Crystal Age – Page 4 – Blog on Crystal Healing, Jewellery & Gemstones

Crystals for New Year Happiness Part 1

We might hanker after the latest smartphone or DVD of our favourite comedian during the build-up to Christmas, but as the New Year dawns there are really only two things we truly desire: happiness and prosperity. It’s why we make New Year’s resolutions to try and improve our lives or health and a determined mental attitude is often required to maintain these resolutions.

Below are a few descriptions of particularly beneficial healing crystals, one for each of the seven chakras, which will help encourage happiness and prosperity with their particular energies and influences which range from calming and soothing properties, through anti-depressant abilities (which aid the fight against the likes of Seasonal Affective Disorder), to qualities such as idea promoting and the strengthening of our will.

ALMANDINE GARNET varies in colour from a deep red to black and is strongly associated with the Base or Root Chakra. This healing crystal energises from the First Chakra all the way up through all the others, helping to eliminate negative or unhealthy inhibitions. Used to aid transformation, the Almandine Garnet Healing Crystal can give you the strength of will to remain steadfast in your New Year’s resolutions.

Almandine Garnet Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Base or Root (First Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Positively energising, confidence boosting and aids transformation.

Physical Attributes: Facilitates meditation.

Usage: Kept at home, the Garnet’s energising properties will emanate throughout. Also keep a red garnet with you to control anger.

CARNELIAN is known to bestow optimism, courage and inner-strength, while also having a grounding ability by promoting calmness and serenity. The Carnelian Healing Crystal can be a powerful anti-depressant to relieve negative thoughts and is especially useful in alleviating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be of great benefit right now as the New Year’s first couple of months are often the coldest and greyest of the year.

Carnelian Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Navel or Sacral Centre (Second Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Positivity, calming and depression relief.

Physical Attributes: Traditionally believed to staunch blood flow by calming it.

Usage: Carrying the stones or holding them during meditation will inspire the spiritual aspects, while drinking the essence of Carnelian is said to be a great anti-depressant.

AMBER is an especially useful crystal due to attributes which include bestowing good fortune and a strong sense of optimism upon those who feel its influence. Also known as a powerful healer, the Amber Healing Crystal has the distinction of being the earliest recorded precious stone as it is the preserved resin of ancient conifer trees.

Amber Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Solar Plexus (Third Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Luck, optimism, strength and self-confidence.

Physical Attributes: Helps joint problems and is good for the liver and kidneys.

Usage: Although primarily associated with the Third Chakra, amber can also influence the Seventh or Crown Chakra and can help relieve headaches by placing the stone upon the forehead. The spiritual attributes of amber will also flourish when placed around the home.

KUNZITE is another precious stone, sometimes called Pink Spodumene, which is especially good for combating depression as it is a very cheering and uplifting healing crystal. It is often used as a block for electromagnetic stress. These attributes of the Kunzite Healing Crystal are very useful in our search for happiness in the New Year.

Kunzite Crystal Information:

Chakra Alignment: Heart (Fourth Chakra).

Spiritual Attributes: Happiness and stress relief.

Physical Attributes: Can induce deep meditation.

Usage: Placing them around our living or work areas will help ease depression and lift our spirits. Become a ‘spiritual warrior’ by holding a spear-shaped kunzite crystal.

Can’t get enough of our New Years Resolution crystals? Come back next week for more fantastic crystal ideas in Crystals for New Year Happiness Part 2.

Festive Crystal Gift Ideas

If you are determined to get your loved one a truly special and unique gift this Christmas then why not opt for a beautiful and stunning crystal? Men, women and children of all ages, backgrounds and tastes can’t seem to resist the electrifying charms of opening an aesthetically beautiful and spiritually healing crystal. Whether your loved one is a veteran crystal collector, is a Feng Shui master or has never owned a crystal in their life, take a look at the following festive crystal gift ideas to help make Christmas 2013 a memorable one.

The Seasoned Crystal Healer

If your loved one has a penchant for exploiting the unique healing powers of crystals then why not indulge their spiritual senses further by presenting them with a crystal pendulum this Christmas? Crystal pendulums are meticulously crafted using superior crystals that are renowned for their healing attributes. For exceptional soothing powers give your loved one an Amethyst Egyptian Pendulum, a beautiful stone that has calm yet powerful healing energy.

