Natural crystals and gemstones have quickly become a wellness trend, according to Stanford professor Marisa Galvez. She’s exploring their historical importance – stones that supposedly hold healing powers are believed to have healing energy as well.

Most gems form as crystals, solid structures whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered patterns. Understanding the geological processes that give rise to crystal formation is essential in understanding their properties.

Origin

People during the Middle Ages believed crystals and gemstones possessed magical healing properties and spiritual presence; many also associated them with good luck and fortune. Today, this belief remains strong.

Most minerals occur naturally as crystals. Their geometric forms and flat surfaces reflect their internal arrangement of atoms. Crystal formation occurs under specific conditions such as ideal temperatures and enough space to grow.

Gemstones come in all colors of the rainbow, although colorless stones such as diamonds and sapphires are most coveted. Rarely, crystals form layers over other minerals; for instance, when rain recycles rocks and minerals back onto Earth surface through raindrops. Phantom crystals may form from this phenomenon. It is fascinating yet rare; minerals form constantly around us with new ones constantly emerging – in this instance from fine layers of feldspar covering transparent quartz crystals with fine secondary layers called phantom crystals showing their own secondary crystal layers over other minerals – rare indeed, just like their unique gemstones reveal this fascinating phenomenon! Raindrops recycle rocks and minerals back onto Earth surface making them available for mining! It is an intriguing phenomenon yet uncommon occurrence; in nature countless new crystals forms daily so it recycles rocks back to usable levels allowing mining.

Energy

Crystals can be an effective way to enhance energy, strengthen spiritual connections, or heal emotional wounds. Their natural energies are thought to promote wellness according to centuries of folklore and tradition.

Natural stones are formed deep within the Earth and harvested using sustainable mining practices that minimize ecological impact. Fans of these gems use various means to connect with their healing properties – wearing jewelry with crystals attached, holding them during meditation sessions or placing them under moonlight to cleanse and recharge them are just some of their many methods for connecting.

Though there is no scientific proof that crystals can heal certain ailments, these stones may have a subtle, barely detectable impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Crystals should only be used to enhance your wellbeing; they shouldn’t replace professional treatment of anxiety, depression, or any other diagnosable conditions. In order to access their powerful energies successfully it requires having an open mindset with mindful interactions between you and them.

Meaning

Crystals and gemstones have long been valued for their aesthetic value and energy-boosting benefits, yet many misunderstand this mythical mineral’s origins as being spiritual or magical. Though its benefits appear magical at first glance, science firmly supports their properties.

An arrangement of atoms determines a mineral’s classification as a crystal or not, and determines both its chemical and physical properties, including color. Impurities within its atomic structure produce various hues when they interact with light to create distinct hues for different crystals.

To select the ideal crystal, first identify what areas need healing (physical or mental clarity, emotional healing or anything else). From there, research its characteristics to find which stones resonate most strongly with you physically or energetically. Visit a crystal shop and get acquainted with all their stones physically before trusting your intuition – you might just find your stone!

Value

Although natural crystals are rarer and hold their own special history in terms of formation by nature over millions of years, lab-created gems offer an ethical, sustainable, and cost-efficient alternative. Ultimately, you should choose what matters to you most.

Value of gemstones is determined by their rarity and beauty, both which come from their internal crystal structure. A crystal’s internal structure is determined by how its atoms are organized into an ordered lattice-like pattern.

As part of the crystal formation process, mineral inclusions may become trapped within the crystal solution and become part of its makeup. Minor inclusions might not alter its overall appearance but larger inclusions can increase its value; chatoyance in quartz gems (such as our faceted and cabochon star quartz) is created by parallel silk needle and rutile inclusions which refract light into an eye effect for an increased price tag.

Crystals such as rose quartz and amethyst are widely believed to possess healing properties for the mind, body, and soul. Discover how these stones have been utilized throughout centuries of spiritual practices across multiple ancient traditions.