Lately I have been trying to learn more about crystals and their metaphysical properties, often the term “crystal healing” is used but metaphysical properties are much more complex than that. I find it curious how so many people dismiss quickly, and often rudely, the possibility that crystals have metaphysical properties. I wonder whether those same people would dismiss so freely their friends’ beliefs in the existence of a god or gods, I hope not. As I see it neither has unequivocal scientific evidence to support its existence but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist – does it?
In this week’s article I look at definitions and also explore the tricky aspect of evidence relating to the metaphysical properties of crystals.
Definitions
The term "metaphysical" pertains to the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality and existence beyond the physical realm. It delves into abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space, often exploring questions about the ultimate nature of reality and the underlying principles that govern the universe. Metaphysics seeks to understand the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, the existence of abstract entities, and the nature of causality and change. In a broader sense, "metaphysical" can also refer to anything that transcends the physical world or pertains to spiritual or supernatural phenomena.
The Origins of the use of Crystals
The earliest evidence of crystal use for healing or spiritual purposes dates back thousands of years. Here are a few examples:
Ancient Civilizations: Crystals have been utilized for their purported healing properties by various ancient civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Native American tribes. For instance, ancient Egyptians used crystals like lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian in jewellery and amulets for protection and healing.
Ancient Texts: References to the use of crystals for healing purposes can be found in ancient texts such as the Vedas (sacred scriptures of Hinduism), where gems and crystals were described for their metaphysical properties. The ancient Greeks also wrote about the use of crystals in their medical practices.
Archaeological Finds: Archaeological discoveries, such as crystal artifacts found in burial sites or ancient temples, provide physical evidence of their use in ancient rituals and healing practices. For example, crystal skulls have been found in various parts of the world, often associated with spiritual or healing ceremonies.
Traditional Medicine: Many indigenous cultures around the world have long-standing traditions of using crystals for healing purposes. These traditions often involve rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual practices that incorporate the use of specific crystals believed to possess certain energies or properties beneficial for health and well-being.
While the specific methods and beliefs surrounding crystal healing may vary across cultures and time periods, the consistent presence of crystals in various historical contexts suggests a longstanding human fascination with their potential healing and spiritual qualities. So the evidence tells us that the belief in and use of crystals for healing and spiritual purposes in definitely not “New Age” or recent, it’s been around for thousands of years. What is true though is an increasing belief and use of crystals by our current generation.
Understanding Crystal Energies
So what is believed to be happening in the crystals that gives them their properties? It is thought that each crystal emits its own unique vibrational frequency, which can interact with the energy fields of living beings, including humans. In my article on crystals and minerals (12 April) I explained about the crystal lattice created by its atomic structure. It is scientifically proven that this atomic structure gives crystals their unique physical properties, such as their shape, colour, and clarity. It is thought that this ordered atomic structure also influences the energetic (vibrational) properties of crystals.
The energy fields of living beings
The concept of energy fields within living beings is a fundamental aspect of various traditional healing and spiritual practices, but it's important to distinguish between empirical evidence and anecdotal or subjective experiences.
Traditional Healing Systems: Many ancient healing traditions, such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and various indigenous healing practices, operate on the premise that the human body contains subtle energy fields that influence health and well-being. These traditions often describe energy pathways or meridians through which vital energy flows, and disruptions in this flow are believed to lead to illness or imbalance.
Scientific Research: While scientific research has not definitively identified or measured these energy fields in the same way as other physiological systems, such as the circulatory or nervous systems, there is ongoing scientific exploration into the concept. For example, bioelectromagnetic fields generated by the body's cells and tissues have been studied in the field of biophysics. Additionally, techniques such as biofeedback and electroencephalography (EEG) can detect and measure the body's electrical activity.
Subtle Energy Research: Some researchers and practitioners explore the concept of subtle energy fields through approaches such as biofield therapy, energy medicine, and bioelectromagnetics. While these fields of study often operate outside the mainstream scientific paradigm, they contribute to ongoing discussions about the nature of consciousness, energy, and health.
Subjective Experiences: Many individuals report subjective experiences related to energy fields, such as sensations of warmth, tingling, or pressure during energy healing sessions or meditation practices. While these experiences are significant to those who report them, they are inherently subjective and difficult to quantify or replicate in a controlled scientific setting.
Let's take a closer look at the different ways in which those crystal energies are being used.
Chakras and Energy Centres: In many belief systems, it is thought that the human body contains several energy centres, often referred to as chakras in Eastern traditions. Each chakra is associated with specific aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Different crystals are believed to resonate with and influence the energy of particular chakras. For example, amethyst is often associated with the crown chakra, believed to govern spirituality and consciousness, while rose quartz is associated with the heart chakra, believed to govern love and compassion.
Whilst crystals are used for healing they are also used for protection, to enhance certain attributes and to connect to spiritual realms, for example during meditation. I’ll cover how they are used in a separate article at a later date.
The Science Behind the Magic
While the metaphysical properties of crystals remain a subject of debate within the scientific community, there is evidence and acceptance that crystals possess a number of intriguing physical properties.
