What are Chakras and how do they work?

What are Chakras and how do they work?

Chakras are energy centres within the body that form part of ancient spiritual traditions, particularly those originating in India. The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disc,” reflecting the idea of energy flowing through different areas of the body. There are seven main chakras, each associated with a particular location, colour and aspect of emotional or spiritual wellbeing — from grounding and security through to communication, intuition and higher awareness. In crystal and spiritual practices, gemstones are often paired with specific chakras based on their colour and traditional associations, with the intention of supporting balance, mindfulness and personal reflection.

What are the 7 main chakras?

The seven main chakras are traditionally understood as energy centres that run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with a different colour, area of the body and aspect of emotional or spiritual wellbeing. In crystal practices, gemstones are often chosen to complement the traditional qualities of each chakra.

Crown Chakra — Sahasrara
Colour: Violet or White
Location: Top of the head
Associated with: Spiritual awareness, higher consciousness, wisdom and connection to something greater than ourselves.
Popular gemstones: Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Selenite, Howlite and Lepidolite.

Third Eye Chakra — Ajna
Colour: Indigo
Location: Between the eyebrows
Associated with: Intuition, insight, imagination, awareness and inner wisdom.
Popular gemstones: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, Fluorite and Sodalite.

Throat Chakra — Vishuddha
Colour: Blue
Location: Throat
Associated with: Communication, truth, self-expression and speaking with confidence.
Popular gemstones: Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite, Aquamarine, Blue Chalcedony, Amazonite and Turquoise.

Heart Chakra — Anahata
Colour: Green or Pink
Location: Centre of the chest
Associated with: Love, compassion, emotional balance, forgiveness and relationships.
Popular gemstones: Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Rhodonite, Malachite, Amazonite and Green Jade.

Solar Plexus Chakra — Manipura
Colour: Yellow
Location: Upper abdomen
Associated with: Confidence, motivation, personal power, determination and self-belief.
Popular gemstones: Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Jasper, Yellow Calcite and Pyrite.

Sacral Chakra — Svadhisthana
Colour: Orange
Location: Lower abdomen
Associated with: Creativity, emotions, passion, pleasure and self-expression.
Popular gemstones: Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Sunstone, Moonstone and Peach Aventurine.

Root Chakra — Muladhara
Colour: Red
Location: Base of the spine
Associated with: Grounding, stability, security and feeling connected to the Earth.
Popular gemstones: Red Jasper, Black Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Garnet and Hematite.

Using Crystals with the Chakras

There is no single “correct” crystal for each chakra. Many people choose gemstones according to their colour, traditional meanings or simply the stone they feel most drawn to. Crystals may be held during meditation, placed nearby, carried throughout the day or positioned around the body as part of a personal spiritual practice.

At I Heart Crystals, we believe crystal work is about intention, mindfulness and finding the gemstones that feel meaningful to you. Chakra and crystal traditions are spiritual and wellbeing practices and are not a substitute for professional medical care.

Shop Chakra products here