The History of Crystals
Crystals have been used throughout the ages as talismans, amulets and adornment by many different civilisations in a multitude of ways.
The Ancient Sumerians where one of the first to reference the use of crystals within magic formulations.
The Ancient Egyptians used a number of different crystals and semi-precious stones in their jewellery such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald and clear quartz. Within the Ancient Egyptian culture these were used primarily for protection and health. The Egyptians also used crystals cosmetically as they ground down lead ore and used as kohl. The word crystal actually comes from the Greek word for ice.
The Ancient Greeks believed that clear quartz was water that had frozen so deeply that it would always remain in solid form. They also attributed a number of properties to crystals and many of the names that we use for crystals today are of Greek origin. Hematite was often crushed and placed on a soldier’s body as this was believed to make them invincible. The Romans used crystal talismans and amulets as they believed that they would enhance their health and enable them to attract desirable things.
The Chinese since ancient times have always valued Jade highly and have used crystals within their own healing and energy balancing therapies for example by using crystal tipped needles in acupuncture. The Aryuvedic practices in India also consider crystals as being valuable in the healing of emotional and metaphysical imbalances and conditions. Minerals, crystals, and gems have therefore been used for Millennia to enhance the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of people across many ancient civilisations.
Due to the advances in science and our greater understanding of frequency and vibration we now understand that all things are a form of energy. Each energy has its own frequency and vibration, including crystals. We have now begun to gain scientific evidence through the breakthroughs in quantum science and the concepts of electromagnetism that support what the ancients already knew that certain forms of energy can affect other forms of energy when the two are within the same space.
This is why crystal healing is now becoming more readily accepted in modern day society. Those who now practice Crystal Therapy believe that a crystal vibrates at its own frequency and that when it is placed within our own energy field it is able to connect to our own vibrational frequency and can stimulate biochemical responses that can affect our physical health in a positive manner.
Male and Female Crystals
Crystals can be male, female and even androgynous.
Male crystals should be recharged by the sun and female crystals by the moon.
Female crystals tend to be softer and smoother and more rounded whereas male crystals tend to be more rough, angular or phallic in shape. Male stones can give out a strong vibration and energy whereas female stones tend to emit a gentler and more subtle energy. Male crystals tend to transmit energy whereby female crystals tend to be more receptive to energy in nature. As male crystals project energy outwards they can be really useful for sending healing energy, projecting desires and wishes, aiding with confidence and self assurance and also helping with willpower and success. Examples of male crystals are:
Amber
Bloodstone
Carnelian
Citrine
Hematite
Quartz (clear)
Topaz
As female crystals are receptive in nature they can be really useful in relieving stress, aiding fertility, bringing forth love, aiding personal development, wisdom, understanding and intuition and in all areas of spirituality.
Examples of female crystals are:
Amethyst
Calcite (blue or pink)
Lapis Lazuli
Malachite
Moonstone
Celestine
Quartz (clear, rose, smoky)
Turquoise
As clear quartz can be both male and female when you choose a quartz feel the energy of the crystal and go with your intuition. This will help you to know whether the crystal is male or female.