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Mala Beads – From Ancient Prayer Tools to Crystal Companions

If you have ever seen a long strand of beads with a tassel on the end, there is a good chance you were looking at a mala. Today they are popular in the crystal and spiritual world, but their story actually goes back thousands of years.A mala bead necklace is a traditional strand of 108 beads used for meditation, prayer, and mindful intention. Originating from spiritual practices in regions such as India and Nepal, malas have long been used as tools to help people focus the mind during meditation...

What To Do with Broken Crystals

You clumsily drop it and it breaks on a tile floor. With the wag of a tail it smashes. The string on the necklace is a little too long and .. oops .. it hits the bench… smash. Maybe it was found broken, or it accidentally went through the washing machine.Unfortunately, as tough and durable as crystals are, like most things they are not 100% indestructible.Goodness me, I know I have dropped a crystal or two, and particularly if it is your favourite it can be gutting, especially if you have love...

Gemstone Elastic Bracelets, What to Expect & How to Care for Them

Gemstone bracelets are such an easy way to wear your favourite stones. They’re simple, comfortable, and you can stack them up or wear just one, depending on your mood (or the outfit!).But there’s one important thing to understand…Most gemstone bracelets are strung on elastic. And elastic doesn’t last forever.That’s completely normal.It doesn’t mean the beads are faulty. It doesn’t mean the bracelet was poor quality. It simply means the elastic has reached the end of its natural lif...

Golden Healer and Fire Quartz

Golden Healer Quartz & Fire Quartz – Trade Names Explained Golden Healer Quartz and Fire Quartz are both popular trade names used to describe naturally occurring quartz that contains iron inclusions. Scientifically speaking, these stones are all forms of quartz with iron oxides, but the colour and visual effect of the iron is what gives rise to the different names used today. Over the years, you may hear these stones referred to as Hematoid Quartz, Ferruginous Quartz, Quartz with Iron Incl...

What Is Citrinated Quartz? Understanding the Terminology

Photo Showen is a Clear Quartz Point from the Congo with Slight Citrnation. The term citrinated quartz can be confusing, as it is not a single mineral name but rather a descriptive term used within the crystal and mineral world. Citrinated quartz refers to quartz that has naturally developed yellow to golden tones, typically through the presence of iron and natural heat during its formation. These colour variations can range from pale honey and champagne hues through to deeper golds, making...

Celestial Quartz / Pineapple Quartz

Pineapple Quartz, also known as Celestial Quartz or Candle Quartz, is a fascinating and visually distinctive variety of quartz crystal. It is easily recognised by the hundreds of tiny crystal terminations that grow around the base and sides of a central point, all aligned in the same upward direction. These smaller terminations resemble wax dripping down a candle, which is how Candle Quartz earned its name. Pineapple Quartz typically appears in soft off-white or creamy tones and may include natu...

Direction – New Year Thoughts from the Beach

It’s amazing where the mind wanders when you finally have space to decompress.Especially after an incessant period of life — when you’ve had to hold emotions in for the good of children, loved ones, or simply to keep the peace. Finances, illness, moving, breakups, breakdowns… the ups and downs of just living.Like you, I’m not immune to any of this.For the most part, 2025 has been okay and good. There have been wins — and I always make a point of noticing them. Watching my family evol...

Can AI Really Identify Crystals? Or Is a Human Eye Still Best?

For some time now, there have been apps designed to identify just about everything — plants, insects, gemstones, you name it. There always seems to be something to help. Most of these tools are now powered by AI, and of course, there’s usually an option to upgrade, go ad-free, or pay for extra features.And then there’s ChatGPT. One app that can do many things.AI has undoubtedly come a long way — but does it really cut the mustard when it comes to identifying crystals? Is it worth paying ...

