Still, it seems that the sparkling stones are likely here to stay, meaning that now is the perfect time to raise awareness around their realities. Read on for five things to consider if you’re looking to grow your crystal collection—or perhaps rethink it entirely.

5 Things to Keep In Mind When Buying (or Not Buying) Healing Crystals

sustainable crystals

1. Is Traceability Possible?

Unfortunately, the answer is usually no. Even those in the trade have a difficult time determining exactly how, where, when, and by whom crystals were sourced.

Attending a gem show (like the world-famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in Arizona) allows you to attend seminars, further your own knowledge, and speak to dealers directly about sourcing, allowing you to decide for yourself where (and if) to further your collection.

2. Mining Crystals Comes at an Environmental Cost

Demand for crystals means an increase in irresponsible practices to increase the supply. This means more mining, which results in the pollution of air and waterways, along with dramatic and invasive effects on landscape, wildlife, and overall biodiversity.

3. There’s a Human Cost, Too

The mining of crystals defines the lives of those who live in the surrounding areas, upending human ecosystems and resulting in exploitation. Many of the most popular minerals come from Third World countries (think Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo) where the stones are mined minus regulations around working conditions.

According to The Guardian, children as young as seven years old work to mine stones like citrine and smokey quartz from the Congo’s cobalt and copper mines, while “the Taliban earns up to $20 million a year from Afghanistan’s lapis mines.”

4. Crystals Are Non-Renewable

Though crystals are naturally occurring, they’re also a non-renewable resource. If we keep extracting the minerals at our current rate, we will eventually run out of them altogether.

5. Do You Really Need That Crystal?

Pause for a moment and let your intuition be your guide.

If you’re interested in a crystal for its decorative beauty, consider opting for a flowering houseplant or even a handmade piece of art or sculpture. And if it’s healing your after, keep the mineral’s entire journey in mind—you may feel a call to invest in another means of self-care.