My
story about crystals goes as far back as when I lived and worked in South East
Asia region. There, I observed people from all walks of life keeping a few
pieces of crystals at home on their coffee table or elsewhere. When I asked
them about this, almost all of them believed that crystals absorb negativity
and protect them from negative energy. For that reason they also believed that
we should rinse the crystals with salt water, every now and then, in order to
wash away the negativity which they absorb. It was fascinating to observe this practice
in every household and hear their convictions about crystals. In time, I
started to search and read the available literature about crystals and, just for
the fun of it, I even bought a few of them and kept at home.
Crystals
by definition are “solids whose constituents, such as atoms, molecules or ions
are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal
lattice (ordered set) that extends in all directions”. A summary of what I learned about a few types
of crystals are presented as follows:
1.
Clear Quartz
Clear
quartz is transparent and colorless. It is the second-most-abundant mineral in
Earth’s continental crust after feldspar (rock-forming that make 60% of the
Earth’s crust), and is most commonly used in the making of jewelry.
There
are many different varieties of quartz, several of which are semi-precious
gemstones. The word “quartz” is derived from the German word “quarz” meaning
“hard”. The ancient Greek referred to quartz as “icy cold” because some
philosophers believed the mineral to be a form of supper cooled ice. Today, the
term rock crystal is sometimes used as an alternative name for the clear and
purest form of quartz.
Quartz
is the most common material identified as the mystical substance. It is found
regularly in passage tomb cemeteries in Europe in a burial context. It was also
used in many countries as stone tools by prehistoric people. Quartz has also
the ability to split light into a spectrum.
2.
Clear Quartz Crystal Egg
Quartz
crystal eggs are nicely cut and polished in China. They are known as “Master
Healer” and they amplify any energy or intention including the power of other
stones. They are used or held during meditation, they protect against
negativity, attune to your higher self and relieve pain. Gazing into the
crystal relaxes the mind and open it up to the vast energies of the other
working stones. They are known as “Power Stones”.
3.
Smoky Quartz
Smoky
quartz is a grey, translucent variety of quartz. It ranges from almost complete
transparency to a brownish-gray crystal that is almost opaque. Some can also be
black. Smoky quartz is a silicon dioxide by natural irradiation. Sunglasses, in
the form of flat panes of smoky quartz were used in china in the 12th
century.
This
mineral draws white light energy from the crown down through the body to be
deeply rooted into the physical plane. It initiates movement of primal forces
within the body and activates one’s survival instinct in a purified way. It
brings strength and stability, and a sense of personal pride in walking the
Earth and inhabiting a human form. Has emotional healing energy and
metaphysical properties. The healing properties include grounding, absorbing
negativity, protection from negative energy and transforming them to positive
energy. In general, it brings prosperity and good luck and helps in overcoming
negative emotions.
4.
Amethyst
Amethyst
is a popular form and a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The
name comes from the ancient Greek which means “not intoxicated”, a reference to
the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The medieval
European soldiers wore amethyst as protection in battle in the belief that
amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed. Amethyst is a semi-precious
stone and is the traditional birthstone for February. Tibetans consider
amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it. Amethyst is the
official state gemstone of South Carolina.
