All stones and minerals possess inert energy to help energise and heal your mind, in addition to harmonising your body and spirit. While some people may dismiss crystals as new age woo-hoo, their healing properties have been widely used by ancient civilisations like the Sumerians, Aztecs, Mayans, and Egyptians. Even traditional Chinese medicine uses crystals to cleanse the chakras.
Many of my clients ask me which is more powerful: raw or tumbled crystals? My own feeling in the raw versus tumbled crystals debate has always been that raw crystals have a different energy output than crystals that have been tumbled or polished. I usually work with raw crystals when an energetic breakthrough is needed. However, a higher energy output doesn’t always equate to BETTER. Like anything else, it depends upon the person working with the crystals and the specific situation or scenario. Tumbled stones or polished stones have a really subtle, gentle energy that radiates outward in all directions. And sometimes this is just what’s needed. Tumbled stones are great to work with for those who are sensitive to energy. They are also good for those who are working through intense emotions.
Some healers believe that raw crystals possess more energy. However it's really hard to quantify what’s meant by “more energy”. It is possible that this belief stems from the idea that the process of shaping or polishing a crystal may damage the crystal in some way on an energetic level. Fortunately this is not the case. Shaping and polishing a crystal changes the way in which we EXPERIENCE the energy of that crystal, it doesn’t change or affect the inherent qualities or energy of the crystal.
For example, a raw Amethyst and a tumbled Amethyst share the same qualities and energy, however the way in which the energy is emitted, received and perceived by its user differs. Compared to the raw Amethyst, the energy that emanates from the tumbled Amethyst is softer and more subtle, and it will radiate in all directions.
So, my advice is that if you need a kickstart of energy, raw crystals are the way to go. But always remember that some people are quite sensitive to crystal energy. Rather than benefitting from it, they may feel dizzy or drained. In this case, polished or tumbled crystals would be the best option for them.