Ooo this thread just reminded me that I had a pretty amazing dream about this stone the other day...I really want one. It is Larimar, the Dolphin Stone. It's so beautiful! In the dream I was in the sea and I discovered this gorgeous stone on the ocean bottom.

I understand why some people think that gemstones and crystals are just placebo or a matter of focusing intent and such, but I am quite sure that there is a little something more to it than that. If you spend a bit of time for yourself researching how and why crystals work like they do, you might get a better understanding as to why nearly every culture throughout history has used crystals and stones in ceremonies and healing.

Here is some information I have found when researching about crystals for myself. I encourage anyone who might be interested in such matters to do their own research though.

The reason why crystals and gemstones are powerful healing tools is because of what science calls its piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric means that the crystals have the ability to constantly resonate/vibrate as a specific electro-magnetic frequency. This specific vibration can be harnessed and used for electical out put (this effect can be observed with modern quartz watches). Crystals and gemstones respond to the array of electro-magnetic frequencies that are coursing through our body, and if the energy is out of balance, the constant electrical vibrations of the stones will help to harmonize, balance, and stimulate these energies.

A natural crystal by definition means it has a very consistent arrangement of atoms. In quartz these atoms vibrate at a stable and measurable frequency. These characteristics make quartz an excellent receiver and emitter of electro-magnetic energy. This is why quartz is commonly used in radios, watches, and numerous electronic technologies. One interesting characteristic of quartz crystal (known as the piezoelectric effect) can be observed when electricity is applied. The quartz crystal will produce a small electrical current and is taken advantage of in the workings of a typical quartz watch.

The conversion of quartz crystals into silicon chips has transformed the world, allowing us to use technologies such as computers, mobile phones and radios. Silicon chips allow for the precise storage of specific information computers and other electronics. An early pioneer of silicon chip technology was Nobel prize-winning scientist Marcel Vogel. He made an important discovery while working as a research scientist for IBM that questioned the belief systems of his scientific peers. Vogel noticed that not only can crystals be programmed as silicon chips in a computer, but they also can be programmed with the energy of our consciousness. When a person uses a computer thoughts are directed by pressing on a keyboard. That information is stored in the computer's silicon chips via the medium of electricity. Vogel reasoned that like electricity, thought is a form of energy, which can be given direction by our intention. He concluded that crystals could also be programmed without the need for electricity, by using just thoughts as the informational energy. Vogel designed various experiments to validate his quantum theories. Like all groundbreaking alternative scientists (such as Reich or Emoto), the mainstream scientific community disregarded his findings.

The ability of quartz crystals to transform energy and be programmed by clear thought patterns is recognized and used by many reiki masters, spiritual teachers and healers to assist individuals in their pursuit of a healthy and happy life. Quartz crystals are truly unique, there is no question that they have the ability to learn and reproduce simple, yet powerful patterns, as demonstrated by today’s digital technology. In some circumstances it might be perceived that quartz crystals are magical. But the power within quartz crystals has been substantially demonstrated using simple science.
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We’ll deal with some of the scientific possibilities first. The first and probably most up to date theory comes from the realms of quantum physics and is to do with vibrational energy and space. Science has now proven that everything in the Universe is in a constant state of vibration. Even apparently solid and inanimate objects are moving down at the atomic level. If you took an electron microscope and looked into anything, however solid to the naked eye, you would find lots of space within, much more space than matter in fact. It seems that really the world and everything in it is made of energy which is in vibration.

Because of their crystalline lattice structure crystals are very good at holding a stable vibration. We, on the other hand, are an incredibly complex mix of vibrations and they can get easily disturbed and go out of balance, which is when we get ill. Lots of things can affect our vibration, from external influences such as electromagnetic and geopathic stress, to internal ones such as constant negative thought patterns and suppressing emotions. When a crystal therapist places a crystal on a client or in their aura they are trying to find the right healing vibration for the client. When the right crystal is placed its steady vibration helps the body reset itself. Sometimes this comes along with an emotional or energetic release and there can be tears or shaking. This is a good sign!

Colour theory is closely allied to the model outlined above. Visible light can be refracted into a spectrum of rainbow colours. Each colour has its own vibrational frequency and wavelength. Colours can be used as a tool for rebalancing the energies of the client, introducing the client to a light frequency that brings their energy back into harmony. As crystals have colour they can be applied as colour healing tools. Quartz and other clear crystals can be viewed as like working with white light.