The Feng Shui Fanatic

If your partner, daughter, cousin, friend or anyone you buy a Christmas gift for is into Feng Shui then why not whet their appetite for this ancient form of art and science further by giving them a stunning quartz hand-carved dragon turtle. This ancient Chinese symbol has been used for decades in Feng Shui as a means of creating more energy and spiritual power. It is believed that by positioning this symbol of power in a home will protect its inhabitants, bringing them luck, wealth and security. The symbol of the dragon-headed turtle carved out of quartz is also believed to protect the home from negative energy.

A Special Crystal Gift for a Child

It’s no secret that a lot of children get showered with too many toys than they can realistically play with on Christmas Day. Instead of adding to the long list of noisy, flashing toys a child is often overwhelmed with during the festive period why not give them a thoroughly unique gift they are likely to have and cherish in many years from now?

For example, if you child is showing an interest for science and archaeology, stimulate their interest by giving them a fossil gift box set. These stylish gift boxes contain a range of stunning fossils, meaning you will give someone a little piece of natural history. For example, this Calymene Trilobite is between 400 and 440 million years old and provides a truly wonderful gift for anyone fascinated by natural history and fossils.

Moonstone Jewellery for Her

If you want to show the lady in your life just how much you love and respect her this Christmas then giving her a piece of moonstone jewellery this year will certainly show your love and appreciation. Moonstone is a feminine crystal that is believed to nurture and protect. Asides its unique spiritual powers, moonstone jewellery looks absolutely stunning. This moonstone pendant for example, with its wonderfully ethereal and misty exterior, would complement an elegant Christmas outfit impeccably.

Crystals for Prosperity

Crystals aren’t just beautiful and compelling to look at but they have many unique healing and spiritual powers. From awarding greater self-esteem and confidence to healing sexual problems, the unique capabilities of various types of crystals have been exploited for centuries. But did you know that crystals can be used to help attract prosperity and abundance? If you could do with an infusion of fortune in the prosperity stakes take a look at the following crystals which are known for bringing wealth, prosperity and abundance.

Citrine

Citrine has been referred to as the ‘money stone’. ‘success stone’ and ‘merchants’ stone of wealth’. This stunning crystal is yellow or golden in colour and is a member of the quartz mineral group. Ancient cultures believed that placing this stone on the forehead of an elderly person would increase his psychic power.

Citrine is now commonly associated with being a stone of good fortune, which helps a person not only acquire wealth but maintain it. Putting a citrine crystal in your pocket or wallet will help nurture prosperity. Alternatively having citrine tumblestones in a bowl and set in any room in your home is a good idea to attract luck into your living space.

Green Aventurine

Green Aventurine has been used as a wealth and luck-generating aid for centuries. As a consequence of its lucky-associations, this thoroughly unique looking stone is popular amongst gamblers. In the world of minerals, aventurine in the good luck shamrock, bringing fortune, prosperity, abundance and happiness to all those who own it. Aventurine is associated with the heart chakra and in order for one to be financially secure, the heart must be ‘healed’ and radiate positive energy. Having this beautiful green stone in your possession will help this positive energy to be radiated, thus healing the heart.

Aventurine can be bought in many forms and is typically green or peach in colour. From a green aventurine crystal egg to a peach aventurine gemstone chip necklace, there are many ways you can utilise the prosperity-generating powers of aventurine. Though it has to be said that it is predominantly green aventurine that is particularly associated with wealth.

Pyrite

The name pyrite comes from the Greek word meaning “a stone which strikes fire.” Being typically golden in colour, pyrite is a traditional symbol for money and abundance. However, it is also worth knowing that it is also known as fool’s gold because it can found adjacent to gold deposits and has has been mistaken for gold.

Native Americans believed they could ‘look into someone’s soul’ when they peered into a polished piece of pyrite. Even today, placing a polished piece of iron pyrite tumblestone on the mantelpiece is said to bring wealth and prosperity to the household.

Peridot

Peridot is another ‘stone of money’. It is believed that if you put a piece of peridot with a lump of citrine in your purse it will protect the money and help bring on more finance and wealth. It is also said that only spiritual and clear-minded individuals should exploit the charms of peridot.

Instead of carrying around an awkwardly-shaped piece of peridot in your purse, why not utilise its money-making powers by wearing a stunning peridot pendant around your neck?

Best Crystals for Christmas

With their twinkling, shiny exterior, elegant look and glamorous presence, crystals can help intensify the character of Christmas. Not only do crystals make a great Christmas gift ideas but they also make fantastic decorations. If you want to add some spice into the forthcoming festive season take a look at the following great ways to incorporate crystals at Christmas.