Crystals for Kiwi Summer Energy – Stones to Energise & Refresh in the NZ Sun

Summer in New Zealand is all about long sunny days, beach trips, backyard barbecues, and that special Kiwi vibe of relaxed, happy energy. But sometimes, the heat, busy schedules, or even the constant buzz of city life can leave us feeling a little drained. That’s where crystals can step in—not just as beautiful decorations, but as little energy-boosting companions to help you stay vibrant and refreshed all summer long.At Blissful Things NZ, we love seeing how our customers combine crystal ma...

Summer Finds & Stone Tumbling – A Kiwi Rock-Lover’s Guide

The great Kiwi summer has begun 🌿And as we enthusiastically find ourselves scrambling to the beaches to beat the heat, lingering by lakes, or heading bush to some remote and beautiful spot, the crystal-loving magpie within us tends to wake up.Before we know it, we’re spotting that something special — a glimmering stone, an interesting rock, a piece of crystal that simply begs to come home with us. Over time, our little bounty grows… and lo and behold, we suddenly have a wee collection o...

Blue Tiger's Eye

Blue Tiger’s Eye, also known as Hawk’s Eye, is a striking and deeply soothing member of the Tiger’s Eye family. Its silky blue shimmer and flowing patterns make it one of the most captivating varieties of quartz, loved by crystal collectors and energy workers alike. With its calming energy and beautiful chatoyant sheen, Blue Tiger’s Eye is often chosen for clarity, intuition, and emotional balance — perfect for anyone wanting peace of mind while staying grounded and confident. What Is ...

Red Tiger's Eye

Red Tiger’s Eye is a dynamic and captivating variety of Tiger’s Eye, known for its rich, warm red hues and silky chatoyant shimmer. Loved by crystal enthusiasts and collectors alike, it is a stone that radiates energy, courage, and grounded strength. Some Red Tiger’s Eye stones achieve their vibrant coloration naturally through oxidation, while others are heat-treated to enhance their red tones. It can be difficult to tell the difference, but both forms are prized for their beauty and ener...

Do Crystal Energies Clash?

A question I hear often is: “Do crystal energies clash? Can I wear certain stones together?”Let’s be very honest—as long as you’re happy with what you’re doing, that’s what matters most. Everyone’s crystal journey is unique, and there’s no one “right” way to work with crystals.Over my 40+ years of experience working with crystals, I’ve learned that personal comfort and intuition are the most important guides—more than rules or what anyone else says.Are Some Crystals “...

Golden Tiger’s Eye

Golden Tiger’s Eye is one of those stones that instantly captures attention. With its warm golden-brown bands and mesmerising chatoyancy (that silky, shimmering light effect), it’s easy to see why this gemstone has been treasured for thousands of years.Highly valued in crystal healing, jewellery, and as a collector’s stone, Golden Tiger’s Eye offers the perfect blend of beauty, protection, and grounded confidence.What Is Golden Tiger’s Eye? – The ScienceGolden Tiger’s Eye is a semi...

Malacholla (Malachite & Chrysocolla)

Malacholla — also known as Malachite-Chrysocolla — is a breathtaking natural fusion of two copper-based minerals: the deep greens of malachite and the soothing blues of chrysocolla. Together they create a stone filled with colour, movement, and powerful healing energy. With its marbled patterns and uplifting vibrations, malacholla is a favourite for emotional healing, transformation, and heart–throat chakra work.What Is Malacholla? (Scientific Information)Malacholla is a dual-mineral combi...

Malachite

Malachite is one of the most recognisable minerals in the crystal world. Its vibrant greens, swirling bands, and earthy presence make it a favourite for collectors, healers, and lovers of natural beauty. More than just a pretty stone, malachite has a long history of being used for transformation, emotional healing, and personal growth. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning patterns or fascinated by the science behind it, malachite carries both visual magic and deep energetic strength. What Is M...

