A Guide to Quartz Crystal Configurations

I live in right next door to the quartz crystal capital of the world and as such, I spend a lot of time in the spring and fall mining for these beautiful stones. The variety of configurations is astounding and this guide will help you differentiate between them.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Barnacle Crystals

A barnacle crystal is made up of a base crystal with smaller crystals growing on the outside surface. It may be completely covered or even partially covered with smaller crystals.

Barnacle crystals are thought to induce cooperation of groups and families and they are often used in meditation when the desired result is harmony and peace within a community.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Bridge Crystals

Bridge crystals are large crystals with one or more smaller crystals growing through them. The smaller crystal must be penetrating the inside of the larger crystal to be considered a bridge crystal.

Bridge crystals are also known as inner child crystals and are used to heal childhood issues that may be hindering spiritual growth. They are also used by spiritual teachers seeking to pass on advanced metaphysical knowledge to others. Bridge crystals are known as such because of their unique ability to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual or the inside and outside world.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Channeling Crystals

Channeling crystals have a large, seven-sided face and a smaller triangular face. The triangular face is on the opposite side of the seven-sided face.

Channeling crystals are used frequently in meditation when specific answers are sought. They are believed to be a link between us and our higher selves and higher planes of existence. Channeling crystals will open your mind to your hidden wisdom and the wisdom of the universe.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Double Terminated Crystals

Double terminated crystals have a natural point at each end. They do not grow in a matrix as other crystals but form in soft or sandy areas.

Double terminated crystals are believed to have a dualistic nature because of their double points and energy can be received or projected from them. They are great for healing as they facilitate the sharing of energy from one person to another and balance the body's systems. These crystals are also known for their ability to aid in dream work and recall if placed under the pillow before sleep.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Dow Crystals

Dow crystals have three seven sided faces and three secondary triangular faces between them. This is sometimes known as the 7-3-7-3-7-3 crystal configuration.

Dow crystals are sometimes called trans-channeling crystals because they are believed to be a combination of a channeling crystal and a transmitter crystal in one. Because of this unique trait, Dow crystals are one of the twelve master crystals and they are used to service humankind through mystical and spiritual progression. They are used in divination, meditation and to facilitate connection with the divine forces of the universe.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Elestial Crystals

Elestial crystals have multiple, natural terminations covering the face that all face in the same direction. Some say the phenomena resembles the human brain. These crystals are unique because they are the only quartz crystals that form in liquid.

Elestial crystals are believed to have extraordinary power and are thought to expand consciousness, facilitate communication with higher realms of existence and help with astral travel. They have also been used to comfort the dying and aid them in the cross from physical to spiritual.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Generator Crystals

Generator crystals have six evenly spaced sides and six equal faces spaced evenly around the tip. The tip is often referred to as a generator point.

Generator crystals have been compared to a radio antennae with the ability to broadcast thoughts, feelings and prayers to a higher power. They are often used in personal meditations or to create unity amongst members of a group or family.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Grounding Crystals

Grounding crystals are recognized by their eight sided main faces. It is very rare to find one of these beautiful crystals.

Grounding crystals are believed to hold the power of the current, as in the right here, right now. They are used in meditation to help deal with everyday issues and think things through.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Isis Crystals

Isis crystals are easily recognized by having at least one five sided face. The face is usually located in the front of the crystal but can be anywhere. If it has at least one five sided face, it is considered an Isis crystal.

The Isis crystal is believed to strengthen feminine energy and help you connect with the female side of yourself. It is used to balance male and female energies within either sex.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Key Crystals

Key crystals are recognized by a three or six sided shape indented into the side of the crystal somewhere. The hole will become more narrow as it goes deeper into the side of the crystal.

Key crystals are believed to unlock doors that we can't open on our own that lead to healing, answers and hidden information. They are used in meditation to answer questions about the soul and self.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Laser Wand Crystals

Laser wand crystals are long and slender. They usually taper toward a small point at the end of the termination. The sides are sometimes curved but the crystal is always wider at the base.

Laser wand crystals are believed to have the power to clear negativity from a place or person, help the wielder focus energy and to promote spiritual growth.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Manifestation Crystal

A manifestation crystal has a smaller crystal completely enclosed within it. It cannot be penetrating the outside of the crystal but must be completely inside the larger crystal.

Manifestation crystals are believed to help heal the pain of an abusive childhood, release blocked memories and aid in working through family problems.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Rainbow Crystals

Crystals that have a rainbow inside are known as rainbow crystals. The rainbow is caused prismatic fractures and may only be viewed in certain light and/or temperatures.

Rainbow crystals are some of the most beautiful to view and are believed to bring the wielder an optimistic view and brighter attitude.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Record Keepers

Record Keepers are some of the neatest crystals to find. They have small triangular markings on one or more faces. These are not easily seen but can usually be found by holding the crystal in bright light at various angles. If it is a record keeper, you'll see the marking soon enough. Any crystal with a face can be a record keeper, as long as the markings are present.

Record Keepers are believed to be the most sacred of crystals, holding the wisdom of the universe within them. You definitely feel special when you find one of these crystals.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Tabular Crystals

Tabular crystals have two sides much wider than the other two sides. They are wide, thin and flat crystals.

Tabular crystals, often called Tabby crystals, are believed to balance the body, mind and spirit, bring creativity and inspiration and enhance our communication skills. These are very commonly found crystals in my area.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Twin Crystals

Twin crystals have two points and look like two crystals that have grown side by side, like Siamese twins. These are different from two attached crystals because twin crystals are completely parallel and have no marked boundaries between them.

Twin crystals are believed to help improve relationships with their dual energy and they are used in meditation to help gain insight into relationship problems and struggles. Twin crystals may also help improve communication between two people in a struggling relationship.

Quartz Crystal Configurations - Window Crystals

Window crystals have a diamond shaped or rectangular face between the body and tip or the two larger faces.

Window crystals are believed to open a window into our souls or higher selves. They are used in meditation to help reach higher spiritual realms.

These are some of the many quartz crystal configurations and their properties. Happy crystal mining and good luck finding your perfect crystal!