Crystals, Stones & Minerals — The Difference Explained
People often ask “What’s the difference between a crystal and a mineral?” Or “What is a stone?” Here is a simple explanation:
Mineral
A naturally occurring, solid, inorganic element or compound having a uniform composition and a regularly repeating internal structure. Minerals typically have a characteristic hardness and color, or range of colors, by which they can be recognized.
Certain substances or elements in the right proportions and with the right surrounding conditions have to be present to form a certain mineral. Each one of these substances or elements has specific properties that together form the properties of the mineral and will have a noticeable bearing on its healing effects.
Crystal
A crystal is a mineral whose basic atomic structure has arranged itself into one of seven crystal systems. These seven systems are cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, trigonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. Only a small percentage of any mineral will form itself into a crystal.
Stones or Rocks A relatively hard, naturally occurring mineral material. Rock can consist of a single mineral or of several minerals that are either tightly compacted or held together by a cement-like mineral matrix. The three main types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Simply put, stones and rocks are simply an aggregate of minerals which have fused together and did not get to express themselves as crystals.
For convenience I use the terms mineral, crystal, stone, and rock interchangeably throughout this website. My intent is to bring the therapeutic and metaphysical benefits of the mineral kingdom to you.
If you would like to learn more about the scientific aspect of crystals as healing tools, you would do well to purchase Michael Gienger’s ‘Crystal Power, Crystal Healing – The Complete Handbook. It is an excellent resource tool.
The Use of Crystals as Healing Tools The human body is filled with energy (electricity). At the top of our head we have a very high, very fast frequency. At the base of our torso we have a very low, very slow frequency. And then there are a variety of frequencies in-between. There are only four possible conditions that human energy can be: balanced, blocked, excessive, or deficient. The only healthy condition is balanced. There are a variety of holistic therapies (energy-based modalities) that are used to balance human energy. The focus of this section of the website is to look at the use of crystals as healing tools.
The History and Structure of Crystals The crystal story has many versions and numerous authors. Legends and folklore date back to the beginning of the human race when it was believed that crystal forces set the electromagnetic field of the earth so that human souls could incarnate. Legends of the ancient continent of Atlantis tell us that crystals generated power for entire cities, and it was the abuse of these energies that resulted in the eventual destruction of that civilization. Some Egyptologists speculate that the magnificent Egyptian pyramids were capped with crystals to channel cosmic forces into these geometrically perfected structures. Many civilizations, cultures, and peoples have used crystals, stones, and minerals for a multitude of purposes — including healing and protection. Crystals, stones, and minerals are different things to different people: a source of income, a gift, a decoration, an appreciation of nature, or a tool for healing. To some, crystals, stones, and minerals are the lowest form of life on the planet. To others, they are a great source of light and energy. Regardless of the way in which they serve, these beautiful gifts from the earth bring pleasure to the eye as they display their many colors and geometric forms.
Twice per year Laurie teaches an 8-hour 'Crystal Therapy 1-Day Intensive' class. It covers the following list of subjects in detail. Please check the Calendar of Eventspage for dates and times. To enjoy a brief description now, simply click on the topic of interest.
