a little rock that heals

It is safe to say that everywhere we look someone is talking about crystals, healing themselves or others with crystals, or probably just collecting them because it's the "it" thing to do. But crystals have been around longer than us; and actually they are cooler than most of us. The good thing about living in a time where information is just a click a way, is that when put to good use, we empower ourselves with knowledge. So before someone tells you to hold on tight to a rose quartz so love comes knocking at your door, dive a little deeper in why crystals carry so much power and mystery around them, and why have they stood the test of time. So buckle up my little witches, we're about to do some time traveling. 

Mesopotamia

The history of crystals and their healing properties dates back several millennia and is thought to begin as early as 4000 BCE. Some of the earliest documentation of using crystals and gemstones as healing elements dates back to the ancient Sumerians. Sumer was an ancient civilization founded in the Mesopotamia region of the Fertile Crescent situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Known for their innovations in language, governance, architecture and more; Sumerians are considered the creators of civilization as modern humans understand it. Their control of the region lasted for short of 2,000 years before the Babylonians took charge in 2004 B.C.

We now know that by using softer crystals, such as gypsum and hematite, ancient Sumerians created cylinder seals that could be inscribed with images and phrases in cuneiform. Cuneiform is a system of writing first developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia c. 3500-3000 BCE. The name comes from the Latin word cuneus for 'wedge' owing to the wedge-shaped style of writing. In cuneiform, a carefully cut writing implement known as a stylus is pressed into soft clay to produce wedge-like impressions that represent word-signs (pictographs) and, later, phonograms (closer to a modern-day understanding of a `word’). These seals often featured carved depictions of one’s station in life, important events such as birth and marriage, and religious ceremonies.

Because gypsum and hematite were thought to have protective properties, these cylinders were often placed in temples and used during spiritual ceremonies. Gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate hydrate, is a naturally occurring mineral found in layers of sedimentary rock all over the world. It is formed by the evaporation and replenishment of waters containing calcium and sulfates. Hematite is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface and in the shallow crust. It is an iron oxide with a chemical composition of Fe2O3. It is a common rock-forming mineral found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks at locations throughout the world.

Ancient Egypt

Perhaps the most well-known use of healing crystals throughout history dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Ancient Egyptians held a complex polytheistic belief system. Their religion featured multiple deities, each in control of a unique worldly element.

Royalty or individuals in high social standing often adorned themselves with certain crystals and stones in honor of their revered gods and goddesses. Royal ladies, for instance, often donned jewelry featuring crushed lapis lazuli stones, which were associated with Isis, the goddess of the sky. The stone’s blue color also symbolized the heavens which is why it can also be found on pharaohs tombs and masks. It is also associated with the Third Eye Chakra and the ability to perceive intuitively. To this day people still favor lapis lazuli jewelry to this day due to its powers of intuition and spiritual enlightenment.

Lapis lazuli, also known simply as "lapis," is a blue metamorphic rock. The most desirable specimens have a rich, solid blue color and perhaps a few reflective pieces of gold pyrite. Unlike most other gem materials, lapis lazuli is not a mineral. Instead, it is a rock composed of multiple minerals. The blue color of lapis lazuli is mainly derived from the presence of lazurite, a blue silicate mineral of the sodalite group.

It is speculated that the Egyptians pyramids were capped with crystals to channel cosmic forces into them.Since it was believed stones also had special healing powers, beads of lapis lazuli, malachite and red jasper were put around a sick person’s neck to alleviate their symptoms. They would also be pulverized and consumed as a medicinal drink depending on what ailment the person was suffering from and which crystal was considered most suitable to treat the ailment.

Some ancient Egyptians were even buried with quartz crystals on their foreheads. This was meant to provide safe travel as they moved into the afterlife. Quartz was also used to balance the Ba and Ka energies within one’s soul. The Ka is one’s individual life force, something everyone is believed to be born with. The Ba, represents unique aspects of one’s individual personality, such as their humor, kindness, or charm. Carrying quartz helped ancient Egyptians combine these two aspects of their soul and find balance within themselves.

