Crystals have a history stretching back tens of thousands of years. Early humans first shaped natural quartz into primitive tools, and later fashioned it into talismans and ritual ornaments. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed crystals were eternal ice buried deep underground that would never melt, and amethyst gave rise to a famous myth symbolizing sobriety and self-restraint. Ancient Egypt and many East Asian civilizations revered crystals as sacred stones for burials and sacrificial rituals.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Europeans frequently used crystals for divination and spiritual practices tied to religious ceremonies. In China, crystals had been carved into exquisite jewelry and imperial artifacts for thousands of years. After the discovery of the piezoelectric effect in 1880, crystals became a core material for military electronics such as sonar and radio equipment, and synthetic crystals eventually dominated the industrial market entirely.
Today, natural crystals enjoy widespread popularity. They serve not only as jewelry and collectibles but also as highly sought-after healing stones in New Age spiritual culture. Brazil is the world’s primary source of rough crystal ore, while China stands as a global hub for crystal processing and trade.
