About Rock Crystals

Rock crystal is a general term given to a large variety of clear and/or colorless rock formations. These formations grow on or in a variety of rock types and come in many colors and an abundance of sizes.

Types and Origins of Rock Crystals

Rock Crystals are classified according to their origin, composition and, often, color. For example, a quartz crystal (classified by composition) is classified as an amethyst if it displays a purple color or as a citrine if it displays color in a range from yellow to orange.
Rock Crystals can be found growing in caves, between rock layers or in the center of hollow rocks called geodes. Geodes are often sold with the original rock on the outside and the geode split in order to display the crystals inside.

Uses of Rock Crystals

Rock Crystals have a variety of uses that range from ornamental to industrial.
Crystals, either rough or polished, are often used in making jewelry and many people have long believed that wearing a certain type of crystal may even have health and spiritual benefits. Larger crystals can be cut into many shapes for ornamental use. One of the most famous ornamental uses for clear crystal is the creation of the fortune-teller's crystal ball.
Crystals also have industrial uses. Quartz crystal, because of its use as a conductor of vibrations, was used as the material of early phonograph needles. Many of today's watches also use quartz in their mechanisms.

Where to find Rock Crystals

Crystals can be found in many different locations. The most common retail outlets for crystals are jewelry and alternative healing stores. Rock shops, sprinkled throughout mountainous areas, are also good places to look for crystals.
Some overlooked crystal sources are museum stores. Many museum gift shops--especially those at science museums--feature a variety of crystals, both in their rough form and in varying stages of polish and finish.
Tourist shops, in areas where mountains are plentiful and crystals can be found, are also good sources for the collector.

Finding Your Own Crystals

Rockhounding, or hunting for crystals, is also popular pastime. Mountainous regions often feature "crystal-hunting" mines where collectors can find and remove their own crystals from the surrounding rock.
Perhaps the most famous area for hunting crystals is located in the state of Arkansas, in the United States. The Ouachita Mountains are one of these most prolific sources of various types of quartz crystals in the world. A specialized state park, Crater of Diamonds, features a massive area where rockhounds can find crystals of varying sizes. As its name implies, Crater of Diamonds is also the only place in the United States where it is possible that the crystal you pick up isn't just a crystal, but is actually a potentially priceless gem.

Crystal Use in Alternative Healing

Many people believe that various types of crystals can be used to produce beneficial results for a person's health or well-being. Alternative healing practitioners often recommend wearing a certain type of crystal or applying a crystal to the skin to create a healing effect.
Some religions also recognize crystals as having healing or spiritual powers.