have been drawn to ceptarian lately and at my local shop they have bowls. If it were a selenite bowl I could understand it’s function but what about septarian specifically? Or any other stone bowl is there any specific reason that I should purchase one? Thanks.
There could be many reasons to use a gemstone bowl depending on intention. Bowls can represent offerings or receiving things. If you had a Citrine bowl you could place other crystals inside associated with prosperity and abundance to attract that for example.
I found a quartz crystal that is in the shape of a flat egg. Would it be the same as the 3D egg? I was just wondering because I was really attracted to it when I found it on my driveway.
Yeah, I think it has the same or similar type of energy.
Hi Ethan, always enjoy your articles and always receive a new insights.Just curious and it caught my eye , is something written or its a design on the ring stand underneath the hematite egg? Regards
Hi, yes it is a Tibetan Buddhist mantra for protection. The ring was a gift.
Hello Ethan, I was wondering what crystals in the form of stars, moons and dragons mean? I’ve been seeing a lot of them lately. Thank you!
Ill be covering these in the next crystal grid book. Briefly here, stars bring is astrological energy (number points relate to the geometry/numerology). Moons bring in lunar energy, cresents for new moon, round for full moon. Dragons can be for dragon energy, power, success and sacred sites.
I am currently reading “Wisdom of the Gemstone Guardians” by Michael Katz. I bought it because of the information on healing powers of crystals, not realizing that Katz is the owner of Gemesphere, which sells crystal necklaces. Although there is a lot of good info about crystals, the main focus of the book appears to be about how crystal spheres are the only way to go with crystals and that the other shapes are not only less effective for humans, but can even be detrimental if a person doesn’t realize where the crystal is absorbing a person’s energy and from where it is giving its energy. Since the author’s business, very expensive crystal beaded necklaces seems to be a conflict of interest – I’m not sure what to believe. Also, I’m very drawn to crystals of all shapes and hate to think I should be just sticking to spheres. Would you have any opinion or guidance on this?
Hi J, I can’t really comment on what other authors or teachers are saying. Everyone has their own beliefs and methods. I do not believe any shape is better than another. I think you can see above and from all my other info, I work with all shapes and think they suit different situations and people.
That’s good to hear.
Thanks a lot for your article. I’m gonna buy a Hematite for root chakra. I’m going to put it under my pillow or bed. Which shape should i use? My room isn’t only me and one other is with me i don’t want to release negative energy from the shap to other directions. Does a flat rectangle only release energy from the 4 corners or from the surfaces too?
Thanks a lot
I usually recommend smooth and rounded crystals close to the bed and try to avoid sharp angles. This is gentler and smooths the energy which is more supportive to sleep.
Hi Ethan,
If not mistaken that Herkemin diamond has a function to improve the sleeping quality but usually they are double terminal points. Do you have any comment against your recommendation above? Thanks for advise.
Some people do say that but it is not my information. Herkimers are great if you want to have lots of dreams though.
Hi! I’m curious about the shape of a crystal pointed at both ends on a bracelet. It’s amethyst I believe, and one end is fatter than the other. When I wear it one end or the other points towards my fingers. I’ve been curious about what direction the energy is moving based on the smaller and larger points. It’s been my intuition that the smaller end is the pointer. S I’ll flip it depending on if I want energy to come to me or the opposite if I’m working in a healing capacity so it points to my clients. I am quite new to crystal work, so would love any guidance you may have.
Also, if pyramids amplify, and I’m building a new business, would it serve to place symbols of my business and/or money under my pyramid? Thanks!
Yes, some see the fatter end of a some double terminated crystals as the side that absorbs and the other the side that projects, they still transmute whichever way they will face. Yes crystal pyramids can be used that way over statements of intention, affirmations or images to help to manifest things.
Thank you Ethan! I appreciate your reply. ✨
Hi Ethan,
I have some serious questions about the “energy” radiated from crystals. Can you elaborate on the source of this energy? When you talk about a crystal projecting energy, do you mean that it is radiating heat?
Originally a skeptic of crystal power, I started to carry a small crystal egg in my wallet. Rather worryingly, every since carrying the egg periods have stopped and I only feel an negative aura around the egg. What can be done to remedy this?
-Stephanie
In metaphysical thinking and crystal healing, everything is made of energy and has an energy field. If you are sensitive to this you can feel it, I believe it is spiritual but we also know that crystals have an electromagnetic field too like living things do. There is a blog post about negative reactions to certain crystals here that might help: https://www.ethanlazzerini.com/bad-reaction-to-a-crystal/
Hi, what about a two point wand? How does it work?
Hi, Anna. They are just the same as a naturally formed Double Terminated Crystal which is covered here: Crystal Fomations
I collect carved crystal unicorns and wolves – still looking for a carved dragon – I have Jade and Opalite
I also have a Selenite Sphere which insisted on having a green Adventurine hexagonal stand.
I am looking at a Shungite cube. Can you tell me more about that shape?
Cubes are grounding, protective and stabalise energy. They are good for gridding a room or building.
Hello Ethan:
I have a large clear quartz crystal; it is not a perfectly-shaped generator but has some interestingly-numbered faces. It also has a mirror-reflective formation growing in its center, what you might call a hand-mirror formation with lots of rainbows among the spaces and sides that formed early in its growth. Is there a name for this formation or what purposes it might be used for? I guess you could call it a master healing quartz due to its size. Thanks for your articles and knowledge as I begin the spiritual quest for mental clarity.
