The history of crystals is long and diverse. Different cultures and regions have had varying beliefs and uses for crystals. From mystical worship in ancient China to philosophical symbols in ancient Greece, and artistic creations across the globe, crystals have been an important part of human civilization. Today, they continue to be recognized for their mystical properties in healing, energy work, and spiritual practices.
1.Who Discovered Crystals?
There is no clear record of who exactly discovered crystals. However, the earliest crystals were found at the site of Beijing Man, discovered by Swedish geologist Andersson.
2.China’s Mystical Crystal History and Culture:
Crystals, as natural minerals, have existed in nature for a long time and have been recognized and used by humans for centuries.
In ancient China, crystals were called “Shuiyu” (水玉), which means “jade-like water” or “ice that has transformed over a thousand years.” This term first appeared in the ancient text Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), where it says: “To the east, 300 miles away, in the Dayang Mountain, there is a lot of Shuiyu.” In many ancient texts, crystals were referred to by many other names, such as “Shui Bi,” “Yu Ying,” “Shui Jing,” “Qian Nian Bing” (thousand-year ice), “Yu Jing,” and “Fang Guang Shi” (glowing stone).
As early as the Han Dynasty, records mentioned the existence and use of crystals. For example, the book Shi Ya cites Hunan Tongzhi to mention crystals. Sima Xiangru, a writer from the Western Han Dynasty, referred to crystal as “Shuiyu Lei He.”
In the Tang Dynasty, the poet Wen Tingyun described a crystal ornament in his poem “Ti Li Chushi Youju” (“Water Jade Hairpin, White Cap”).
In the Qing Dynasty, Zhao Yi cited the Song Dynasty’s Hong Mai Yi Jian Zhi in his book Hai Yu Cong Kao, describing the origin and types of crystals, such as crystals from Ling Mountain in Xinzhou, as well as white crystals, tea-colored crystals (tea crystal), and ink-colored crystals (ink crystal) produced in Zhangzhou.
Additionally, in the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen also mentioned rose crystal in his Compendium of Materia Medica, which was historically known as “Peach Blossom Stone,” with the pale red variety being called “Lotus Stone.”
In ancient China, crystals were called “Shuiyu” (水玉), which means “jade-like water” or “ice that has transformed over a thousand years.” This term first appeared in the ancient text Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), where it says: “To the east, 300 miles away, in the Dayang Mountain, there is a lot of Shuiyu.” In many ancient texts, crystals were referred to by many other names, such as “Shui Bi,” “Yu Ying,” “Shui Jing,” “Qian Nian Bing” (thousand-year ice), “Yu Jing,” and “Fang Guang Shi” (glowing stone).
As early as the Han Dynasty, records mentioned the existence and use of crystals. For example, the book Shi Ya cites Hunan Tongzhi to mention crystals. Sima Xiangru, a writer from the Western Han Dynasty, referred to crystal as “Shuiyu Lei He.”
In the Tang Dynasty, the poet Wen Tingyun described a crystal ornament in his poem “Ti Li Chushi Youju” (“Water Jade Hairpin, White Cap”).
In the Qing Dynasty, Zhao Yi cited the Song Dynasty’s Hong Mai Yi Jian Zhi in his book Hai Yu Cong Kao, describing the origin and types of crystals, such as crystals from Ling Mountain in Xinzhou, as well as white crystals, tea-colored crystals (tea crystal), and ink-colored crystals (ink crystal) produced in Zhangzhou.
Additionally, in the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen also mentioned rose crystal in his Compendium of Materia Medica, which was historically known as “Peach Blossom Stone,” with the pale red variety being called “Lotus Stone.”
Why is Crystal Called “Shui Jing” (Water Essence)?
Guangya offers a clever explanation: “It is the spirit of water.”
Li Shizhen also said: “Clear and bright, with a crystalline light, like the essence of water.” A deeper examination reveals that this term also carries strong religious significance!