Another theory is based on the crystalline structure. There are seven crystal structures and each crystal forms according to its structure. Sometimes we can see the structure externally in the shape of the crystal, for example in the hexagonal structure of beryls such as aquamarine, or the cubic structure of iron pyrites or fluorite.

There are several theories about how different structures of crystals can be healing. Some link the structures to the chakras. Michael Gienger has probably evolved the most interesting theory which he explains in his book Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook. He argues that just as there are seven structures in crystals there are seven corresponding personality types in humans and we all have a dominant one. He then uses crystals on a ‘like heals like basis’. My students generally rather enjoy placing themselves and people they know into crystal structure types!

We are moving into rather more esoteric territory. Think of this. Crystals are part of Mother Earth and help connect us back into our Earth Mother. We tend to live lives that are rather divorced from Nature and using these beautiful stones can remind us that we are part of this planet. Many think that our disconnection from the natural realms is the underlying cause of many of our ailments whether they be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

Most crystals formed millennia ago. They are stable and enduring whereas our lives are full of turmoil and brief in comparison. Our spirit however is eternal and most crystal healers believe we are reborn many times. Holding a crystal can remind us of our eternal nature and steady us. Crystals can also link us to ancient times and ancient wisdom. Healers are often drawn to healing with crystals because they have done so before. For many it is more a remembering than a learning when they start to use them as healing tools. Some crystals, such as record keeper quartzes are believed to hold secrets of ancient knowledge imprinted within them.

Many healers believe that crystals are co-creators with us. Although modern humanity may view crystals as ‘lifeless lumps of rock’ traditional peoples saw them as having their own form of consciousness. Native Americans refer to crystals as the ‘Stone people’. When you get to know your crystals at this level it is possible to communicate with them. They have lessons to teach us, and because crystals don’t run around with ‘to do’ lists they have never lost their contact with their inner wisdom. Some people ‘channel’ knowledge from their crystals. Stones Alive! (More Crystals and New Age) by Twintreess lets the crystals do all the talking.

Many crystal healers believe that crystals can have their own devas, spirits with their own consciousness that care for and enliven the crystal. Shamanic journeying techniques and meditations with crystals are the easiest ways to make contact with these spirits. Often they have wisdom to convey and will communicate or show you things, but sometimes they don’t want to be disturbed. Please be respectful, you are a visitor in their world.

So whether you are a dyed in the wool scientist or a mystic you can see that there are many possible ways that crystals can bring about a healing response. I know they do beyond any reasonable doubt and look forward to the day that they are accepted as a healing modality just as valid as herbalism or homeopathy.
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Each crystal also has an energetic vibration. The energy of a crystal again varies depending on what type of crystal it is. Citrine is a yellow crystal and when we look at the colour yellow we feel happier and energised. Citrine’s energy also is light, positive and energises us, allowing us to feel more positive and recharging our zest for life on all levels. Darker crystals such as obsidian, bloodstone (heliotrope), brown jaspers and black tourmaline have a slower, grounding vibration and so when we wear one of these crystals we feel more centred, grounded and our behaviour tends to be quieter and not so up in the air. We also have an energetic vibration, our bodies are made up of energy and matter and a large proportion is water. When we hold, wear or have crystals placed on our body, the energy of the crystal attunes with our individual energy and works at creating the best possible balance at that time. You can wear more than one crystal at a time, when having a crystal therapy treatment many crystals are placed on and around the body at the same time. Some crystals are good to place under your pillow to help you sleep better, some crystals are good to hold and meditate with and others are great to wear in your pockets or around your neck. Crystals can work on emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels, shifting and subtly changing our energies. Sometimes the change in our energies can be obvious e.g if a person was in shock their energy would be all over the place, erratic and floating about in the ether. By holding a piece of black tourmaline or black calcite their energies would be pulled back down to their feet, helping them to feel grounded and more with it. Other crystals we can wear for a couple of weeks and notice only fine, subtle changes. Crystals can help us to change rigid mental patterns, emotionally level and calm us so we can move forward on our path in a balanced manner, and spiritually connect us to higher universal energies, angels, guides and our own inner knowing deep inside our soul.