Let's find out what we are really talking about when we say 'crystals'.

Basically, there are TWO kinds of 'crystals':

First are the natural crystals which I call 'earthstones'... minerals with atomic crystalline structures formed over eons of time within the earth. Most often, these atomic structures are reflected in the outward shape of the crystals. Quartz crystals, for example, take on the shape of a six-sided point.
After mining, cutting and polishing, the finest, rarest and purest of certain earthstones eventually become the gemstones which highlight our fine jewelry.

Sapphire, ruby, emerald, and of course diamonds, to name a few, are technically naturally-formed 'crystals'.

Earthstones are generally classified according to the processes which form them.

Sedimentary minerals are those which become compressed by the growing weight of tons of deposits laid down over millions of years. Limestone, pressed oceanic deposits of shells and bones, and sandstone are excellent examples.

A much more violent and dramatic process creates the igneous minerals -- spewed forth by volcanoes as molten rock and then cooled either suddenly by exposure to the air or water, or slowly in large reservoirs underground. Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass forms as the lava quickly cools after exposure to the air. Basalt, for example, forms from vast deposits of lava intruded up to the surface through cracks in the overlying strata of earth's crust.

Purported by some to have "new-age" 'healing' powers, many of these minerals do actually exhibit the ability to transfer or enhance energy. Again, quartz crystals are a great example. A very small voltage of 'piezoelectricity' emanates from quartz crystalline structures, and can be scientifically measured.

This is why quartz is the substance of choice for use in computer and communications micro-circuit technology.
Your watch runs on tiny quartz crystals!

The second type of 'crystals' are those used for adornment of the body or decoration of our living spaces. Man (and woman)-made of special, quality, dense GLASS, these are the crystals used in earrings, pins, and necklaces, and the crystal prisms which render gorgeous rainbows around us when we hang them in a window. Their purpose is strictly to be beautiful. They reflect and refract light into dazzling displays of color and brilliance.

The most famous quality prisms and jewelry crystals are manufactured in Austria. Traditionally incorporating a small amount of lead molten within the glass, these crystals can be seen to have sharp, clean faceting with flawless transparency.

Throughout the last century, the quality of crystal has gone hand-in-hand with the percentage of lead content. Twenty-four percent lead content qualifies 'glass' to be called 'crystal'.

The finest of lead crystal prisms contain thirty-two or more percent lead.

Recently, a big hoopla has been made over their lead content. The recent influx of inferior and unsafe products from China, many of which indiscriminately contain lead, has created a backlash of American legislation banning all products with lead.

While I understand that the manufacturing and importing of certain goods has had adverse effects on the safety of our citizenship, especially children, recent legislative efforts to counteract this danger have overstated the scope of this alarm to include products which have, historically, not posed any problems.

The good news for the crystal industry is that recently several governing bodies as well as a federation of jewelry manufacturers, are working on legislative proposals to specifically exempt lead crystals from their list of dangerous substance.

So, the next time someone asks, "Do you know where to find crystals?", make sure you know which kind of crystals he/she is talking about!(Priscilla Prisms)