Lots of people dig crystals for their potential healing properties. Some folks also think they can help you lose weight.

TBH, there’s basically no science to prove crystals can help weight loss. And what info we do have is uber-anecdotal.

So, how can crystals actually help with weight loss?

Despite the lack of scientific proof, some folks swear crystals are where it’s at. In addition to weight loss, people use crystals to relieve:

So why might they work? It could be the placebo effect. This is when you experience a positive outcome from a treatment because you expect it to give you the result you want.

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That said, here are the 11 most popular crystals for weight loss and how people use them.

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Illustration by Maya Chastain

Each gemstone has unique properties and uses. If you want to try using crystals as part of a weight loss plan, here’s what certain stones *might* do for you (sans science).

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Illustration by Maya Chastain

1. Blue apatite

Blue apatite? More like blue appetite, #amiright? This true blue stone is considered a hunger suppressant, so it might help curb your cravings.

Blue apatite is also associated with focus, harmony, acceptance, and communication.

2. Peridot

Peridot is a type of olivine that’s known for its grand green color. Folks claim it helps them stay motivated while on a weight loss journey.

Some people also believe it may reduce anxiety or fear, detox the body, increase strength, and enhance liver or gallbladder function.

3. Sodalite

This stone is thought to enhance your metabolism. It may also help you make better-for-you food choices and stave off cravings.

P.S. Some folks also use sodalite to relieve emotional stress or tension.

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Illustration by Maya Chastain

4. White quartz

Clear white quartz is thought to be a protective stone that can clear negative energy. That makes it a great choice to carry in your purse or pocket. Some folks even place one under their pillow 💤.

Some believe this crystal could also contribute to motivation, which might be helpful when you’re trying to eat healthy foods and exercise.

5. Carnelian

Carnelian is a radiant red-orange stone that looks gorg as a pendant. Some peeps use it to reduce hunger and food cravings. Others claim it can help detox your bod and boost your overall health.

6. Amethyst

Amethyst has a lot of spiritual street cred. Believers think it can balance your hormones while enhancing metabolic function. It may also keep you motivated while helping you make nutritious food choices.

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Illustration by Maya Chastain

7. Iolite

Iolite stans say this stone can turn you into the Energizer Bunny. In addition to increasing vitality levels, peeps also say it helps release accumulated fatty deposits.

FYI: This stone is a popular meditation companion.

8. Diaspore

Diaspore gives off a calm energy that makes it great for everyday use. Some folks think this crystal can help prevent water retention and assist with weight loss. It’s also thought to reduce age-related memory loss and promote lucid dreaming.

9. Epidote

Mineral enthusiasts use epidote to overcome feelings of rejection. That means it might help you let go of emotional and physical weight. It could also help you pay attention to what you eat and why you eat it.

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Illustration by Maya Chastain

10. Picasso marble

This stone’s vibe is all about strength. It’s believed to increase self-control, which could reduce your risk of choosing foods that aren’t in line with your goals. It also might help regulate your metabolism and keep you calm.

11. Gaspeite

Here’s another one that’s thought to stimulate your metabolism. It may help unclog bad feelings and motivate you to move forward. Some people think this is helpful if you’re prone to emotional eating.

Honorary mentions

Here are some crystals that didn’t make the cut but still deserve a shout-out:

  • Augelite to help with digestion.
  • Gold sheen obsidian to help with digestion.
  • Rainforest jasper to help detox your bod.
  • Green tourmaline to encourage a healthy nervous system.
  • Ethiopian opal to promote healthy weight proportion.
  • Sunstone to help boost willpower and metabolism.
  • Dream quartz to help prevent emotional eating (it contains epidote).

Wait, but aren’t crystals just a BS placebo effect?

While it might sound a bit hokey, studies suggest the placebo effect can actually be legit. This might be because your brain responds to the treatment context rather than the treatment itself.

Reminder: Even if the placebo effect is for realsies, crystals def aren’t a cure-all. It’s also unlikely that they work as well as proven weight loss methods.

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Crystals are versatile AF. It all comes down to what feels best for you. Here are some ways you may be able to use them to shed poundage.

Keep them near you

Have your weight loss crystal close at hand when you eat. You might have better results with stones linked to healthy digestion, enhanced metabolism, or strong willpower.