Crystal Gift Boxes

If you want to give your loved one a unique and special gift this Christmas, a crystal gift box could possibly by the ideal present. Whether you choose a large Agate Geode crystal or a Amethyst Cluster, these special stones all come in an elegant gift box and make a beautiful accessory in a home.

Fossils Make and Educational Gift

Children never fail to be fascinated by the enduring quality and beauty of fossils. If you have a archeological-inquisitive child are want to give them a Christmas gift that will satisfy their curiosity, a fossil gift box will put a piece of natural history in your child’s bedroom.

Crystal Jewellery Gift Boxes

There is nothing quite like a piece of crystal jewellery to make an eye-catching Xmas gift. For example, the Opalite Jewellery Set includes earrings, a bracelet and a necklace that comprise of tumbled crystal nuggets to create a soft, natural and alluring look. The exquisite shades of blues and pinks augment the mystifying essence of this gorgeous set of jewellery. Opalite is believed to have healing powers, including calming the nerves, alleviating depression and inducing serenity. It is also said that opalite crystals enhance true love, thus making the crystal jewellery gift the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one.

Crystal Christmas Decorations

To really utilise crystals to their optimum during the festive season, why not incorporate them into the decorations? Give your Christmas tree some lavish flamboyance by placing crystal charms among the baubles and tinsel. Crystal charms that comprise of pearls, gem chips and smooth tumble stone would make a great addition to a tree. With its varying shades of contrasting greens, the Gemini Birthstone Crystal Charm Chrysocolla Howlite would provide an elegant touch to a Christmas tree adorned in a stylish and unique way.

Crystal Tea Light Holders

Tea lights create an atmospheric vibe, which is especially enchanting during the festive celebrations. Make tea lights even more conspicuous by placing them in a crystal holder. This Calcite Deep Polished Tea Light Holder with its soft translucent exterior glows warmly when a lit candle is placing in it, making a fantastic accessory at Christmas.

Drilled Tumblestones

Another fantastic stocking filler are drilled tumbstones. With pre-drilled holes running through the stone, the receiver of these stunning stones can make their own distinctive bead jewellery. With its eye-catching deep blue tone and unique swirls of green swirling over the stone, the Blue Howlite Drilled Tumble Stone would make a fantastic gift for any creative loved ones who like to make their own thoroughly individual jewellery.

Top Crystal Stocking Fillers for Under £5

It’s nice to give a few little extra things at Christmas other than the big fancy present. It’s often the little things which touch our hearts the most and help us remember how much we are loved. There are plenty of crystal options for this kind of stocking filler present which aren’t expensive but will be cherished for many years to come. Simple items like Amethyst Crystal Beads will be used in craftwork (or made into jewellery) and then appreciated for a long time after the big fancy present of the latest video games console has become outdated.

Here are another five awesome stocking filler gifts that you can get for under £5 which will last a lot longer and mean so much more to the receiver than a pair of socks with Bart Simpson’s face on them.

Crystal Eggs are beautifully polished embodiments of your favourite crystal which are ideal for holding during meditation or placing upon your body while relaxing and clearing your mind. They make fantastic ornaments for your home or healing area, and there are many examples available for less than £5, such as the Green Aventurine Crystal Egg, which is variety of quartz and said to bring balance and harmony to a household.

Similar to the eggs, Crystal Spheres are another lovely gift you can pick up several varieties of for under £5. Radiating crystal energy equally in all directions, the crystal spheres are also ideal for scrying (crystal ball gazing) as well as making excellent ornamental pieces. The African Jade Crystal Sphere is said to be detoxifying and spiritually cleansing, and these kinds of crystals are even more brilliant when teamed with other similar such items, though they still look wonderful even on their own.

Crystal Carvings make perfect stocking filler gifts, as not only are they beautifully crafted to be wonderful ornaments, the materials they are carved out of can bring many positive influences into the home. The Seftonite Carved Dragon Turtle, for example, is a representation of a legendary creature consisting of two of the four celestial beasts of Chinese mythology; a dragon’s head on the body of a turtle. It is a symbol of courage and power.

Energy Domes are another type of crystal creation which help fill a stocking for under £5. They bring positive energy into the home and are again beautiful ornamental pieces as well. The Blue Apatite Energy Dome is known to encourage energetic and extroverted behaviour, while being particularly associated with promoting communication on all levels.