Tree of Life Dream Catchers

At Blissful Things, we’re excited to now stock Tree of Life Dream Catchers — a beautiful blend of symbolism, tradition, and spiritual energy. Many of our designs also feature chakra beads and crystals, bringing an extra layer of intention and vibrational support. This blog looks at the meaning behind both the Tree of Life and the dream catcher, and how these two powerful symbols come together in one piece. What Is the Tree of Life? The Tree of Life is a universal symbol found in cultures al...

Blue Apatite

Apatite is a beautifully vibrant mineral loved by collectors, healers, and crystal enthusiasts for its uplifting energy and vivid colours. From deep ocean blues to earthy greens, apatite is a crystal full of movement, motivation, and clarity. Whether you’re drawn to its scientific background or you resonate with its metaphysical properties, apatite offers a wonderful blend of inspiration and grounding.What Is Apatite? (Scientific Information)Apatite refers to a group of phosphate minerals comm...

Sodalite

Sodalite: Meaning, Properties & Why This Deep Blue Stone Is So Loved Sodalite is a striking deep-blue mineral that has captured the hearts of crystal lovers, collectors, and healers around the world. Its rich colour, white veining, and calming energy make it a favourite in both spiritual and geological circles. Whether you’re drawn to its soothing presence or fascinated by the science behind it, sodalite is a beautiful blend of earth magic and mineral wonder. What Is Sodalite? (Scientific ...

Hearts

Crystal hearts are one of the most cherished and meaningful shapes in the crystal world. Universally recognised as a symbol of love, compassion, and emotional connection, these polished gemstone hearts are not only beautiful to look at but also filled with deep spiritual energy and history. ✨ How Crystal Hearts Are Made Crystal and gemstone hearts begin as natural mineral specimens carefully cut and shaped by skilled stone workers. Each heart is first roughly carved from a larger piece, then g...

Bloodstone, AKA Heliotrope

Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a captivating gemstone recognised for its deep green color with striking red speckles, reminiscent of drops of blood. This unique combination has fascinated crystal enthusiasts and collectors across New Zealand and the world.🌍 Scientific InformationBloodstone is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, specifically a form of chalcedony. Its distinctive red or brownish-red markings are caused by iron oxide inclusions, typically hematite. Composed of silic...

Red Jasper

Red Jasper is a captivating gemstone, admired for its rich red hues, caused by iron oxide inclusions within the chalcedony structure. Its striking color and durability make it a favourite for collectors, crystal enthusiasts, and spiritual practitioners across New Zealand, from Tauranga to Katikati.🌍 Scientific InformationRed Jasper is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz. Its iron content gives it the vibrant red tones that make it so recognisable. Known for its hardines...

Fossil Discovery Box

Fossil Discovery Boxes – A Gift for Young Explorers (and Adults Too!) Having been a Mum of two not-so-little treasure hunters—and an adult gem and fossil nerd myself since childhood—I can tell you how much joy goes into discovering the wonders of the natural world. That’s why I had so much fun putting together these little Fossil Discovery Boxes for Christmas! These are also perfect for birthdays, for yourself or 'Just because'.  Packed into a compact, sturdy box, each set is a tiny...

Magnetic Hematite

Magnetic Hematite has become a popular item in the crystal world — shiny, fun, and fascinating to play with! But there’s a lot of confusion about what it actually is. Let’s clear things up and explore the differences between Magnetic Hematite, Magnetite, Hematite, and Lodestone (or “Lodalite”). ⚙️ What Magnetic Hematite Really Is Magnetic Hematite may look like natural Hematite, but it’s man-made.It’s created by heating iron oxide to a very high temperature and introducing str...

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a striking gemstone admired for its pink to red hues, often adorned with bold black veining created by manganese oxide inclusions. Its unique patterns make it a favourite among collectors and crystal enthusiasts across New Zealand, from Tauranga to Katikati.🌍 Scientific InformationRhodonite is a manganese inosilicate mineral that typically forms in metamorphic environments. Its distinctive color and veining make it not only a beautiful gemstone but also a valuable geological indi...