Humans have long been enamoured with the mystical, ethereal nature of crystals. And, as powerful absorbers and transmitters of energy, they’ve become increasingly popular for their ability to enhance consciousness and mindfulness.
“Isn’t it incredible?” the shopkeeper said as I admired a deep-green, celestial formation. “Go ahead and hold it,” he enthused. I placed the rock in the palm of my hand and, within minutes, I felt a wave of warmth and a slight light-headedness rush over my body. My palm was warm and buzzing, and my heart and third eye chakra started to pulsate. I couldn’t comprehend the intensity that was emanating from this glass-like rock. “I feel a warmth in my head, almost like I’m dizzy,” I said to the shopkeeper. He chuckled and nodded. “That’s what we call the moldavite flush,” he replied. “Moldavite is an extremely rare crystal and although it’s smaller than a 50-cent coin, it’s one of the most powerful crystals I’ve ever come across.” A member of the tektite family — from the Greek word tektos, meaning molten — moldavite is believed to have formed after the large crash of a meteorite in what’s now recognised as the Czech Republic. It’s believed this occurred around 15 million years ago, only to be found by humans several thousand years ago.
Since then, mystics, shamans and scientists have been fascinated with this “space rock” and the other crystal formations that carry myriad energetic properties. It’s believed the Ancient Egyptians used crystals for protection, adorning themselves in quartz and lapis lazuli, while the ancient Chinese incorporated jade and rose quartz into healing techniques. In Japan, quartz represented perfection, while the indigenous cultures of Australia, North and South America used crystals in ritualistic ceremonies as a way of connecting with the divine.
Crystals are also mentioned in religious texts including the Bible and the Koran, representing purity and perfection. In medieval times, they were used for healing and provided inspiration to writers and poets, while 20th-century architects and writers drew inspiration from crystals.
Even though they’ve been seen as a source of divinity and creative inspiration, crystals have a deeper, grounding element. They’re formulated as magma travels upwards from the core of the earth’s crust and starts to cool, resulting in crystallisation, which is believed to take billions of years.
The structural makeup of crystals changes according to chemical differences, solar emission and even radiation. Certain crystals have been proven conduits of frequency and energy. An 1880 study conducted by French physicists Pierre and Jacques Curie found that when pressure is applied to various crystals, it becomes transmuted to mechanical energy. This process is referred to as piezoelectricity, and this finding underpins the use of quartz in making watches, clocks and other electronics.
So, what is it about these crystalline structures that has captivated humans for thousands of years? Perhaps there’s something about the life form of crystals that awakens something deeper within us. In his bestselling book, A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle writes: “What could be heavier and more impenetrable than a rock, the densest of all forms? And yet, some rocks undergo a change in their molecular structure, turn into crystals, and so become transparent to the light.” Crystals demonstrate something fundamental to the human condition: metamorphosis. In many ways, the metamorphosis that crystals undergo reflects that of the spiritual journey; travelling out of the dark and into the light.
Crystals in motion
From meditation to breath work, chakra (energy) balancing to simply placing them around your home, crystals can be used in a variety of different ways. When selecting crystals, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of seeking a particular crystal, pay attention to what attracts your attention. And, above all, trust that your intuition is guiding you.
Types of crystals
Amethyst
Element: Air and water
Chakra: Third eye and crown
Use: Psychic connection, spirituality, peace and communication
Clear quartz
Element: All (earth, air, fire and water)
Chakra: Crown
Use: Harmony, healing, clarity and regulating energy
Black obsidian
Element: Earth
Chakra: Root
Use: Grounding, cleansing negativity and spirit communication
Citrine
Element: Fire
Chakra: Sacral, solar plexus, crown
Use: Manifestation, wealth and protection
Rose quartz
Element: Earth and water
Chakra: Heart
Use: Love, kindness and compassion
Smoky quartz
Element: Earth/air
Chakra: Base and solar plexus
Use: Absorbs electromagnetic smog and negativity, healing and detoxification
Carnelian
Element: Fire
Chakra: Root
Use: Courage, strength, sexuality and vitality
Opal
Element: Water
Chakra: Dependent on colour of the opal
Use: Peace, love and loyalty
Words DANAE DIMITROPOULOU
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