Why Do Crystals Break? [3 Explanations]

Crystals are beautiful, natural objects that are derived from deep within the Earth. They are formed by minerals and metals in a process called crystallization and have a deep connection to the planet, the higher realms, and the wider Universe.

Crystals have been used for thousands of years as tools to heal and protect people. Today they are still used in many ways, including healing, meditation, energy work, and spiritual development.

Why Do Crystals Break? [3 Explanations]

Sometimes, however, our beautiful crystals will become damaged or even break – and it can often be tricky to work out exactly why.

So, just why do crystals break? What causes them to fracture or shatter? We took a closer look at the main reasons and put together some top tips to help ensure that your crystals last for as long as possible.

Why Do Crystals Break?

So, just what causes crystals to break? Some of the most common reasons include:

You No Longer Require The Energy of The Stone

Many of us use specific crystals for certain purposes and functions, such as grounding, protection, cleansing, and so on. If you find that a crystal breaks, and there is no clear reason behind this, then it could be the case that you no longer require its energy.

This could happen if you have moved away from the location where you were using the stone, or if you have changed your life circumstances.

For example, if you have been seeking genuine love, commitment, and connection and using a rose quartz crystal as a focus for this, you may find that you no longer need the energy of the stone once you find the perfect partner.

If you feel that you no longer need a particular crystal, and it has not yet broken, then it’s best to remove it from your collection and store it somewhere safe until you decide to re-energize it again.

If you have a good connection with your crystals, you will soon know when it is time to take them out, re-energize them, and allow them to help you in daily life.

In some cases, your crystal may have simply reached the end of its natural lifecycle; just as with all living things, crystals die too. It could be that your crystal has simply reached the end of its lifespan and given all it can, before passing on, ready to be replaced with another new crystal.

You Must Seek A Deeper Meaning In Your Relationship With The Stone

In some cases, the breaking of a crystal means that it is time for you to reanalyze and reassess the relationship that you have with the stone, and this can be an important part of any spiritual journey.

For instance, if you have been working with a particular crystal for several months or years, but suddenly it shatters, this might mean that you have been focusing on the wrong aspects of the stone, or that you have been neglecting other parts of yourself.

It could also be that you have been using the stone to attract something into your life, and now that you have found it, you no longer need the stone.

This is especially true if you have been using the crystal to attract money, success, or love, and now that these things have arrived, you no longer need the energy of that particular crystal.

It’s important to remember that crystals are not magical objects that will bring you everything you want – they are tools that can help you to become aware of how you are feeling about different situations in your life, and to make changes accordingly.

The Crystal Is Releasing Energy

In some cases, a crystal may break to release energy. This could be because it needs to release negative energies that have built up over time, or it could be because it has absorbed too much energy from someone else.

This can also happen if the crystal has been inadequately cleansed, and is releasing the energy that was stored within it.

What Should I Do With A Broken Crystal?

So, just what should you do if your beloved crystal breaks? There are a few options, and some of these include:

Cleanse Any Pieces That Remain Useable

Depending on the way in which the crystal broke, you may have some parts that are still useable – but these will need to be cleansed before you can use them again.

There are a few ways to cleanse a crystal – some individuals will choose to run the crystal under running water while setting an intention (see also, ‘How to Choose the Best Crystal for Your Intentions‘), such as “This crystal is cleansed”. 

Alternatively, you can use smoke or incense to cleanse the parts of the crystal; however, this method is usually only recommended for those who are experienced in cleansing their own crystals.

Another option is to use water by placing the crystal in a bowl filled with salt water (or seawater) and setting an intention. You can then gently rinse the pieces of the crystal under running water.

Why Do Crystals Break? [3 Explanations]

Bury The Parts Of The Crystal

If you feel that the crystal has served its purpose and that you have come to the end of your relationship together, you can also bury the parts of the crystal, essentially returning them to the Earth. Make sure you give a thank-you to the crystal for all that it has done for you.

You can bury the broken pieces of the crystal in soil, sand, or even in a riverbed – the key here is the intention that you put into the action.

It is important to note that when burying the pieces of the crystal, you must ensure that there is nothing left behind that could cause harm to anyone, and that it is buried deep enough that it will not be dug up by animals who could injure themselves on the pieces, or try to eat it.

Turn The Fragments Into Something Else

Another option is to turn the fragments into something else. For example, if you were using the crystal to attract wealth, you could create a new piece of jewelry out of the shards. If you were using the crystal for protection, you could create a talisman out of the pieces.

You can then rededicate the new item to a new purpose, or simply keep it as a reminder of the experience.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Working With Crystals?

There are a number of advantages that can come from working closely with crystals, and these include:

They Offer A Focus

One of the main benefits of crystals is that they offer a clear focus on your intentions and goals. They help to bring clarity to your thoughts and feelings and act as a center point for any prayers or rituals that you may wish to perform.

Crystals Can Help To Heal Your Body And Mind

The healing properties of crystals are well documented, and many people use them to heal various ailments. These include everything from headaches and back pain to cancer and arthritis.

Crystals Can Be Used As An Energy Source

Many people believe that crystals work like batteries, storing energy within them until needed. This means that you can charge your crystals with positive energy and use them to boost your mood, improve your health, or increase your psychic abilities (see also ‘15 Powerful Crystals For Psychic Abilities‘).

Crystals Can Provide Protection

Many people believe that crystals provide physical protection against negative energies. They are often used to protect homes and businesses from burglars and other unwanted intruders.

Final Thoughts

A broken crystal is often more than a mere accident or disappointment – this can be a sign or message from the wider Universe, and one which needs to be heard, understood and addressed.

Andrea Daehma