The Growing Problem of Misinformation
Crystals and the Rise of Misleading Information
In recent years, the popularity of using crystals for healing has exploded. With this surge in interest has come an alarming amount of misleading and inaccurate information.Crystals have been used for healing for thousands of years, but their use declined significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. That changed in the 1960s with the emergence of the New Age movement.
The New Age movement was a time of enlightenment, harmony and spiritual awakening. Followers explored an alternative path focused on personal growth, inner transformation, and recognition that mind, body and spirit were interconnected.
They sought to expand consciousness, pursue holistic well-being and achieve peace and love within themselves, others and the natural world.
Alternative therapies, including meditation, yoga, tarot, astrology and crystal healing, were practised and encouraged.
The New Age movement peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s but had run its course by the mid-90s.
The latest surge of using crystals for healing emerged due to a growing interest in holistic health and well-being.
Over the last twenty years, there's been a dramatic increase in the use of complementary and alternative therapies. During this time, crystals have steadily grown in popularity because of their metaphysical healing properties.
With the growth of the internet and shopping online, information has become far more accessible. Online marketplaces and video technology have given enthusiasts the opportunity to share knowledge, experiences and recommendations. This has made buying crystals online from around the world quite easy.
As someone whose business is crystals, rocks, and minerals, it's great to see this level of interest, but I also find it worrying that so much inaccurate and misleading information is being shared.
We're now at the point where it's incredibly difficult to find reliable and trustworthy information on rocks and minerals. Search online for any of the most popular stones, and the only results you'll see are websites and videos that discuss their metaphysical healing properties.
Although many people find a deep sense of peace, harmony and inspiration through the use of crystals, the spread of misinformation has taken the industry to a whole new level. Lines are now blurred between anecdotal experiences and scientific evidence.
The medical profession agrees the amount of unsubstantiated information being shared regarding the healing ability of crystals is becoming a cause for concern.
It's widely accepted that before using a crystal it must be programmed. This means setting an intention for what you want to achieve. For some, this will involve repeating a mantra.
This is where the placebo effect begins.
The one thing many alternative therapies have in common is the power of suggestion. Positive suggestion has a positive effect on the mind.Science has proven that yoga, meditation, mindfulness, hypnosis and crystal healing can all improve mental health and well-being. However, there are limitations.
(*)Do Crystals Vibrate?
Those who use crystals for their healing properties believe crystals and humans have an energy field that's influenced by a vibrational frequency. Different crystals are said to vibrate at a specific frequency.
No scientific evidence supports this, and scientists argue these energy fields and vibrational frequencies do not exist.
So, how did this theory come about?
Everything in the universe is constantly vibrating at different frequencies because atoms are always in motion. A curious phenomenon known as entrainment can occur when objects vibrating at different frequencies come into close proximity. Over time, these objects can influence each other and may begin to vibrate at the same frequency.
Quartz, topaz and tourmaline are piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric means they produce energy.
Scientists have a good understanding of how and why this occurs.
This phenomenon has been manipulated to the point where it's now believed that all crystals vibrate. It's claimed this vibration can tap into a vibration produced by an energy field that surrounds the human body.
In doing so, it's said that chakras can be realigned, which improves health and well-being.
Some crystals used for their healing properties are not crystalline. Examples are opal, shungite and lapis lazuli, which is a rock not a mineral.
A study by eminent research scientist Marcel Vogel is often used to support the theory that crystals can heal.
During the latter part of his career, Vogel became interested in the occult and alternative therapies. In one study, he claimed a quartz crystal could metaphysically store human thoughts.
Many of his claims could not be reproduced, and no scientific evidence has ever been found to support them.
The Danger of Misinformation
Many online articles and presentations on social media about healing crystals make misleading statements that can potentially be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Here are some examples;
"Lapis lazuli and garnet are associated with recovery from a stroke. They offer pain relief, lower blood pressure and assist in restoring higher brain function."
"Shungite alleviates heart difficulty, eases allergies, slows cancer cell growth, soothes skin diseases and slows down HIV/AIDS."
"Tourmaline assists in the recovery from paralysis by encouraging nerve regeneration."
The author of this next article states in large bold letters, "The following crystals can be used to heal mental illness."
What they go on to write is not only incorrect from a geological perspective but is also misleading and irresponsible.
"Mental health plays an important role in human life. Crystals are fossilised minerals that possess healing and restorative properties. Many are known to have some unique curing properties. Religious leaders often use them to align chakras to help your body cure different diseases."
The Crystal Bible, one of the most widely used and respected references on crystal healing, promotes the ability of crystals to heal on a mental and physical level.
Whilst science has shown crystals can improve some conditions through the placebo effect, there is no evidence to support their ability to slow down serious illness.
Crystals cannot cleanse blood, improve kidney function, or reduce swelling and bruising. Nor can they restore poor eyesight or promote the absorption of nutrients from food.
Diamonds cannot treat glaucoma, pyrite cannot alleviate asthma and bronchitis, and lepidolite cannot treat epilepsy and Alzheimer's.
The Crystal Bible claims malachite can lower blood pressure, reduce growths and stimulate the liver to release toxins. It also says blue lace agate can treat brain fluid imbalances and hydrocephalus, as well as arthritis and other bone deformities.
As a business that sells crystals, rocks, and minerals, I frequently receive enquiries from potential customers asking what crystals can be used to treat certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, I cannot answer these questions as most people would like.
Maybe I'm far too honest, but I cannot tell someone with cancer that a crystal may help slow its growth. Nor can I recommend something to help with kidney disease or to ease painful arthritis.
In the past, someone who gave this kind of information was known as a snake-oil salesman.
Crystals are certainly not 'quack remedies' because some people can absolutely experience some level of healing. However, the degree of effectiveness must be kept in perspective. 
This is the outcome of a complaint raised with the Advertising Standards Authority. It relates to information published on a website belonging to a UK-based business.
This is the outcome of an investigation into a similar complaint raised in New Zealand;
Conclusion
The practice of using crystals for healing originates from various cultural and spiritual traditions, including those that emphasise the concept of life energy.
In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, Qi (chi) refers to a vital life force that flows through all living things. Maintaining a balanced flow of Qi is believed to be essential for health and well-being.
Some crystal healing practices align with this concept by suggesting that crystals can influence energy flow and clear blockages, which helps restore balance and harmony.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, chakras are understood as centres of spiritual power within the human body. There are typically seven main chakras, each associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Crystal healing often involves using specific stones that are thought to resonate with individual chakras to clear blockages, align energies, and promote healing.
Although crystal healing is not directly derived from these traditions, it does incorporate similar concepts. The belief in the influence of crystals on Qi and chakras is part of a broader, eclectic spiritual framework rather than a strict adherence to traditional Chinese or Hindu/Buddhist practices.
This blending of ideas helps crystal healing appeal to a wide range of people.
While crystals lack scientific evidence that supports their ability to heal, many people find them beneficial as part of a self-care routine.
A healthy approach to using crystals involves being realistic about their limitations, recognising they are not a solution for medical and psychological issues, and appreciating them as a tool for holistic health and well-being.
