5 powerful crystals for battling toxic people and negative energy

Take control of your zen and surround yourself with five of the most effective positivity-boosting crystals

When it comes to toxic people or negative energy, we’ve all experienced it. It’s exhausting. We may have felt under psychic attack (when negative energy such as ill wishes, jealousy or hatred is directed toward you), or you may have been pulled into drama at the workplace or friend group that left you drained. When we experience negativity, it makes us vulnerable, disrupts our sense of self, and makes those around us miserable. Negativity can also come from within ourselves – our thoughts, emotions and bad habits can be our worst enemy.

Luckily, crystals can help bring us back to the centre. Their powerful healing properties can attract positivity, cultivate a higher vibration and shake off unwanted energy from your aura. They can balance and protect our sacred energy while strengthening our energetic force field. These gifts from Mother Earth can be incorporated into the home to prevent bad vibes from entering or carried with you as a protective talisman to deflect anything that does not align with your vibe. Most importantly, they can offer stability, inner strength and the confidence to tackle negative people or situations that threaten your zen. 

Here are five of the most effective crystals for warding off negativity.

Black obsidian forwarding off negativity

This mystical stone is revered by healers and shamans the world over. It’s a stone associated with purification, transformation and metamorphosis. A black volcanic glass, obsidian calls on us to unleash our inner power just like its explosive origins. It blocks geopathic stress and counters psychic attacks (ill wishes, jealousy or any negative energy sent toward you), then directs it back to the sender. Its truth-enhancing qualities expose negativity and bring to light your negative patterns. Nothing can be hidden from obsidian – making it an effective crystal for deep, soul healing self-reflection. Use it as a tool to release unhealthy attachments, cut ties with toxic energy and people that do not serve you. Since obsidian always absorbs negative energy, it needs regular cleansing. 

How to use it
Carry black obsidian with you to guard against energy vampires – it’s especially useful when entering new environments or meeting new people. Work with black obsidian when you want to cut emotional ties or attachment by place a piece on your front door and by entryways to stop unwanted energies from entering your space.

Also see: 5 crystals for summoning courage and confidence

Selenite for purifying energy

The ultimate energy purifier. Selenite has a high vibration that cleanses and uplifts the energy in any space. Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, this crystal strongly connects to higher dimensions and cosmic realms. This mystical mineral, also known as satin spar gypsum, has even been found on Mars. Selenite’s pure vibration floods your space with white light to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere. It removes negative influences like an air purifier and allows a constant positive energy flow to circulate your space. Selenite is connected to the higher chakras, namely the crown chakra, the energetic centre associated with spirituality, enlightenment, and higher realms. It’s believed to clear confusion and blockages from the body and build a deeper connection to the source. Its ethereal qualities make it a great tool to support meditation or spiritual work. 

How to use it
Place a piece of selenite in the four corners of your home to start a protective grid and circuit of positive energy flow in your space. Place selenite in the bedroom to promote relaxation, restful sleep and clear mental clutter. Place it under your pillow to enhance dreams and better dream recall. Use selenite to charge other crystals by placing your crystals on top of or next to it.

Amethyst for emotional protection

Amethyst is a protective stone known for its strong cleansing powers and meditative properties. This semi-precious gemstone has long been associated with protection. In ancient times soldiers in Europe used them as amulets to grant them protection. Ancient Greeks believed it protects them from drunkenness and overindulgence, which is why it is commonly referred to today as “the sobriety stone”. Amethyst is believed to bring serenity, stimulate spiritual wisdom and spark inspiration. Its deeply peaceful energy offers emotional protection – relieving stress, fear, panic and overwhelm. Amethyst helps calm an overactive mind and provide emotional strength during times of stress. It is often used in crystal healing to support overcoming addictions, promote better sleep and ease nightmares. 

How to use it
Place amethyst in the centre of the room to and keep peaceful vibes flowing in your space. You can also place a piece of amethyst under your pillow to and promote restful sleep and ease insomnia or put a crystal in your bath to regain you calm. Work with amethyst when you want to overcome addictions or break bad habits. You can also place other crystals next to amethyst to cleanse and charge them.

Black tourmaline for home cleansing and EMF protection

One of the most effective stones for cleansing and protection. Black tourmaline is a powerful blocker of all kinds of negativity and can shield from psychic attack and healing on all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Its mighty protective properties absorb EMF radiation (electromagnetic pollution from electrical devices) and keep your space energetically clean. This jet black stone effectively transmutes dark feelings, stress, or anxious vibrations then creates a barrier between you and negative forces. Black tourmaline is one of the best stones to balance the root chakra, the energetic centre associated with safety, stability and security. Working with this stone can enhance self-confidence, inner strength and help you feel more connected to those around you. Placing a piece of black tourmaline by the door and entryways will keep your space clear of unwanted energies. 

How to use it
Hold black tourmaline during meditation and visualise what you want protection from. Carry it with you to shield your energy and build resilience against energy vampires and negativity. Finally, you can place one next to electrical devices, such as phones, laptops, TV’s and WiFi routers, to neutralise EMF radiation. 

Clear quartz for amplifying protection

Clear quartz is known as a master healer in the crystal kingdom. It is a powerful amplifier of energy, and its energies are associated with clarity, insight and inner vision. It can absorb and release quartz energy and is one of the best stones for manifestation. Clear quartz resonates with all the chakras while releasing any blockages in the energetic body. It works to dissolve confusion and sharpens awareness, so you are more vigilant in detecting negative people or situations. This versatile stone can be programmed with your intentions or healing needs. Quartz is a great stone for anyone on their crystal journey- it amplifies energy, and can be used with another crystal for greater protection from negativity. 

How to use it 
Place it with another protection crystal to amplify its energy. Mediate with clear quartz setting your own protection intention into the stone. You can also keep clear quartz close by when you want to improve concentration and focus. 

Disclaimer: Crystals and crystal healing are meant only to complement other therapies and support our overall well-being. Crystals should not be used as a substitute or replacement for professional medical treatment. For medical advice, please consult a licensed health care professional. 

Vanessa Hui is a Certified Crystal Healing Practitioner and founder of Hong Kong-based The Crystal Van. Follow them on Instagram @thecrystalvan

Also see: The most powerful crystals for self-love