It is very hard to identify crystals based on text descriptions, sorry
What about teardrop shaped crystals?
Anything related to the element of water, including the emotions
Is there any specific properties to a point with all six faces having 5 sides
Not that I know of Gregg. If one or more of the faces has a tall point it is an Isis face/crystal.
How do the shape of crystal chips effect the way energy is received? There’s a string of garnet chips I want to get to make a necklace but I’m wondering if the variety of angles and sizes of the stones would be overwhelming.
I’ve not experienced any problems and they are still tumbled. To me it is like tiny tumbled stones.
Hello I just purchased a Brecciated Jasper and a tigers eye disk with hole in the center. Does this shape have any meaning. They’re pretty small around 3cm
I would say that they carry the same meaning as the circle or ring symbol if you look that up.
Hi Ethan,
I have received a selenite tower with a flat top. The energy is lovely, yet what’s with the carving not reaching a point? Would love to understand this better.
Kind wishes,
Clare
It’s a different type of tower. It still channels energy up and down just not as focused as a point
Thank you , Ethan.
The tower has a lovely energy. But never having had one (nor any tower) I wasn’t sure how to infuse it with intentions.
Is a point more effective?
I’ve loved semi precious stones my whole life but am only just learning some of these things. Decided it’s great to have an instinctive relationship with nature’s wonders, yet to apply knowledge too is surely better
I don’t think either is better or worse, just different options and see what you feel is right for you.
Ps. Posted too soon!
Which of your books would you recommend for someone like me who”s been learning as they go along, but clearly has knowledge gaps and much curiosity
It depends on where you are at with it really. My chakra book is for beginners and only about crystals and the chakra relationship which I believe is foundational. Crystal grids power covers shapes and sacred geometry plus more practical uses. Psychic protection crystals is focused on shielding and protection stones.
Thank you, Ethan. That’s really helpful. I’m glad I found you here. Am going to look at your books. Also, can I ask another question 🙂 I no longer have a copy of the crystal bible and when I looked it up I saw that there are sets of 3 volumes being sold. Was a bit confused by the way they’re advertised. Do you know anything about it? Guessing 2 and 3 are shorter additions to go with the bible?
I’m really looking forward to being more conscious in my use of crystals. I’ve enjoyed sensing my way with them enormously but find myself wanting to have more knowledge now. It’s always exciting to feel on the verge of being ready to learn 🙂
Thank you again. Go well and be blessed.
Thank you. I have all three books. Two and three are around the same size and cover crystals not covered in the first volume.
What about mushrooms? I brought a smoky quartz mushroom but can’t find anything about the shape?
I use mine to represent the energy of Autumn/fall. People do associate them with fairies too I think
This was a beautiful a article very educational too, no matter how long you been learning about crystals you always learn something new. Thank you, for sharing your knowledge about the different shapes and meaning about the crystals.
I put you in Pinterest so people so people can follow you.
I find round or egg-shaped stones, usually brown jasper, in my rock-hounding adventures. I believe these to be gastroliths from some ancient reptile or dinosaur. I have started using them for intestinal health. I have also found ventifacts, -stones that have been sheared by the wind. I have not found a use for them as I have plenty of wind.
Hello I am not sure if you covered it but what does a Trapezoid crystal form represent? I can only find negative representations of the trapezoid it’s self thus far, although I remain optimistic.
I also Should note the Trapezoids are 3D about a 1/4 inch in width and small enough to be used as a Bead or a center piece on a necklace
I’ve not heard any traditional meanings for that shape. I personally would just treat it like any four-sided, four corner shapes like a square. It’s an earth element shape, grounding and protection
I treat trapezoids, including rhombi, as squares, with all that this entails: squares represent security, but also limitation. If the shape doesn’t discomfort you, then I’d use it as a protective piece.
Love and Light.
Is double pointed shape good for shielding? Or single pointed is good as well?
You could use either to be honest
Hello. I have recently gotten smooth surface teardrop shaped ring and necklace. The ring is chalcedony, necklace is amethyest. I’m wondering if this shapes does/works in any certain way.
Hi Catherine, there isn’t much about this shape but my feeling is that it is a water element symbol. It could be helpful for releasing things that do not serve you
That’s good then. They should go well with me. I am a water sign. The Chalcedony is a water sign, Amythest a air sigh, I believe. Do you mean the shapes it’s self is a water sign?
Yes, you asked about the meaning of the shape which is a water element form. This adds that meaning to whatever crystal is carved in this shape in addition to the stones natural properties.
Hi Ethan, I always enjoy and learn reading you! thanks a lot for being so generous and sharing your knowledge, learnings and tips. Regarding the use of the wand if one wants for an instance to clean the aura, the tip is always directed outwards or inwards the body? I think outwards but no so sure
I would use outwards or sideways for cleansing. Saying that it is personal choice so do what feels right for you.
Thank you Ethan. I will continue reading you here and in instagram. Namaste
What effect would a ring-shaped crystal have?
It’s a circle energy so could it represent continuous flow, cycles, commitment and protection.
Thank you