Agate Slices are simple but spectacular gifts that you can get a couple of for under £5. The thin slices display the intricately banded structure of agate, as seen here with this lovely blue Agate Slice. They should ideally be placed where a light source can shine through them and make the colours glow in a magical way. Agate is also associated with harmony and balance and thus the agate slices have a heartfelt symbolic significance too.

The Use of Crystals Throughout History

The history of crystal healing stretches as far back as historical records themselves, with every indication that they were utilised by human societies all around the world for a long time before records began.

The Mayans, for example, are known to have used crystals for physical and spiritual healing as well as for diagnosing illnesses, while the healing power of crystals is described in detail in the Vedas, Hindu holy texts that are thousands of years old.

Ancient Egyptian culture also embraced crystals for healing purposes as well as for protection, with their use by the famous civilisation documented in the Ebers Papyrus, a preserved medical text dating back to 1550 BCE which can still be viewed today in the library of the University of Leipzig, Germany.

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt also lined their heafddresses with gemstones and crystals which encouraged wisdom and protected them against various weaknesses, with the intention of making them better rulers of the people. Their tombs have also been discovered to contain many different types of crystals embedded in their sarcophagi and ornaments surrounding their final resting places.

Crystal Healing

An ancient practice that is still relevant today is Chinese medicine, which again is thousands of years old, and also used crystals for their healing energies.

Today, crystals are still used in Chinese acupuncture and they are vital to the processes of Pranic healing. Tibetan Buddhists, alongside Hindus, also use crystals in their healing methods, with the Ayurvedic traditional medicine system still very popular on the Indian sub-continent.

Crystals have also been popular in Christianity and Islam, with the former’s holy book, the Bible, featuring over 200 mentions of crystals throughout its scriptures.

The Islamic prophet Muhammad was thought to wear several symbolic rings, among them being an opal crystal ring for beauty and dignity, a turquoise ring that represented victory and invoked divine assistance in battle, and a carnelian ring for protection from enemies and misfortune.

Another modern use of crystals that has its roots in ancient lore is Feng Shui, which is the practice of manipulating and influencing the energies, or Life Force, that exist in everything around us. The Universal Life Force consists of five elemental components which can be reduced or enhanced by crystals to increase or decrease the flow of certain energies in a room.

Dependence on crystal healing has lessened over the centuries as scientific and medical advances have provided modern human society with so many more options when it comes to physical healing, but the mental and spiritual aspects of crystal healing are still relevant as their current popularity will testify. People still turn to crystal therapy to enhance their spiritual well-being and improve their mental capacity due to the incredible effects that positive thinking can have on our daily lives. It’s not just about thinking good thoughts, but surrounding ourselves with particular positive energies which influence and encourage certain aspects of our spirituality and mental health.

The fact that crystal healing has endured throughout the ages is evidence that its effect on these important elements of being human should not be underestimated.

Crystals for Beginners

The word crystal comes from the Greek word ‘Krystallos’, which means frozen light.

With their distinctive pattern, shape and composition, beautiful tones and flickers of sparkle in certain lights, there is something compellingly fascinating about crystals. From draping them around our neck to enhance an outfit to putting them pride of place on the mantle piece for all to see, or using them as a potent aid for crystal healing and meditation, these divine precious stones have a multitude of uses.

If you are keen to start utilising the unique powers of crystals but are unsure where to start take a look at the following guide to crystals for beginners.

The Different Type of Crystals

There are essentially seven different types of crystals. They are classified according to their shape, which are cubic, trigonal, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, triclinic and monoclinic. The atoms of a mineral form the geometric shapes that make up the crystals. Minerals are defined by their chemicals that make them up and the way in which they crystallise.

When crystals are categorised by their physical/chemical properties there are four types of this precious stone: Covalent crystals, which has real chemical covalent between all of the atoms in the precious stone. Metallic crystals refer to gemstones that are made up of individual metal atoms that sit on lattice sites while outer electrons flow freely around the lattice. Ionic crystals are where the individual atoms are held together by electrostatic forces. Molecular crystals are held together by a chemical bond. These types of gemstones tend to be soft and have lower melting points.

The Different Uses of Crystals

When we think of crystals, beautiful jewellery such as stunning crystal pendants and exquisite crystal beads immediately spring to mind.

As well as buying ready made pieces of crystal jewellery to compliment and enhance an outfit for a special occasion, incorporating crystals into your jewellery can be a lot of fun.

With their stunning natural tones and striking patterns, agate beads are the perfect accessory to make your own unique and vibrant crystal beads. Agate
is one of the most attractive crystals that comes in a wide range of colours, from pale blue to black and white stripes.

