Crystal are found all over the world and come in a multitude of shapes sizes and colors. The healing power of crystals have been acknowledged for centuries. But how are they formed and what are they made from?

Crystal Chemistry

Crystals are identified by the mineral content and their structure. What I mean by structure is the basic alignment of their inner axis. There are seven crystal systems. These systems are based on triangles, squares, rectangles, hexagons, rhomboids, parallelograms and trapeziums. These shapes are characterized by axis length, the angles between the axes and the number of symmetry centers.

All crystals are formed using a limited number of minerals that bond differently to create various types. However, it is the internal lattice or pattern as well as the minerals that formed them that determines it’s type, not its outward shape.

Whatever form crystals grow into, they have an uncanny ability to absorb, conserve, focus and emit energy – especially on the electromagnetic waveband. It is interesting to know that crystals have been tested using high tech equipment and have shown that they emit much more energy when being held or worn and less energy when they are sitting on a surface such as a table.

The chemistry of the stone has a lot to do with how much it vibrates. For instance, crystal containing copper have very powerful energy conduits that make them work quickly to heal joint pain and arthritic symptoms such as swelling. On the other hand, lithium based crystals give optimal benefit to alleviate depression while crystals containing iron are most helpful in boosting energy.

How Crystals Are Formed

Crystal were formed as the earth cooled. It was a continual metamorphosis as a result of eons of geological change. Because they contain a record of Earth’s development spanning millions of years and an indelible imprint of the powerful forces that formed our planet, crystals are considered by many as the DNA. Many experts have referred to them as Mother Earth’s brain cells.

As the planet’s crust formed due to cooling of it’s molten magma core, deep underground chambers formed much like the cave I described in Mexico's Fabulous Giant Cave Of Giant Crystals which contains the largest crystals ever discovered.

Igneous crystals such as quartz crystals are the most common types and are formed from the fiery gases and minerals that are forced upward from the Earth’s molten core, penetrating the mantle, or crust, the gases meet solid rock that forces them to cool and solidify. This is usually a slow and gradual process. Variations of the environmental conditions that these gases and minerals eventually reside in have a lot to do with what types of crystals are formed.

Metamorphic crystals such a Garnets are formed deep in the earth. It is there that, under intense pressure and heat, the minerals melt and re-form themselves, changing their inner structure. These types of crystals are the hardest. Diamonds are formed this way.

Sedimentary crystals form because of erosion. Surface rocks crumble and break down, usually due to mineral saturated water seeping through and around them. These types of crystals are very soft and are formed in layers.

Be sure to check out the pages I listed at the top of this page. You will find more information about specific crystals, how to maintain them and benefits of the different colors of crystals.