Humans have long been enamoured with the mystical, ethereal nature of crystals. And, as powerful absorbers and transmitters of energy, they\u2019ve become increasingly popular for their ability to enhance consciousness and mindfulness.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t it incredible?\u201d the shopkeeper said as I admired a deep-green, celestial formation. \u201cGo ahead and hold it,\u201d 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\u2019t comprehend the intensity that was emanating from this glass-like rock. \u201cI feel a warmth in my head, almost like I\u2019m dizzy,\u201d I said to the shopkeeper. He chuckled and nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s what we call the moldavite flush,\u201d he replied. \u201cMoldavite is an extremely rare crystal and although it\u2019s smaller than a 50-cent coin, it\u2019s one of the most powerful crystals I\u2019ve ever come across.\u201d A member of the tektite family \u2014 from the Greek word tektos, meaning molten \u2014 moldavite is believed to have formed after the large crash of a meteorite in what\u2019s now recognised as the Czech Republic. It\u2019s 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 \u201cspace rock\u201d and the other crystal formations that carry myriad energetic properties. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.
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Even though they\u2019ve been seen as a source of divinity and creative inspiration, crystals have a deeper, grounding element. They\u2019re formulated as magma travels upwards from the core of the earth\u2019s crust and starts to cool, resulting in crystallisation, which is believed to take billions of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.
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So, what is it about these crystalline structures that has captivated humans for thousands of years? Perhaps there\u2019s something about the life form of crystals that awakens something deeper within us. In his bestselling book, A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle writes: \u201cWhat 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amethyst<\/strong> Clear quartz<\/strong> Black obsidian<\/strong> Citrine<\/strong> Rose quartz<\/strong> Smoky quartz<\/strong> Carnelian<\/strong>
Element: Air and water
Chakra: Third eye and crown
Use: Psychic connection, spirituality, peace and communication<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: All (earth, air, fire and water)
Chakra: Crown
Use: Harmony, healing, clarity and regulating energy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: Earth
Chakra: Root
Use: Grounding, cleansing negativity and spirit communication<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: Fire
Chakra: Sacral, solar plexus, crown
Use: Manifestation, wealth and protection<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: Earth and water
Chakra: Heart
Use: Love, kindness and compassion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: Earth\/air
Chakra: Base and solar plexus
Use: Absorbs electromagnetic smog and negativity, healing and detoxification<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Element: Fire
Chakra: Root
Use: Courage, strength, sexuality and vitality<\/p>\n\n\n\n