Do Crystals Have a Consciousness

Quartz Point

What is a Crystal?

Crystals have captured the imagination of mankind for centuries. Defined as solid materials in which atoms are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, crystals have unique properties that set them apart from other materials.

One of the defining characteristics of crystals is their geometric shape, which results from the specific arrangement of atoms within the crystal lattice. This is what gives crystals their distinct symmetry as well as their various optical and physical properties. 

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, crystals have a long association with spiritual and healing uses as well as  rituals in many ancient cultures. From amethyst for calming energy to quartz for clarity and focus, different types of crystals are believed to possess different energies that could influence well-being, provide protection and healing as well as endorse and empower those in positions of privilege and power.

Their beauty, diversity, and purported metaphysical qualities make them a fascinating subject to research.

How Do Crystals Grow?

 Crystallization is the process which forms crystals.   Unlike living organisms, crystals do not possess cells or biological functions. Instead, they grow, through the arrangement of atoms or molecules in a highly ordered and repeating pattern.

The growth of crystals starts with the nucleation process, where individual atoms or molecules come together to form a nucleus. This nucleus then serves as a template for further growth, with additional atoms or molecules attaching themselves to the existing structure in a specific arrangement.

As more atoms or molecules join the crystal lattice, the crystal grows in size and complexity. Crystal growth can be influenced by many factors such as temperature, pressure as well as chemical composition of the surrounding environment.

While crystals may not exhibit characteristics of living organisms such as metabolism or reproduction, their growth process is governed by physical laws and principles that result in their unique shapes and structures. 

Grow Your Own Crystals

To start growing a crystal, you will need to create a saturated solution.  This is done by dissolving a solute (common solutes can be Table Salt, Sugar, Copper Sulphate or Epsom Salts) in hot water until no more can be dissolved. When the solution cools and the water evaporate, crystals will begin to form as the excess material solidifies.  In the case of Copper Sulphate vibrant blue crystals form. Table Salt, Sugar and Epsom Salts usually form white/opaque coloured crystals but you can take it a step further by adding food colouring to the original solution which will give the crystals a colour!

The key to successful crystal growth lies in controlling factors such as temperature, concentration, and rate of cooling. By manipulating these variables, you can influence the size and shape of your crystals.

Whilst some patience is needed when growing crystals in this way, as it can take several days or even weeks for them to fully form, it should be acknowledged  that nature is more patient than us humans and natural crystals take thousands if not millions  of years to come into being!

Whether you are interested in creating decorative crystals or conducting scientific experiments, growing crystals at home is a fun, educational experience that anyone, especially children, can enjoy.

Crystals,  Science & Consciousness

Whilst science generally assumes that there is no evidence that a crystal is alive, many people are beginning to think the opposite and are open to the possibility that everything in our universe is alive. Geologists such as Arnold Rheshar and Pierre Escollet believe stones showcase vital activity that is simply much slower than other organisms on earth.

Science generally follows a very rigorous framework and can, therefore, only answer what is contained within the parameters it fully understands. Most of the world and inter-connection of our universe remains outside the realm of science. For example, although we know what magnetism is, we cannot fully explain it? Similarly, we know what crystals are, but we cannot fully explain them either. 

Nikola Tesla, the famous Inventor, and electrical engineer believed in the potential of the properties contained within crystals.  He explored the use of crystals in experiments with energy transmission and resonance. Tesla is known to have investigated the electrical charge, generated from some crystals called Piezoelectricity which results from mechanical stress being directed at them. He discovered that crystals could harness and amplify energy.

Tesla said “In a crystal we have clear evidence of the existence of a formative life principle, and though we cannot understand the life of a crystal, it is nonetheless a living being.”

So do crystals have some kind of life force energy?  As we have seen,  crystals are not alive in the same way other organisms are, however, they share very interesting properties with life forms and life principles.  Einstein’s famous equation (E=mc2) implies that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, this lays the foundation for understanding the interconnectedness of matter and energy in the universe, so, it is conceivable that crystals have their own unique energies. Here are four main reasons for this:

Atomic Structure – due to the highly ordered arrangement of atoms, crystals can influence how they interact with electromagnetic fields.  The atomic structure can affect electrical and thermal conductivity. 

