Crystals in the Spotlight: TikTok Trends vs. Scientific Reality

     At the height of COVID lockdown, many became strongly involved in the belief of crystals and the power that they hold. Whether it is love or healing, the social media platform, Tik Tok, made sure to fuel the belief in the power of these rocks through various creators that made claims of wealth, health, love, and healing that came from owning them. I found myself interested in the fact that people would spend upwards of a thousand dollars—sometimes even more-- on these crystals. I would sit on my phone for hours scrolling through accounts that were crystal businesses and how they would pack orders to send off to customers that truly believed in their power. So, I thought, is there really anything backing these claims?  

    I never investigated the “science” or “magic” behind these claims, but due to recent discussion in class about items used for witchcraft such as Ouija boards and other divination tools, I figured I could take a deeper look into the belief behind the energy that is thought to be within crystals. I do truly believe that during this hard time, particularly the pandemic, many were turning to anything that could protect them from illness, fueling this craze. The one thing I always found interesting is seeing people talk about how they would need to lay their crystals outside on a full moon to ‘charge’ them. Along with this, the claim that leaving a carnelian crystal in the pocket of your love interest would help them fall in love with you, closing resembling love spells that are quite mainstream, or carrying a little bag of crystals chips could help bring wealth your way. With a quick search on YouTube, you are bound to find How To: videos, guiding you in charging your crystals, using their energy in rituals, and for a little help in your love life.  

    With further research, I found that there really is not any empirical science behind the energy or power held within crystals. However, within the realm of witchcraft, they have been used throughout history and in different cultures; particularly in Rome and Greece. Crystals were associated with various deities and were used in rituals, divination, and healing. The term "crystal" comes from the Greek word "krustallos," meaning "frozen," reflecting the belief that certain crystals were formed from the tears of the gods or the frozen breath of deities. Along with this, during the medieval period, crystals were often linked to astrology and alchemy. They were used in talismans and amulets to attract positive energies and ward off evil and scholars even believed different crystals had unique powers aligned with celestial bodies. 

    What is magic anyways if you don’t believe it yourself? Safe to say I do not believe in the magic of a crystal and I might look at you a little funny if you truly do, but I don’t feel any way about it and if crystals provide comfort, and maybe even placebo, I believe that the people who use them do truly believe they work and at the end of the day, that really is all that matters.