Crystals & Feng Shui

Crystals are by no means just for wearing and are used as sacred objects in a number of healing activities.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese process that examines how people are affected by the environment in which they live. In Feng Shui, crystals are used to help create good energy in a home.

For example, rose quartz crystal is used in Feng Shui to attract romance and love or to help heal a broken heart. Citrine crystals help heal those with low self-esteem while black tourmaline has strong protective energies.

Crystals & Meditation

Meditating with crystals brings a whole new dimension to this ancient healing practice. You will need to choose what type of crystal you want to meditate with.

It is believed that if you choose a crystal with patterns or fault lines in it, you will ‘lose yourself’ within the crystal whilst meditating. For anyone interested in spirituality and crystals, meditation utilises both.

Using crystal balls can be a great way to radiate the energy of crystals in all directions while meditating. For example, beautiful calcite crystal balls are considered particularly spiritual and uplifting and have unique physical healing powers.

Best Crystals to Have in Your Crystal Healing Kit

Although we recommend you seek medical guidance for prolonged or severe pain or discomfort, we recommend the below healing stones as part of your home crystal healing kit. Each one has a unique, everyday healing property that is you will be glad to have at your fingertips as life’s little crises arise.

Emerald

Emerald, the precious birthstone for May, is said to enhance your ability to live life to the full and with several notable healing powers, this is an essential stone for your healing kit.

It has the ability to help fight off infection, ease rheumatic disorder and detoxify the liver. Emerald can also enhance memory and if worn as a ring on the small finger of the left hand, this gem will also soothe sore eyes.

Emerald is very balancing and is reputed to help us to recover from dramatic upheavals in our lives. It is said to bestow harmony, unity and cooperation.

Amethyst

A member of the Quartz family, this beautiful purple gem is useful for those who lead a stressful work or life balance.

February’s birthstone is known to alleviate many conditions of the mind such as a headache or depression; it does this by helping you to relax. For this reason, Amethyst can also assist in overcoming dependency on chemical substances, such as smoking.

Healing amethyst can be used to release tension and relieve physical and emotional pain, even combating addictions.

Sunstone & Moonstone

These two stones are symbolically linked, and if carried together they will bring the protection of Sunstone into harmony with the peace of Moonstone.

By placing a sunstone in front of a white candle, you will spread protective energy, promote self healing, increase energy levels and improve organ functionality.

Wearing moonstone as a pendent is the most effective, and peaks during a full moon. It eases emotional stress and brings tranquillity to the wearer.

Citrine

A cousin of Amethyst, Citrine has many distinct healing properties and is particularly effective in conjunction with meditation and yoga, either by holding it in your palm or in contact with the body somewhere.

Citrine will assist with pain reduction with digestive or urinal ailments. If this stunning crystal is kept under a pillow, it will help you sleep sound by eliminating any nightmares you may have.

This crystal is also believed to raise one’s self-esteem, combatting tendencies toward self-destruction. Citrine is good for overall emotional well-being.

Bloodstone

The green, red spotted bloodstone is considered throughout history to represent the blood of Christ falling onto the green earth.

Aptly, it is a stone that aids circulation, reduces blood clots and can stop a nosebleed. The stone’s effects are said to be most effective when you lie on your stomach, with the stone on your back.

Bloodstone is calming and aids self-protection. In some crystal healing systems it is also considered a fertility aid.

Lapis Lazuli

Mined for over 4000 years, this powerful stone is one of the highest prized in Egypt, even appearing on the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun.

It’s healing properties relate to the sinus channels of the body, reducing lymph node swelling and boosting the endocrine system. For these reasons, Lapis Lazuli is great for treating throat and ear pain and infections.

Heated in warm water or sunlight, and gently rubbed across skin, Lapis Lazuli will also help to heal sties, insect bites and bruising.

All About Crystal Balls & Scrying

We’ve all seen images and films depicting witches and sorcerers gazing into gleaming crystal balls, peering into the future. From ancient times, crystal spheres have been considered by mystics to be of the perfect shape and material – often clear quartz – to access hidden information as well as for crystal healing. This practice of gazing into crystal balls is also known as ‘scrying’ and, as we’ll see, can often involve the use of elements other than spheres.

Why A Crystal Ball?

The spherical shape of a crystal ball is said to have the energy of harmony and perfection, radiating the energy of crystals equally in all directions. The properties of quartz crystal also play a large part in this, being one of the most important healing crystals available. Quartz crystal is reputed to channel energy through its helical spiral crystalline form. Even the most subtle healing energy can be channelled by a crystal ball into any space, neutralising many negative emotions.

