Crystals? Rescource Help

Greetings, Reader. Thank you for your time.

I'm not sure where this topic should go, so I felt that this would the be safest place for it.

Does anyone on this board use crystals for their practices? What would be some good reads on using crystals and/or minerals? In my Introduction post, I have some information about my experiences with rocks and minerals, so I wanted to move to crystals and see what they can do for me.

The only books I've found, that I like mind you, are by Judy Hall. She has a few that are really nice guides, both visually and informationaly. Sadly, I can't find a digital copy *anywhere* and that would help an endeavor I'm currently working on.

I'm working on a searchable database that combines the common name, Latin name, and various metaphysical aspects involving crystals, minerals, herbs, etc. to make formulating spells and such much easier for specific ailments.

Please give me any ideas and resources that I can use to provide a tool for the metaphysical community.

Hmmm... I've worked with amethyst and quartz, but I generally favor plants and animals over minerals. I don't think I'm going to be much assistance, but I hope someone else is able to be more helpful.

I don't deal with crystals much. I have purchased a few, but without knowing much about them. I gifted a divination crystal to my Mom. And I purchased a protection crystal for myself. And I purchased a wealth crystal for a friend who claims that the crystal did indeed bring him luck. So, you see, I know nothing much about crystals. But, I suggest you find a crystal worker in your locality and take his/her help. Don't try to purchase them just on the strength of what you have read in a few books.

Thank you for your replies.

I wasn't planning on buying any crystals for a long while, so I appreciate the advice. It won't go unused.

However, I was curious if anyone can point me to a few books to help me compile this database. I'm hoping to get it to a presentable form in a few months, but only if I have resources to work from. The local library is lacking in its Religion section, unless it's involving mainstream Christianity or Islam.

You mentioned animals in your preference. Is there a book/.pdf that you could share so I can look into it? I'm really trying to make a resource for the occult community, I just lack the local scene to assist me (I live in Pat Robertson's hometown) so anything you guys and gals can help me with would be awesome.

Something else to note when you work on your crystal collection is that buying a crystal doesn't provide the same benefits that finding it would. It is more difficult to locate your own crystals today than it was many years ago, but unless a crystal really speaks to you, I wouldn't buy one. I'd also cleanse it of any effects that others may have placed on it - leaving it in the open sun for a few days in a place where it won't be bothered is as good a method as any.

As for references on crystals, I can only point you to the Release Index, where you can do a search for whatever it is you might be after.

- Sen

Thank you, sendoshin, for your advice.

There wasn't anything that seemed what I was after in the Release Index, but I'll keep my eye open on that section.

I would love to go find my own crystals, but in VA, it really stinks to get involved into anything. It's all flat and muddy where I'm at.