This is a good basic introduction to crystals. It covers basics like where and hiw they are forms and information on each type listed in the book.

This is not an in-depth book with a huge amount of information about crystals so some readers may find it to basic. However. If you are just starting to learn about crystals this is a good place to start because it won't be overwhelming. It gives you enough information to decide if this subject will be interesting to you and depending on how involved in crystals you intend to become you can go from there.

A very interesting if you would like to know how and where most of the more popular crystals are formed.

It's okay, not a full on encyclopedia of crystals. More informational, topics are introduced. Not one I would picked up totally - nice library read.

Currently one of my favorite books on the subject. While it’s text heavy with underwhelming images, the comprehensive coverage of the subject is presented well. It’s a great book for beginners but also a good resource for those already familiar with the subject. The book covers the healing powers of crystals and handling them -from preparation to cleaning- it also covers their geology and history.

Overall, it’s one of the better books on the subject and worth the buy.

The book starts by explaining the geology of crystals and how the different types of stones are created. I like that they used different examples to explain how they would look. The author also briefly describes use of stones in ancient cultures, but it is very limited.

I struggled with a lot of the pieces of this book.
1. She talks about man-made stones but claims that they are not as good as natural stones. In all my years working with stones, I have never experienced a difference between man-made and natural stones.
2. She also claims that you should not buy your stones online, but for many people who do not have the ability to buy locally, that is not a realistic option.
3. She recommends that you smudge your stones to cleanse them. White Sage is endangered and use outside of traditional Native cultures is causing it to be hard to find. Not every method of cleansing works for every stone and there are plenty of ways to cleanse your stones so you do not have to rely on a sacred and endangered plant of native tribes.
4. There are no warnings on stones. She mentions that Malachite is soft enough to be ground into a powder but fails to mention that it is toxic in powder form. While the lack of toxicity warnings is the most dangerous, the author also fails to warn about softness of stones. Not every stone should be carried around or combined with other stones. They will get scratched or broken.

I am extremely interested in holistic medicine and alternative healing so this book appealed to me. Harding begins the book with a scientific and geological context for how crystals are formed. The next section of the book places crystals within the historic and archaeological context. The next section focuses on how to choose crystals and what to look for and later the care of the crystals. Harding then begins the discussion of how to use crystals for healing beginning with a very useful chart of each stone and what to use it for. This section also focuses on different layouts that can help you with various healing needs. Harding then includes a directory of each crystal type, what it is used for, where it is from, and its historical use.

I think that this is a very good introductory text for anyone who is interested in crystal healing. The images in the book are beautiful and would even make a good book to flip through event this is not your area of interest.

An accessible and not intimidating introduction to the world of crystals. Explains how they are formed and the scientific/geological aspect of them as well as the more meta physical properties. I appreciated this well rounded approach.

Y'all, I have officially found the lost island of Atlantis. I am not even kidding. I have been searching for an informative, readable, thorough yet beautiful book on crystals for ages. And finally...finally, I tell you!...I have found it in SECRETS OF CRYSTALS. This book has everything that you and I have been looking for. It's definitely readable, but packed-to-overflowing with all the information you could possibly hope to find. It is easy to navigate and very aesthetically pleasing. It has how-to's on making crystal grids and meditation tips. It teaches you how to utilize crystals for their healing properties, from physical ailments to emotional/mental needs, to balancing your chakras. Crystals are listed for their specific gifts, such as using Bloodstone for blood circulation or Rose Quartz for anxiety. There is so much more.

Ms. Harding, as soon as I am able to squeeze it into my budget, I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book and toting it with me

EVERY.

WHERE.

A definite recommend!!

Fascinating book, tells you how crystals are formed, the main groups of crystals, the history and so much more! Packed full of information and tips, along with beautiful images. For me, it was more than a crystal book, just so much other things that I am interested in too, such as chakra’s, birthstones and feng shui. Loved this book.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This is a beautiful example of a very good crystal guide.

Its visually very pleasing with not too much info that is overloading when your looking at the individual crystals. If your new to crystals then this is an excellent start.

Recommended to all that are new to crystals and also as a good reference to those familiar with using them.

Thank you Chartwell Books and NetGalley.