To help trace the history back as far as possible, we must rely on historical artifacts and documents. Perhaps the first historical references that discuss the use of crystals can be found with the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia, who used crystals in their magical formulas. There are also baltic amber pendants that can be traced back 60,000 years.
However, the first civilization with the most recorded history is the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians used crystals in nearly every facet of their lives and they were one of the first to use crystals cosmetically
Even with all of the modern science we have at our disposal, so much of what the ancients did back in their day still seems complex. We are still learning about these ancient civilizations to this day.It seems the ancients were much more developed and advanced than we can comprehend.
One thing's certain, the ancients were pioneers of discoveries, and they did it without the internet. So much of the knowledge that originates from areas such as ancient astronomy, geometry, or ancient pharmacology is still valid and used today.
The same applies to meditation, spiritual practices, and the use of crystals for healing and ascension purposes.
20th and 21st century generations are not the first ones that were fascinated and drawn to them. As far as available knowledge goes, ancient cultures, such as the Ancient Sumerians and Ancient Egyptians were some of the first cultures to use healing crystals.
First Historical Reference of Crystals
If you’re wondering when people first learned how to use crystals then we’ve got you covered. In the 4th millenium BC, the very first historical reference about crystals tells us that the ancient Sumerians used crystals in their magic formulas.
Around 5000 years ago, Chinese people mixed crystals in traditional Chinese medicine for healing purposes and other ancient civilizations in Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome also used crystals for healing.
Crystals in Ancient Practice
Moving beyond the ornamental, crystals have, for millennia, held deep significance in ancient cultures for their purported mystical and healing properties. Civilisations like the Mayans, Sumerians, and Chinese employed crystals in their ancient rituals, believing them to hold the power to cleanse, heal, protect and more.
For instance, the Ancient Egyptians used malachite for protection, while clear quartz was deemed a source of power and energy in many ancient cultures.
Many Native American healers also use sacred stones such as turquoise, agate, and meteorite and carry quartz in their medicine pouches. Shamans from Peru, also work with crystals in healing in order to work with extraction and lightning, as well as to bring down energies from the Upper Worlds.
The aborigines believe that clear quartz crystal is solidified light that holds the Great Spirit. Records of the healing properties of crystals and gemstones date back to when humans first inhabited the earth.
The structure of the human body and quartz crystal is very similar. On a cellular level the human body is silica. Quartz crystal is also made up of silicon, water and oxygen. In essence we are liquid crystals. Crystals are found in computer screens (as liquid crystal), record player needles, watches and other devices. Quartz radios were once used because of the way that quartz can act as a transmitter and receiver of information. Chips of quartz are used to store information in computers. It has the ability to store immense amounts of information.
Ancient India
Crystals were highly prized and thought to have therapeutic and spiritual properties in prehistoric India. In fact, there’s a lot of information to be found on the history of crystals here. The ancient texts of the Vedas mention the use of crystals for healing and meditation. The Indian practice of Ayurveda used also crystals in their healing procedures.
Clear quartz was one of the most well-known crystals in prehistoric India. This crystal was a common tool in meditation and other spiritual exercises since it was thought to be the symbol of light energy.
Ancient Egypt
Crystals were highly prized and thought to have healing and protective properties in prehistoric Egypt. Jewelry, amulets, and other decorative things frequently contained them. Crystals were thought to have therapeutic properties and to be able to facilitate communication with the gods and goddesses, according to ancient Egyptians.
Lapis lazuli was one of the most well-known crystals in prehistoric Egypt. This lovely blue stone was frequently used in statues and jewelry because it was thought to bring good fortune and shield the bearer from harm.
Ancient Greece
Crystals were also highly prized and thought to have therapeutic qualities in ancient Greece. The Greek physician Hippocrates employed crystals in his medicinal techniques, and the philosopher Aristotle also wrote about the usage of crystals in his writings.
Amethyst was one of the most well-known crystals in prehistoric Greece. This stunning purple stone was frequently used in healing rituals because it was thought to have a calming effect on the body and mind.
Ancient China
Crystals were also highly prized and thought to have potent therapeutic properties in prehistoric China. The Chinese thought that using crystals could help to maintain the body’s energy balance and advance health.
Jade was one of the most renowned crystals in prehistoric China. The wearer would be considered lucky and safe if they wore this lovely green stone. It was frequently used in jewelry and other decorative objects.
When Did Modern Crystal Healing History Start?
It’s interesting to learn about ancient crystal healing history, but when did the more modern uses that we know today begin to gain popularity?
Modern crystal healing history started to pick up steam in the late 1970s and early 80s, around the same time as “new-age” culture. Unlike ancient civilizations, which revered crystals as part of their religious practices, crystal healing today can be done entirely outside any religious context.
This makes the use of crystals far more accessible to everyone and not tied to any specific dogma. It also ties in nicely with the renewed focus and interest in astrology that comes hand in hand with the new age movement.
Much of modern-day crystal healing history incorporates the knowledge passed down from ancient practices without the religious context. The only thing that has changed from how our ancestors practiced and how we practice today is that we have greater access to technology. That technology makes it far easier to purchase stones and find information about how to use them.