You can also:

  • Keep a crystal in your purse or pocket on the daily.
  • Hold a stone over the area you want to lose weight in.
  • Wear the gemstone as a pendant or on a piece of jewelry.
  • Place a crystal in your kitchen or where you usually eat.

Meditate

Crystals can be a great companion to your meditation practice. Just pick a weight loss-oriented stone that you feel drawn to. Then set an intention — what you want to accomplish — before your mindfulness sesh.

You can also:

  • Lie on your back and place crystals around you.
  • Hold a gemstone in your hands as you meditate.

PSA: Take a moment to clear your headspace if you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious as you meditate. Take several deep, cleansing breaths and focus on the air coming in and out of your body. Continue with your practice once you feel more secure.

Yoga

Lots of folks use gemstones to take their #YogaLife to the next level. Here are some tips:

  • Set your intention before each session.
  • Place weight loss crystals around your yoga mat.
  • Carry a gemstone in your yoga bag to give your gear good vibes.
  • Wear your fave weight loss stone as a pendant or use gemstone beads.
  • Rest some stones on your bod during Savasana, the relaxation pose at the end of each practice. Your forehead, chest, belly, and palms are all good spots. (Pro tip: Small tumble stones work best.)

How to cleanse your crystals

Lots of crystal lovers like to cleanse their stones before use. The idea is that this clears the crystal of past energies and aligns it with your unique vibration.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Sage. Smudge your stone with sage for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Brown rice. Bury your stone in a bowl of brown rice for 24 hours.
  • Running water. Place your stone under running water for at least 1 minute.
  • Natural light. Place your stone under direct sunlight or moonlight for 10 to 12 hours.
  • Salt water. Submerge a stone in salt water for up to 48 hours. (But don’t do this with stones that contain trace metals or salts.)
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There are lots of safe and effective ways to hit your weight loss goals, but the basics of weight loss remain the same: Burning more calories than you take in = weight loss.

Here are some tips to keep things healthy and balanced:

  • Work it out. A solid exercise routine is a great way to lose weight and improve your overall health.
  • Take your time. Eating slowly can help your body tell when it’s actually full.
  • Sleep it off. Studies suggest that getting enough shut-eye can help you maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Stay hella hydrated. Drink water about 30 minutes before you eat. This can make you feel full and keep your organs functioning at their best.
  • Scale back the booze. Research suggests that drinking alcohol on the reg can lead to weight gain.
  • Ease up on sweet stuff. Sugary drinks and snacks are packed with cals and have few nutritional perks.
  • Try an app. There are tons of fun and affordable health and fitness apps that can help you keep track of your nutrition and workouts.
  • Fill up on fiber. Soluble fiber from food or supplements may help reduce body fat.

Here’s a handy-dandy chart to help you pick the best weight loss crystal for your unique goals.

GemstoneBenefitsHow to use it
blue apatitesuppresses hunger and curbs cravings Press it against your forehead or use it during yoga, meditation, or prayer.
peridotkeeps you motivated and helps rid your body of toxinsWear it as a piece of jewelry, preferably close to your heart 💚.
sodaliteboosts metabolism and reduces cravingsHold it to your throat or use it during yoga.
white quartzclears negativity and keeps you motivatedCarry it in your purse or pocket or tuck it under your pillow.
carneliansuppresses hunger, curbs cravings, and helps your body detoxHold it over your lower belly as you meditate.
amethystbalances hormones and helps you make better food choicesWear it as a piece of jewelry, use it during meditation, or use during a yoga sesh.
iolitereleases fatty deposits, gives you more energy, and balances your metabolismHold it in your palm or over the areas where you want to lose weight as you meditate.
diasporecalms emotions, helps reduce water retentionHold it as you meditate or place it under your pillow.
epidotehelps you let go of past trauma and focus on what you’re eatingKeep it close to you when you eat, hold it as you meditate, or place it under your pillow.
Picasso marbleincreases willpower and boosts metabolismKeep it close to you when you eat.
gaspeitestimulates your metabolism and helps prevent emotional eatingKeep it close to you when you eat or hold it as you pray or meditate.

Crystals aren’t the best way to lose weight. There are much better (and science-backed) ways to shed pounds. But if you want to incorporate gemstones into your weight loss plan, go for it! The placebo effect might just be on your side if paired with other healthy weight loss tools.

Just be sure to talk with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.