Resonance – crystals resonate at specific frequencies which is why they are used in quartz watches and oscillators for example.  Linked to their atomic structure this also influences how the crystal conducts electricity.

Piezoelectricity – Quartz in particular, exhibits a piezoelectric charge when placed under mechanical pressure.  This energy is applied in different ways for example microphones and pressure sensors.

Metaphysical Beliefs – So many cultures and civilisations have attributed crystals with healing, spiritual or energetic properties.  Although a surge of interest in crystal healing came about in the 1980s many varied ancient civilisations have used them for thousands of years

Metaphysical Use of Crystals

Rudolf Steiner was a spiritual philosopher in the early 20th Century and in many ways the founder of the new age.  He viewed crystals as significant in understanding the spiritual and energetic aspects of the natural world.  Steiner connected crystals to the development of human spirituality and the evolution of consciousness. 

The famous psychologist Carl Jung also acknowledged the potential of crystals through symbolism, tools for self exploration and psychological insight.  He considered that crystals could hold personal significance for individuals which could  reflect their inner states.

Both Steiner and Jung believed that  the potential of crystals  extended to far beyond their physical properties and explored the capacity for crystals to work symbolically, psychologically and spiritually.  Certainly I work with crystals in this way, as I am sure, so do many other crystal healers.

Everyday Uses of Crystals

 Nowadays as science and technology harness the energy of crystals, it is possible to grow crystals artificially for commercial use in a laboratory. 

Crystals have various scientific and technological applications.  They are used in space exploration and, when unaffected by the conditions found on earth, crystals in outer space can grow perfectly.  Key elements which are different is a lack of gravitational forces can lead to different crystal growth patterns i.e. grow larger and more uniformly.  In the cold vacuum of space crystals grow more slowly and can form different structures.  In the space there are higher levels of radiation which may alter the atomic structure and lead to defects that change their properties.  Crystals also are able to grow in more stable conditions in space so they are not so affected by environmental factors which can be found on Earth.

Crystals are used in electronics and optics, for example watches, computers, sonars, ultrasounds, and lasers all have crystals installed within them.  Chemists, Physicists and Geologists study different aspect regarding the specific properties of crystals and of course jewellers who craft and design crystals because of their perceived beauty.

Humans have used crystals as talismans throughout the ages and there is still an enduring interest in the modern western world, despite some scepticism, in working with them as spiritual tools. Crystals healers believe they hold specific energies which, in order to work with them effectively, we should learn how to attune ourselves to.  This can be done via meditation, carrying crystals around or wearing them, placing them on an alter but each activity should be done with pure intention and focus.  Some people, me included, are “born’ crystal healers and experience a “calling” from particular crystals at certain times in their lives.  This can range from suddenly experiencing an energy from the crystal – usually variously described as heat, cold, tingling, buzzing etc.  Others when meditating feel an emotion or see visions.  Others are not so fortunate, and many people have to learn how to work intuitively with crystals.  The good news is that it is not difficult and can add another dimension to your everyday life, helping you to develop both spiritually and personally.

Their atomic structure is reminiscent of sacred geometry found in temples around the world which invites us again to consider the divinity, organisation, and inter-connection of everything.  Many crystal healers acknowledge that the shape of the crystal – whether natural or man-made can enhance or empower the metaphysical properties of the crystal.  They also sometimes arrange crystals in geometric patterns or placements for similar reasons. 

As we enter the reputed Age of Aquarius never in the history of mankind has there been a better more appropriate time for us to harness the esoteric energies of crystals. 

Crystals are widely available nowadays and many crystal healing techniques are simple and accessible to all – the key is to connect with them through meditation, intuition, and intention –  I have had an amazing journey with crystals – maybe it’s time for you to as well?

Copyright Shirley O’Donoghue August 2024