Deck of the week
Love crystals? Love decks?
Crystals: The Stone Deck by Andrew Smart (published by Chronicle Books in 2018) is a 78-card oracle deck designed to help users tap into the energising and healing properties of crystals without needing a physical collection. Curated in collaboration with the creators of the Stone crystal healing app ( which no longer seems to be available) , it offers a practical, accessible entry into crystal work for modern spiritual seekers. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to discover crystals if you are just starting out.
The deck arrives in a sleek, sturdy slide-out box with a matte finish and a beautiful close-up photo of a raw crystal (often a vibrant green one like fluorite or similar) on the cover, giving it an elegant, minimalist vibe right from the start.
Each card features a high-quality, close-up photograph of a raw, natural crystal specimen on the front—think rough, unpolished stones in their organic glory, captured with excellent lighting and detail that makes them look almost tangible. The photography by Jason Wyche ( love the name!) really shines here; the images are luminous and captivating, perfect for meditation or simply admiring the beauty of Earth’s minerals. I just wish that the images were somehow framed or better presented as the come across as a bit amateurish and simplistic.
The back of each card provides the crystal’s name and a concise, practical description structured around:
• What it is — A brief intro to the stone and its family or properties.
• Who needs it — Who might benefit from its energy.
• Where to put it — Suggestions for placement (e.g., on your body, in a space, or carried).
• When to use it — Ideal situations or times.
• A short, punchy mantra or advice at the bottom (e.g., “Take care of your heart” or “Protect your light”).
There’s no separate guidebook—the info is all self-contained on the cards, which keeps things simple and portable. You can draw a card intuitively for daily guidance, select one based on a specific need, or use them like educational flashcards to learn about crystals.
The cardstock is decent—silky matte with a slight thinness, but durable enough for regular use (though the longer rectangular size makes them tricky to riffle shuffle for some).
On the positive side, users and reviewers frequently praise the gorgeous photography, positive energy, and ease of use for beginners or as a complement to crystal practices. Amazon customers give it a strong 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,100 ratings, with many calling it beautiful, helpful for daily inspiration, and a great intro to crystal energies. On Goodreads, it averages around 4.25, with fans appreciating the clear, non-overwhelming explanations and fun vibe.
Critiques are minor but worth noting: Some find the language overly casual, colloquial, or “New Age internet speak” (e.g., sassy or vague mantras that feel light on depth compared to more traditional crystal encyclopedias like Judy Hall’s books). A few reviewers say it’s more aesthetic than deeply informative or oracular, better for visual appreciation or quick vibes than serious study. I would agree.
This deck is not trying to be a comprehensive reference—it’s a delightful, uplifting tool for bringing crystal magic into everyday life with style and simplicity. If you’re into crystal healing, oracle cards, or just love stunning gemstone photography, this deck is a gem worth adding to your collection. We recommended the deck for crystal lovers who’ll appreciate its beauty and approachable positivity especially those who are dipping their toes into tarot and oracle cards. It’s just a shame that the cards themselves look rather uninspiring and this may well put many people off.
Information and links
There’s not a lot we can say about the creator other than he has a background in design rather than the metaphysical.
His website: https://www.andrewsmart.work/the-stone-app
To order one of the decks:
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781452173283/Stone-Crystals-Deck-Energize-Life-1452173281/plp
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