The name “Shui Jing” (Water Essence) was first seen in Buddhist scriptures. In the Juguangming Dingyi Sutra translated by Zhi Yao during the Later Han Dynasty, it says, “Its path is like the essence of water.” Later, in the Qizi Sutra translated by An Shigao, Shui Jing was listed as one of the Four Great Treasures. In the Pingdeng Jue Jing translated by Zhilu Jiasi, Shui Jing is one of the Seven Treasures. Buddhist disciples believed that crystal emitted magical light that could help liberate all beings. As a result, crystals were revered as “Bodhisattva Stones.” Tan Yuan states: “In Jiazhou, on Mount Emei, there is a Bodhisattva Stone, six-sided with sharp points, clear and bright, like the wolf’s teeth of Mount Tai or the crystals from Shangrao.”
Guangya refers to crystal as “Silica/ Ying,” and those that are white and transparent are called “Bai” (White). The term “Bai” is a variant character. Sima Xiangru in his Zi Xu Fu mentions “Bai Huang Bai” (a yellowish-white substance), and Su Lin explains: “Bai refers to white quartz.”
In the Shumu Yiming Shu, it says, “Shui Jing comes from the Great Qin Kingdom, also known as Linnan.” Complete crystal formations, with their uneven, interwoven patterns, are also called “Ma Ya Shi” (Horse Tooth Stone).
Ancient people first ground crystals into lenses, earning it the nickname “Eyeglass Stone.”
Crystals have both common and local names. In the Guangzhou area, crystal is called “Jingyu” (Crystal Jade), also known as “Fish Brain Gel.” In Donghai County, Jiangsu Province, the mountain folk found that crystals could “shoot out flames,” so they gave it the local name “Fangguang Shi” (Glowing Stone). It is not uncommon for a single item to have many names, but few objects have as many alternative names as crystal.
From Shuiyu (Water Jade), Shuibi (Water Green), Bai (White), Yuying (Jade Essence), Shui Jing (Water Essence), Silica, Linnan, Jingyu (Crystal Jade), to Bodhisattva Stone, Ma Ya Shi (Horse Tooth Stone), Eyeglass Stone, Fangguang Shi (Glowing Stone), Qian Nian Bing (Thousand-Year Ice), Gaoshan Dong (Mountain Ice), and Yubrain Dong (Fish Brain Gel), crystal forms an extraordinary history of rare stone appreciation.
Conclusion:
In summary, crystal was not discovered by any one person but has been recognized and utilized by humans as a natural mineral since ancient times. Throughout different cultures and historical periods, people have given crystals various names and meanings.
Li Shizhen also said: “Clear and bright, with a crystalline light, like the essence of water.” A deeper examination reveals that this term also carries strong religious significance!
The name “Shui Jing” (Water Essence) was first seen in Buddhist scriptures. In the Juguangming Dingyi Sutra translated by Zhi Yao during the Later Han Dynasty, it says, “Its path is like the essence of water.” Later, in the Qizi Sutra translated by An Shigao, Shui Jing was listed as one of the Four Great Treasures. In the Pingdeng Jue Jing translated by Zhilu Jiasi, Shui Jing is one of the Seven Treasures. Buddhist disciples believed that crystal emitted magical light that could help liberate all beings. As a result, crystals were revered as “Bodhisattva Stones.” Tan Yuan states: “In Jiazhou, on Mount Emei, there is a Bodhisattva Stone, six-sided with sharp points, clear and bright, like the wolf’s teeth of Mount Tai or the crystals from Shangrao.”
Guangya refers to crystal as “Silica/ Ying,” and those that are white and transparent are called “Bai” (White). The term “Bai” is a variant character. Sima Xiangru in his Zi Xu Fu mentions “Bai Huang Bai” (a yellowish-white substance), and Su Lin explains: “Bai refers to white quartz.”
In the Shumu Yiming Shu, it says, “Shui Jing comes from the Great Qin Kingdom, also known as Linnan.” Complete crystal formations, with their uneven, interwoven patterns, are also called “Ma Ya Shi” (Horse Tooth Stone).
Ancient people first ground crystals into lenses, earning it the nickname “Eyeglass Stone.”
Crystals have both common and local names. In the Guangzhou area, crystal is called “Jingyu” (Crystal Jade), also known as “Fish Brain Gel.” In Donghai County, Jiangsu Province, the mountain folk found that crystals could “shoot out flames,” so they gave it the local name “Fangguang Shi” (Glowing Stone). It is not uncommon for a single item to have many names, but few objects have as many alternative names as crystal.
