Crystals: Where Mysticism and Science Find Common Ground

Beautiful prismatic chambers of light, elegant offerings from the earth, crystals are so much more than meets the eye.

You don’t need to be a geologist or privy to the world of alternative medicine to have heard the buzz surrounding crystals. Their uses range far and wide often bordering on the mystical. These exquisitely mysterious minerals have penetrated the hearts of people and entire cultures around the globe, not just recently, but for centuries.

“A turquoise given by a loving hand carries with it happiness and good fortune.”

— Arabic proverb

The science behind crystals

Crystal structure

Crystals are some of the oldest formations on earth. Some of the oldest known crystals, called Zircon, have been dated as far back as 4.4 billion years. Nearly indestructible, Zircon is very much like tiny time capsules. As crystals form they create a record of their environment.

Studying the chemical fingerprint captured inside the listening walls of Zircon crystal formations has unlocked incredible clues as to what our planet actually looked like in its very beginning years.

Image by Jamie L. Golob: Clear Quartz points and Aura Quartz

“This is basically our only window into the formative stages of our planet.”

— Associate Professor Dustin Trail of the University of Rochester

Energy vibration

All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. That means you and I are made up of atoms. Here’s where it gets interesting. It’s common scientific knowledge that an atom is 99.999% empty space. With 99.999% of our body being empty space… what occupies that empty space? Energy!

Everything is energy, and energy is everything. You, the chair you’re sitting on, the drink in your hand, your cell phone, and your cat are all vibrating energy. According to Dr. Kerry D’Ambrogio of the D’Ambrogio Institute, “Quantum physics states that mass and energy are interchangeable, and consequently that mass is merely a manifestation of energy… When applied to the human body, every atom, molecule, cell, tissue, and body system is composed of energy that when superimposed on each other creates what is known as the human energy field.”

Crystal energy

How can crystals interact with us?

Like all other matter, crystals vibrate with energy. Each crystal resonates on a different frequency. In addition, the structure of crystals allows them to respond to the input of neighboring energies. In this way, they may act as a conduit and are able to communicate with our energy. So, let's consider the human energy field mentioned by Dr. D’Ambrogio. This field translates into what is known as our chakras. The seven main human chakras are major energy centers pertaining to specific areas of the body. Each vibrating on its own frequency.

When a crystal is placed in direct proximity of the human body there’s a scientifically proven reaction.

Tourmaline is amongst my favorite.

Tourmaline has the ability to emit negative ions and far-infrared rays. Because tourmaline is both pyroelectric, as well as piezoelectric It can become its own source of electric charge. It can actually produce its own heat. For these reasons, it’s earned the reputation of being a “magical” stone. Metaphysicians consider it to be a powerful healing tool and use it to aid in the body’s detoxification process.

Crystals have been coveted throughout history

Kings and queens used crystals for protection.

In medieval times crystals were thought to hold magical power by royal court monks and diviners. Magic was considered a part of everyday life. Royal crowns were intentionally studded with semi-precious jewels and crystals thought to protect rulers from misfortune and gift them with power and good health.

The Brtish royal family is no exception. The queen’s crown is adorned with 2901 precious stones. Most significant is the 170-carat rudy placed directly in the center of the crown, made to hover over the queen's third eye chakra. That’s no accident. Rudy is said to endow the wearer with power, courage and to specifically protect from calamity and poison.

Jewelers use quartz to make watches

Quartz, the most commonly used of crystals, maintains a precise frequency standard. Watchmakers take advantage of this by using quartz to regulate the inner movement of clocks thus ensuring the accuracy of time.

Metaphysicians and shamans use crystals for healing

Chrystals positively interact with our own body’s energy field or chakras. They vibrate at varying frequencies according to their makeup. Some encourage a sense of calm while others promote thought clarity, confidence… even deflect negativity.

The careful study of crystals and their frequencies enables their use by trained energy workers to right energetic imbalances in the human body.

‘If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.’

— Nikola Tesla

Scientists use crystals in microchips for cell phones and televisions

Who doesn’t love their T.V.? For something we spend so much time staring at, how much do we really know about it? Would you have guessed that inside an LCD television, the pixels of the screen are switched on or off electronically using liquid crystals to rotate polarized light?

Bringing some magic into your life

One of the things I love most about crystals is their ability to transcend race, religion, gender, and social status. Crystals are for everyone! I found my first crystal at a yard sale in a box of bric-a-brac for $5. Covered in a thin layer of dust and grime, it’s shimmer still managed to peek out at me. I bought it, washed it off, and stood in awe of its depth and brilliance. I remember thinking it looked like ice and diamonds colliding. I felt as though I was holding a priceless pirates treasure. I adored just staring at my yard sale find. I kept it on my writing desk and would often gaze into it looking for creative inspiration… a gentle and luminous playground of refracting light… my mind could wander and imagine.

A stone and a friend

Months later, window shopping at an outdoor mall, I stumbled on a small polished turquoise stone. It was laying in the middle of the sidewalk. I picked it up, took it home, and added it to my desks growing collection. For those of you familiar with turquoise, you’ll know that it’s famous and highly sought after for its vivid natural teal coloring. It’s absolutely exquisite. I still have no idea where that stone could have come from and why it was just laying there… or why no one else had picked it up.

It’s said that crystals find you. Think of this concept in terms of energy. We attract what we need. If we’re feeling anxious or stressed, amethyst will resonate with us. Something about the particular crystal will attract our attention. One morning, taking a seat at my desk, I looked up to find my lovely turquoise had broken completely in two. As if a hammer had hit it. It was such an odd thing to find, that I needed an explanation. My research led me to an ancient American Indian belief that turquoise is a guardian. If danger or calamity is headed your way, turquoise will absorb the hit. Essentially, the stone will break having shielded its owner. What a powerful concept.

I think often about that stone, my friend. Did it sacrifice itself for my well-being? Could I believe that? Sure. We all want to believe in magic. One thing I can say with certainty is, the deeper I dig, the more fascinating crystals become. I once bought an aura quartz crystal. You’ll think I’m overexaggerating, but this story is completely true! I had wanted one for quite some time and finally found one I liked. I set it proudly on my nightstand. It shimmered magnificently like a tiny disco ball… it just set off the whole room.

That evening, climbing into bed, I was getting an awful headache. I glanced at my night stand and the crystal was missing! That little sucker had gone. I’ve no idea how or why. It reappeared a week later in the back seat of my car. While I was happy to retrieve it, I was also really freaked out. Oddly enough, the past few days prior to finding it, I noticed I had headaches while driving to work that would subside once my day began.

The next day, it again, went missing. This time I didn’t find it for a month! It should come as no surprise to you that as I’m writing this… I have no idea where that crystal is right now. I’m convinced that the two of us were simply not a vibrational match. Some crystals are drawn to you… and others away… much like magnets.

Give it a try

Whether it's my wandering gnome of an aura quartz or the quartz movement in your watch, crystals are hard at work all around us. We need not go far to see their influence.