The World of Crystals
Beyond the outward beauty of crystals lies a fascinating, natural phenomenon. The idea of crystal healing draws curiosity and has the world looking closely at its possibility. You can now find a plethora of books and online resources on the subject of crystal healing. Moreover, people are searching for solutions to health issues. Although no scientific evidence supports the idea of crystals being able to heal, one could argue that healing comes in many forms. People understand this.
While we are all waiting for the next medical discovery, people intuitively know that alternative medicine can be beneficial to established medical practices. After all, there is always something to learn.
Science and medicine are constantly uncovering new facts. While this progress is undeniably significant, interest in alternative medical treatments like acupuncture, faith healing, Reiki, crystal therapy and others have increased over time. For many of us, these practices can be effective and supplementary extensions to our current medical practices. They might even imply these therapies are effective even if not yet based on the current science.
The information we provide here is based on our own experiences and many years of research. Check back with us as we will continue to share our discoveries. This is just the beginning of our exploration into the world of crystals. We hope it helps answer any questions you may have and that it stirs your curiosity to explore the wonderful world of crystals.
*Keep an open mind, do your homework, and try new things to see what works best for YOU. Take into account that crystal therapy is a complementary modality. Use it in conjunction with qualified medical professionals and alternative medicines. It is not a replacement for medical treatment, diagnosis, or examination. For medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare specialist.
What are crystals?
Crystals are natural mineral formations with unique shapes and properties. These minerals are commonly mined from the Earth’s surface and found in many parts of the world. Factors in their position include crystal structure, temperature, pressure, and weathering. Many kinds of minerals have crystals that change shape when exposed to heat or cold.
Diamonds, for example, are formed deep in the Earth and only reach the surface through volcanic eruptions or large underground tombs. Other minerals, such as quartz and agate, can change shape to a certain degree. One can find different forms of quartz by looking at sedimentary deposits from the waves or wind in various locations.
Gemologists describe crystals as a form of solid with atoms arranged in precise, repeating patterns. Crystals form in one of seven patterns called crystal systems. The crystal structure, shape, and chemical makeup of a particular stone or gem determine which mineral species it belongs in.
Rocks that make up our Earth planet and the planetary bodies in our solar system consist of minerals. These minerals occur naturally as crystal formations. Sometimes the rocks themselves have crystalline structures. For example, a geode is a naturally occurring (somewhat) spherical rock within a sedimentary and volcanic rock. Geodes are hollow and house masses of mineral matter which may contain crystals. Crystals are formed by deposits of minerals from heated water in the earthʻs crust. Dissolution of concretions and partial filling by the same (or other minerals) also cause crystal formation.
What are Gemstones?
Like most folks, when we think about crystals, we probably visualize gemstones. However, they only represent some of the best-known examples of crystals!
A gemstone is any mineral selected to withstand wear, pressure, or damage and beauty. These are typically cut and polished for adornment. Gem cutters or lapidaries tumble the stone, cab it, facet it, or carve it to achieve a desired design.
Still, some gemstones aren't crystals or even minerals. For example, amber lacks a clear crystal structure and is therefore known as amorphous. Amber formed from the sap on prehistoric trees. Some amber pieces contain insects and other creature inclusions.
Gems from deep in the earth, formed over millions of years from minerals, were subjected to intense temperatures, pressure, and other forces. In my opinion, they are living treasures from mother earth.
Close to Home
Did you know you donʻt have to look far to find crystals? Crystalline and polycrystalline materials can be found in many areas of our homes, for example, natural rock. Rocks, pebbles, and sand are all formed from eroded crystals meaning that the particles in stones and sand have the same crystal form. Artificial materials, like cement, can also contain the same properties. Quartz dust is present even in small amounts in the air.
Tiny pieces of crystals are all around us. They exist in our mountains, all the way to the ocean floor. When you walk on sand, youʻre walking on crystalline particles.
The Hawaiian islands were formed of lava. Magma (molten and semi-molten rock mixture) runs under the surface of the Earth. When it breaks the surface, as in a volcanic eruption, it is called lava. A variety of minerals contribute to the composition of lava rocks.
Ever wonder where black sand comes from? Black sand beaches are a composition of tiny micro-particles mixed with the mineral Magnetite (iron ore). There are approximately 20 black sand beaches worldwide, seven well-known in Hawaii. Black sand beaches are a rarity and could be gone over time. When black sand is washed away during a storm or strong current, it dosenʻt get replenished. That is one reason you cannot remove sand from Hawaii’s black-sand beaches.
The Big Island is also home to one of four green sand beaches found in the world. Like a Peridot Beach, the sand is made of Olivine, a common mineral found in Big Island lava. Olivine remains on this particular beach because it is heavier than other components of the lava.
Obsidian is formed from lava that has been super-cooled into glass in the final stages of a volcanic eruption. Silica minerals flow across the surface, then quickly cools. Apache Tears is also a natural Obsidian (volcanic glass), dark colored volcanic glass.
You can find Obsidian at Yellowstone National Park, the Newberry Crater in Oregon, or Glass Mountain in northern California. And yes, Hawaiʻi island is home to the sole source of Obsidian at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa. There is an interesting article on Obsidian here:
https://www.usgs.gov/news/volcano-watch-obsidian-scarce-commodity-hawaii
Crystals in Living Things
Crystals even show up in the world of living things. For instance, kidney stones found in dogs, cats, horses, and people and are known for having a naturally occurring crystal known as "struvite".
Do you know why pearls glimmer when exposed to sunlight? Sometimes, a tiny object can get stuck in an oyster's tissue. When attacked by this irritant, the creatures secrete a fluid (nacre) to protect them from infection. The crystalline mineral found in this fluid is called aragonite.
Over time, layers and layers of these tiny crystals form around the particle. This aragonite gives your pearl its beautiful sheen.
Even our bones and teeth are of crystals. Hydroxylapatite is a mineral of the apatite group that is the main inorganic constituent of tooth enamel and bone.
Crystals are everywhere. You can find them in mountains and bones, diamonds and dust. Our world of crystals is immense and offers a dazzling array of benefits.
I hope you enjoyed our introduction to the world of crystals. Until the next time, stay well!
Aloha a hui hou,