From Shuiyu (Water Jade), Shuibi (Water Green), Bai (White), Yuying (Jade Essence), Shui Jing (Water Essence), Silica, Linnan, Jingyu (Crystal Jade), to Bodhisattva Stone, Ma Ya Shi (Horse Tooth Stone), Eyeglass Stone, Fangguang Shi (Glowing Stone), Qian Nian Bing (Thousand-Year Ice), Gaoshan Dong (Mountain Ice), and Yubrain Dong (Fish Brain Gel), crystal forms an extraordinary history of rare stone appreciation.
Conclusion:
In summary, crystal was not discovered by any one person but has been recognized and utilized by humans as a natural mineral since ancient times. Throughout different cultures and historical periods, people have given crystals various names and meanings.
3.International Crystal History and Culture:
There are legends that crystals were created as magical tools to help human progress. In ancient civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria, crystals were believed to have strong cosmic energy and were used for controlling energy. These crystals seemed to hold mysterious powers that could unlock the secrets of life in the universe.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, crystals were seen as sacred objects, often used in jewelry and religious ceremonies. The Egyptians believed green crystals could provide strength to the dead during their journey to the afterlife.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, crystal balls were widely used as tools for divination, with people believing they could reveal the future or sense distant events.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, crystals were seen as sacred objects, often used in jewelry and religious ceremonies. The Egyptians believed green crystals could provide strength to the dead during their journey to the afterlife.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, crystal balls were widely used as tools for divination, with people believing they could reveal the future or sense distant events.
In Greek mythology, the legends about crystals are often tied to heroes, beautiful maidens, and the gods who ruled Mount Olympus. The myth of tea-colored crystal is associated with Zeus, the king of the gods, and the heroine is, of course, a stunningly beautiful princess. In Greek mythology, Europa was the daughter of King Agenor of Phoenicia, who ruled the island of Tyre in the Aegean Sea. Europa was known for her great beauty and lived in her father’s palace, away from the world.
One day, she suddenly fell ill with a strange affliction. In a dream, she followed the goddess of fate’s guidance and ventured into a flower-filled forest. There, she picked a beautiful camellia flower, which, in her hands, transformed into a sparkling crystal flower. From that moment on, the lovely Europa was cured of her illness. After recovering, Europa became even more radiant, and even Zeus, the king of the gods, became enamored with her.
To approach her, Zeus secretly transformed himself into a bull and mingled with a herd of cattle. The bull’s graceful demeanor charmed everyone, and encouraged by her friends, Europa climbed onto the bull’s back. Zeus then carried her away, crossing the Aegean Sea to the island of Crete. Eventually, they fell in love, and Europa gave birth to their sons, Minos and Rhadamanthus.
One day, she suddenly fell ill with a strange affliction. In a dream, she followed the goddess of fate’s guidance and ventured into a flower-filled forest. There, she picked a beautiful camellia flower, which, in her hands, transformed into a sparkling crystal flower. From that moment on, the lovely Europa was cured of her illness. After recovering, Europa became even more radiant, and even Zeus, the king of the gods, became enamored with her.
To approach her, Zeus secretly transformed himself into a bull and mingled with a herd of cattle. The bull’s graceful demeanor charmed everyone, and encouraged by her friends, Europa climbed onto the bull’s back. Zeus then carried her away, crossing the Aegean Sea to the island of Crete. Eventually, they fell in love, and Europa gave birth to their sons, Minos and Rhadamanthus.
In ancient Greece, crystal was believed to be clear, transparent ice that was transformed by the will of the gods, and thus it was called “KRYSTALLOS,” meaning “pure ice.”
The philosopher Aristotle believed that crystal was ice that had evolved over a long period of time, essentially a fossilized form of ice.
Crystal was also seen as a symbol of light and power.
In the Bible’s Revelation, crystal is used to describe the brilliance of the Holy City, Jerusalem. During the Renaissance in Europe, crystal was considered a symbol of nobility, holiness, wealth, and beauty, which led to its popularity, especially among noblewomen and young girls.
To this day, both Japan and Switzerland have officially designated crystal as their national stone.