Electromagnetic Properties - Certain crystals exhibit piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, which means they can generate electric fields when mechanical stress is applied or when they experience changes in temperature, respectively. These properties have practical applications in various technologies, such as quartz crystals used in electronic devices like watches and computers. Quartz, for instance, is well-known for its ability to produce a precise electric signal when subjected to mechanical pressure, making it invaluable in timekeeping devices.
Furthermore, some crystals can interact with electromagnetic radiation in ways that are still being explored. For example, crystals such as tourmaline are said to have the ability to generate negative ions, which some believe can neutralize harmful electromagnetic fields emitted by electronic devices. When it is charged, a tourmaline crystal is essentially polarized, with one end being positive and the other negative, giving it the ability to attract or repel dust particles and ashes.
Magnetic properties – many crystals have magnetic properties although they are often difficult to detect, hematite and magnetite are two that can be routinely seen to display this property, hematite is often used in jewellery for this reason. Tip – if you want to know whether a crystal has magnetic properties hold it near to a compass, if the needle moves this confirms the crystal has magnetic properties. A compass can be more sensitive than a magnet. In 2021 scientists discovered a new crystal that exhibits an exotic form of magnetism, proving a theory that had been around for ninety years! You can read more about it here.
Fluorescence and phosphorescence - Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength. When a substance absorbs light, it temporarily boosts the energy of its electrons to a higher level. These excited electrons quickly return to their original, lower energy state, releasing the excess energy as light. This emitted light typically has a shorter wavelength and lower energy than the absorbed light. Fluorescence is usually short-lived, with the emitted light ceasing almost immediately after the excitation source is removed. Some substances continue to emit light for a time after the excitation ceases, but this is not considered true fluorescence and is often referred to as phosphorescence.
Phosphorescence is a type of luminescence in which a substance emits light after being exposed to light or another source of energy. Similar to fluorescence, phosphorescence involves the excitation of electrons to higher energy levels by absorbing light. However, in phosphorescence, the return of electrons to their original state and the emission of light occurs at a much slower rate. This results in a delayed emission of light, sometimes continuing for seconds, minutes, or even hours after the excitation source is removed. Phosphorescence is characterized by its long duration of light emission after the excitation ceases. This sustained emission distinguishes it from fluorescence. A number of crystals have these properties including diamond and fluorite to varying degrees.
Heat Absorption and Transmission - Crystals also exhibit varying degrees of thermal conductivity and heat absorption, depending on their chemical composition and crystal structure. For instance, diamond, with its tightly packed carbon atoms, is an excellent conductor of heat, while other crystals may have different thermal properties. The ability of crystals to absorb and transmit heat has practical implications in fields such as thermal management, where materials with specific thermal properties are utilized to regulate temperature in electronic devices, machinery, and infrastructure. Additionally, the study of crystals' thermal behaviour contributes to our understanding of heat transfer mechanisms at the atomic and molecular levels, informing the development of more efficient materials and technologies.
Metamorphism - The word "metamorphic" comes from the Greek words "meta," meaning "change," and "morph," meaning "form." In geology, "metamorphic" refers to a process where rocks change their form and structure due to intense heat, pressure, or chemical reactions deep within the Earth's crust or mantle.
In simpler terms, metamorphic rocks are like "makeover rocks" that undergo changes in appearance and structure due to intense conditions deep within the Earth, resulting in the formation of new rock types with different properties compared to their original form. For example marble used to be limestone. It may take millions of years for the change to occur but it does on a regular basis, its part of the rock cycle and you can read more about it here. In rare cases shells can become fossilized as rocks and then over time turn into opal or emerald still retaining the shape of the original shell, pretty amazing, these are called pseudomorphs.
Closing Thoughts
What we do know is that crystals have been used for thousands of years for healing, meditation and other spiritual purposes. Many of the ancients knew secrets that have been lost over the years, sadly the loss of ancient wisdom goes beyond that related to crystals.
There is much scientific evidence that crystals have the ability to transmit heat, they can turn UV light into fluorescence and phosphorescence and they can attract and repel dust through electromagnetic properties. They are used everyday in the watches and mobile phones. And let’s not forget metamorphic rocks, who can transform themselves from one rock type to another completely. Science tells us that crystals and minerals are so much more complex than merely static, inanimate objects, and the scientific community is still finding and proving new theories.
Given all the scientific evidence there is, it is not difficult to believe that there are many many things on this earth that we do not yet understand, including the full possibilities that minerals and crystals possess metaphysical properties beyond our abilities to understand them.
In a world plagued by stress and uncertainty, the allure of crystals offers a glimmer of hope and solace for those seeking balance and harmony in their lives. Whether viewed through the lens of ancient wisdom or modern science, the metaphysical properties of crystals continue to captivate the hearts and minds of spiritual seekers around the globe. Let us remain open to the infinite possibilities they hold and embrace the transformative power of their radiant energies.
At Geminlogical we pride ourselves on supplying handpicked crystals for our customers. We have hundreds of rare and unusual crystals in stock, mostly in their raw state, please take a look in our shop if you are looking for something special.
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