Quartz is the most abundant mineral found at Earth's surface. It is present and plentiful in all parts of the world. It forms at all temperatures. It is abundant in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering. This durability makes it the dominant mineral of mountaintops and the primary constituent of beach, river, and desert sand. Quartz is ubiquitous, plentiful and durable.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greek beliefs and mythology play a large role in our modern understanding of healing stones and crystals. The word “crystal” is actually derived from the Greek word krustallos, meaning "ice." The ancient Greeks believed that clear crystals such as quartz were eternal ice sent down from the heavens.

Amethyst stones got their name from an ancient Greek myth involving the goddess Diana and Dionysus, the god of wine. Due to its association with the oft-inebriated Dionysus, amethyst was used as a means of maintaining sobriety, and it’s still used in this way today. According to Greek mythology, Amethyst was a young virgin who became the object of wrath of the Greek God Dionysus after he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone. When Dionysus realized what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as amethyst.

Middle Ages

The practical use of healing stones and crystals persisted well into the Middle Ages. During this time, which spanned from roughly 300 CE to 1500 CE, crystals and stones became more heavily researched.

Lapidaries, or tomes that explained the properties and uses of various stones and gems, began to emerge. The oldest remaining lapidary can be traced back to Theophrastus, an ancient Greek successor of Aristotle. Though his lapidary predated this era by several hundred years, Theophrastus’ tome was still widely referenced throughout the Middle Ages and well into the Renaissance era.

The lapidaries of this time spoke not only of the physical properties of certain stones—such as their reaction when exposed to fire—but also of their metaphysical and spiritual properties, including their abilities to ward off certain diseases and promote particular mental states.

The Middle Ages also brought about a rise in Christianity throughout Europe. Though this religious shift did discourage some ancient spiritual beliefs, the use of healing crystals can still be seen throughout the Bible. The priestly breastplate, for example, was said to include twelve jewels, each representing a different tribe of Israel.

First mentioned in the Book of Exodus and appearing in both the Christian and Jewish religions, this element was believed to determine God’s will. Though the exact name of each of these jewels has been subject to some contention over the years, some defining characteristics have helped historians determine what these stones may have been.

Most authors agree that the first stone was a red color—most likely sard, a stone commonly found in other cultures during this time. The identities of the other stones, however, are not as definite. The bareketh stone is described only as shimmering, and although it’s often believed to have been emerald, it could’ve also been onyx. Bareketh literally translates to “flashing stone”.

Modern Era

Looking back, it is safe to say that each civilization has had its own fascination with precious stones. We latch on to crystals partly because they have these contradictory physical qualities: they are both dark and transparent. You can see through them, and not at all.

Antient civilizations found comfort in the mystery that surrounded most crystals. They are literally a piece of our home planet, that through time and extreme circumstances have turned into these beautiful “rocks” that stand the test of time. Unique in every part of the world. They have been made by energy, we are energy, so it makes complete sense that for centuries crystals have been used as a vessel to heal and reach a higher vibration. In a way they fulfill our spiritual journey in the psychical world. Every civilization has encountered its own form of energetic block and imbalances; chakras are the concentrated energy centers of the body. They’ve always been. Chakra is a Sanskrit term and it means “wheel” or “disk”. Chakras are spinning wheels of energy and light. These energy portals are responsible for incorporating and emanating energy to keep us functioning at optimal levels. There are seven chakras in total, all represented by a different color, and there for a different crystal.

In order for us to understand spiritual practices, we must go back in time and properly study our own history as humans, and a sprinkle of science. All of our questions have already been answered for us, we just need to put in the work and look back. But in order to move forward, we must also put in the work and become more in touch with our intuition and vibrate at a higher level. It is only by growing as a modern civilization that we will be able to find healing in those things around us.

Some people go to church, some do yoga, and others collect and meditate with crystals. Whatever you do, just make sure to become a better human and have your facts straight.