The philosopher Aristotle believed that crystal was ice that had evolved over a long period of time, essentially a fossilized form of ice.
Crystal was also seen as a symbol of light and power.
In the Bible’s Revelation, crystal is used to describe the brilliance of the Holy City, Jerusalem. During the Renaissance in Europe, crystal was considered a symbol of nobility, holiness, wealth, and beauty, which led to its popularity, especially among noblewomen and young girls.
To this day, both Japan and Switzerland have officially designated crystal as their national stone.
Recently, in the Spanish region of Europe, archaeologists unearthed a batch of artifacts from the same ancient tomb. According to experts, the tomb is believed to be at least a thousand years old, which, if we compare it to ancient Chinese history, would be from the time of the legendary rulers Yao, Shun, and Yu. What is even more astonishing is that many unusual items were found in the tomb, such as weapons made from crystal.
It is important to note that during ancient times in Europe, there were no known crystal mines, so the appearance of these crystal objects is quite mysterious. Additionally, there’s a crucial point to consider: during such an ancient period, human technology was very primitive, and humanity had not yet fully evolved. Given that crystals are extremely hard materials, it would have been nearly impossible to craft such fine and complete crystal objects with the technology available at that time.
As a result, many different theories emerged after these items were discovered. Some linked the crystal weapons to the Maya, due to the famous crystal skulls associated with them, suggesting that the tomb might have been left by the Maya people. Others believe that these items were weapons left by extraterrestrials, meant to help humans evolve and progress.
Despite extensive research and analysis, archaeologists have not reached a definitive conclusion. There are still many mysteries surrounding this tomb. After thousands of years, even the best-preserved tombs have lost much evidence to the passage of time. Given current human technological capabilities, we cannot fully recreate the scenes of that era. This suggests that ancient humans must have gone through some significant events, though we cannot fully understand them yet. What is certain is that ancient humans were not as primitive as we often imagine.
It is important to note that during ancient times in Europe, there were no known crystal mines, so the appearance of these crystal objects is quite mysterious. Additionally, there’s a crucial point to consider: during such an ancient period, human technology was very primitive, and humanity had not yet fully evolved. Given that crystals are extremely hard materials, it would have been nearly impossible to craft such fine and complete crystal objects with the technology available at that time.
As a result, many different theories emerged after these items were discovered. Some linked the crystal weapons to the Maya, due to the famous crystal skulls associated with them, suggesting that the tomb might have been left by the Maya people. Others believe that these items were weapons left by extraterrestrials, meant to help humans evolve and progress.
Despite extensive research and analysis, archaeologists have not reached a definitive conclusion. There are still many mysteries surrounding this tomb. After thousands of years, even the best-preserved tombs have lost much evidence to the passage of time. Given current human technological capabilities, we cannot fully recreate the scenes of that era. This suggests that ancient humans must have gone through some significant events, though we cannot fully understand them yet. What is certain is that ancient humans were not as primitive as we often imagine.
4.The Mysterious Crystal Skull of the South American Indians:
Among the Native American tribes in South America, there is an ancient legend. It is said that there are 52 crystal skulls, 13 of which belong to the Maya, while the rest are scattered in sacred places around the world, including many indigenous tribes in the Americas, Tibet, and other regions. In a village in Guatemala, the villagers showed a crystal skull to a priest. The priest declared it was made by the devil and smashed the skull into pieces.
Furthermore, the legend says that the 13 crystal skulls can speak and even sing. They contain knowledge about the origin of humanity and death, and they can help humans unlock the mysteries of life in the universe. It is said that humans must find all 13 crystal skulls and place them in the correct positions on the day the Mayan calendar ends after 5,126 years of its cycle, in order to activate their supernatural powers to save the Earth. If not, the Earth will drift away from its axis. So, what is the truth behind this?
In the book The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls, it is said that 12 of these skulls have movable jaws, and they are called “singing skulls.” They are said to store vast amounts of knowledge and are gifts from extraterrestrials from the Sirius constellation. To help the spread of this knowledge, the extraterrestrials are said to have made 40 other skulls with fixed jaws, which are called “talking skulls.” The crystal skulls are said to be nearly the same size as human skulls, are sacred objects of the Maya, and possess mysterious powers. The combination of human skulls and beautiful crystals adds to the mystique of the crystal skulls. It is said that crystal skulls also have a hypnotic effect—if someone stares into its eyes for a while, they will soon feel drowsy. Some believe the Maya used these skulls for surgery on the sick.
