Crystals – Where do they come from?

Crystals belong to the Natural Mineral Kingdom and are found all over the world, deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The term “crystal” comes from the ancient Greek word “krystallos,” meaning “ice.” The Greeks believed that rock crystal was water frozen so completely that it could never melt.

Crystals are formed deep within the Earth’s crust, where superheated gases and mineral-rich solutions move towards the surface through cracks and fissures at extremely high temperatures. As these substances cool, the atoms begin to organize into regular patterns called crystal lattices. Each crystal has its own unique lattice structure and carries a charge of piezoelectricity, a term derived from “piezo,” meaning to ‘squeeze’ or ‘press.’

As these mineral solutions approach the Earth’s surface and the pressure decreases, atoms from different minerals often combine to form more complex crystals. Typically, harder minerals like diamond, emerald, and quartz form at higher pressures and temperatures, resulting in a denser lattice structure. Softer minerals, such as calcite and turquoise, crystallize at lower temperatures and have a more open lattice.

Crystals are among the most stable structures on Earth, and their orderly formation is why they are so valuable in modern technology and in healing practices. They have the ability to support our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. In our next newsletter, we will explore how crystals work in greater detail.