What is Scrying?

Diviners and fortune tellers have used crystal balls as a way of looking into the future or simply for specific revelations. Scrying can be practiced using diverse elements such as water, fire, leaves, smoke, or polished scrying mirrors. In fact, any smooth surface may be used, such as a bowl of liquid, a pond, or a crystal (especially crystal balls). In the past, the visions that resulted from staring into these elements were believed to have come from the spirit world. Today, any images that emerge are thought to come from the subconscious. When using crystal balls for scrying, a person focuses their attention on the sphere, discarding unwanted thoughts and going into a trance. Any images that appear are then are acknowledged and this leads to an even deeper trance state. The scryer then interprets the flow of images like a movie.

Scrying throughout History

Throughout history, spiritual visions have been sought through the practice of scrying – which uses not only crystal spheres but other objects as well.

According to the Shahnameh, a late 10^th century Persian epic work, the Cup of Jamshid – a cup of divination – was used by wizards as a way of looking at the seven layers of the universe.
Joseph Smith, prophet of the Mormon religion, claimed to have used ‘seeing stones’ in order to translate an ancient text he had discovered.
Nostradamus was perhaps the most famous scryer, using a bowl of water to see into the future while in trance.

Which Crystal Ball Should I Choose?

For scrying, choose a crystal ball that appeals to you the most and whose properties correspond with your needs. Clear quartz, smoky quartz, and amethyst are the most popular of the crystal spheres. Remember, a crystal ball need not be for divination – they make wonderful display pieces and unique additions to home décor.

Are Crystal Skulls Real?

There is a legend of thirteen ancient crystal skulls from the Mayans lost civilization, that when united will bring universal knowledge. There are today real crystal skulls in existence that range from a few inches in diameter to life size. They are in the possession of various owners, the remainder on exhibition in the British Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Musee de l’Homme in Paris.

Believers in the supernatural consider crystal skulls to be much more than simply interesting artefacts. They look to the skulls as objects of divination, that can be used similarly to crystal balls for scrying and seeing into the future.

There is still great controversy amongst believers and sceptics as to the origins of the skulls. Believers will say that they are thousands of years old, possibly relics of lost civilizations like Atlantis. Sceptics say they are fakes, carved not much longer than a few hundred years ago.

Famous Crystal Skulls

The most famous of the skulls is the The Mitchell-Hedges Skull. This skull was discovered in the 1920s by British adventurer Anna Mitchel Hedges, allegedly beneath a Mayan temple in Belize. According to Anna, the Mayans told her that this quartz skull was used to ‘will death’. Anna has also claimed that she has used this skull for healing.

Art restorer Frank Dorland studied the skull for six years, claiming the sound of a choir singing coming from its structure. Dorland also said while gazing into the skull, he was able to see shifting images. Dorland took the skull to Hewlett-Packard researchers who determined that it was carved from a single piece of crystal.

Made from cloudy quartz, the British Museum crystal skull is of similar size to the Mitchell-Hedges skull though less detailed. The museum acquired it from Tiffany & co in 1898. The skull is supposedly from Mexico, of Aztec origin.

The skull kept in the Musée de l’Homme in Paris is half the size of the previously mentioned skulls, and was also thought to be Aztec, donated to the museum in 1878 by Alphonse Pinart.

Larger than any of these is the 9 inch high, 8 inch long skull now in the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. The museum received the skull in the mail in 1992 with an anonymous note stating that it was an ‘Aztec crystal skull’ and ‘purchased in Mexico City in 1960’. Several other, smaller skulls also exist in museums. These include the clear quartz ‘Texas Crystal Skull,’ the ‘ET’ skull made from smoky quartz and found by a Central American family.

Crystal Skulls – Ancient Wisdom?

Those who believe in the supernatural qualities of crystal skulls point to the piezoelectric properties of quartz crystal as evidence of the skulls’ power. Devotees assert that the skulls hold the history of the earth in their structure, rather like computer chips. All that is needed is the correct method of reading this information. Today, crystal skulls are very popular as ornaments and, depending on what crystal they are carved from, are said to be useful for scrying and divination.

Are the thirteen skulls true supernatural objects or are they recent fakes? It is a fact that skulls figure prominently in Mexican and Central American culture, therefore some of the skulls could indeed be ancient artefacts. Are they doorways into the past or future? Until their complex codes can be deciphered, we can only speculate.