In 1927, a crystal skull was discovered at the Maya ruins in Honduras, Central America. It was carved to resemble a human female skull and is very similar to a real human skull. Experts discovered that it is ancient and likely from the Maya period.
It is widely known that modern optics began in the 17th century, and humans only truly understood their skeletal structure after the rise of anatomy in the 18th century. However, these crystal skulls were carved based on a deep understanding of optical principles and human skeletal structure. How did the Maya, over a thousand years ago, possess this knowledge? Experts are also curious about this. When comparing crystal skulls to human skulls, they found that except for slight differences in the eye area, the rest of the parameters are nearly identical to human skulls. The crystal skulls are made from quartz and are models crafted with modern techniques, not carved by the Aztecs with the crystal materials available at the time. In other words, these skulls are models, created using modern methods.
However, this leads to another question: Were the skulls fabricated after ancient legends were passed down, or were the legends created after the skulls were fabricated in modern times? If so, how were they made? Therefore, the existence of the crystal skull legend is still a matter of debate and requires further examination.
Furthermore, the legend says that the 13 crystal skulls can speak and even sing. They contain knowledge about the origin of humanity and death, and they can help humans unlock the mysteries of life in the universe. It is said that humans must find all 13 crystal skulls and place them in the correct positions on the day the Mayan calendar ends after 5,126 years of its cycle, in order to activate their supernatural powers to save the Earth. If not, the Earth will drift away from its axis. So, what is the truth behind this?
In the book The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls, it is said that 12 of these skulls have movable jaws, and they are called “singing skulls.” They are said to store vast amounts of knowledge and are gifts from extraterrestrials from the Sirius constellation. To help the spread of this knowledge, the extraterrestrials are said to have made 40 other skulls with fixed jaws, which are called “talking skulls.” The crystal skulls are said to be nearly the same size as human skulls, are sacred objects of the Maya, and possess mysterious powers. The combination of human skulls and beautiful crystals adds to the mystique of the crystal skulls. It is said that crystal skulls also have a hypnotic effect—if someone stares into its eyes for a while, they will soon feel drowsy. Some believe the Maya used these skulls for surgery on the sick.
In 1927, a crystal skull was discovered at the Maya ruins in Honduras, Central America. It was carved to resemble a human female skull and is very similar to a real human skull. Experts discovered that it is ancient and likely from the Maya period.
It is widely known that modern optics began in the 17th century, and humans only truly understood their skeletal structure after the rise of anatomy in the 18th century. However, these crystal skulls were carved based on a deep understanding of optical principles and human skeletal structure. How did the Maya, over a thousand years ago, possess this knowledge? Experts are also curious about this. When comparing crystal skulls to human skulls, they found that except for slight differences in the eye area, the rest of the parameters are nearly identical to human skulls. The crystal skulls are made from quartz and are models crafted with modern techniques, not carved by the Aztecs with the crystal materials available at the time. In other words, these skulls are models, created using modern methods.
However, this leads to another question: Were the skulls fabricated after ancient legends were passed down, or were the legends created after the skulls were fabricated in modern times? If so, how were they made? Therefore, the existence of the crystal skull legend is still a matter of debate and requires further examination.
5. Global Crystal History and Culture:
Crystals’ use is not limited to China and Europe. As early as 2000 BCE, the Egyptians were using amethyst, turquoise, and agate for necklaces and bracelets. In China, crystals were found in jewelry dating back to the Spring and Autumn period.
Around the 4th century, the Carthaginians made amethyst jewelry with delicate carvings. By the 6th century, Romans were making fine rings with amethyst and emerald. In the early 7th century, Byzantine crystal pendants became popular.
Around the 4th century, the Carthaginians made amethyst jewelry with delicate carvings. By the 6th century, Romans were making fine rings with amethyst and emerald. In the early 7th century, Byzantine crystal pendants became popular.
