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Can You Swallow Crystals?

I’ve always been brought up to believe that no question is a dumb question.So whenever someone asks me something a little “left field,” I do my best to answer as truthfully and directly as possible, with a little love sprinkled in. Because let’s be honest, if you love crystals, that kind of comes with the territory.Every so often, I get asked: “Can you swallow crystals?”As in the Crystals, Minerals and Rocks we sell. To some people, this might sound a bit unusual. But I always c...

How to Work with Crystals in a Grounded Way

Crystals don’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.In fact, the most supportive and enjoyable way to work with crystals is often the simplest. There’s no need to follow long lists of rules, worry about combinations, or feel like you need to have everything figured out.A grounded approach brings things back to basics—keeping it calm, personal, and easy. Start Small It’s easy to feel drawn to lots of different crystals (they are beautiful after all), but starting with one or two is a g...

Fear-Based Crystal Advice vs Intuitive Use

If you’ve spent any time online looking into crystals, you’ve probably come across posts that sound a bit like:“Don’t mix these crystals—they clash”“This crystal is too strong”“That one can cause headaches”It can leave you feeling unsure, second-guessing yourself, or even a little worried about something that’s meant to feel supportive and calming.So let’s gently bring this back to a more grounded place. When Advice Becomes Fear There’s nothing wrong with sharing knowle...

Understanding Sensitivity vs Suggestion

From time to time, you might hear someone say they feel “sensitive” to certain crystals, perhaps a bit overwhelmed, emotional, or even experiencing something physical like a headache. These experiences are real for the person feeling them, and they deserve to be acknowledged with care.But there’s also another layer to gently consider, the difference between true sensitivity and suggestion.Some People Are Naturally More SensitiveWe’re all wired a little differently.Some people are na...

Why You Might Feel “Off” Around Crystals

From time to time, people share that they’ve felt a little “off” around crystals—maybe a headache, feeling unsettled, or just not quite themselves. It’s a real experience for them, and it’s important to acknowledge that without jumping straight to fear-based explanations like “clashing energies.”More often than not, there are very natural, grounded reasons behind these feelings.Let’s take a gentle look at what might really be going on. Sensory Overload Crystals are beautiful, b...

How to Smudge Your Space with White Sage

White sage smudge sticks are a beautiful, traditional tool used for spiritual cleansing, grounding, and refreshing the energy in your space. Whether you're new to smudging or it’s part of your regular routine, it’s a simple and meaningful practice.At Blissful Things, we offer both New Zealand-grown white sage and Californian white sage. Both are equally effective—the choice really comes down to what you feel most drawn to.✨ How to Use Your White Sage Smudge Stick1. Light Your Smudge Stic...

Neurodivergence & The Natural Attraction to Crystals

Neurodivergence & The Natural Attraction to Crystals There’s something I’ve noticed more and more over the years at Blissful Things…Some people who feel deeply drawn to crystals, nature, and what some call the “woo-woo” side of life, also identify as neurodivergent, or are beginning to explore that part of themselves.And honestly… it makes a lot of sense. What is Neurodivergence? Neurodivergence is a broad term that includes ways of thinking and experiencing the world that differ...

Why Are Dark Crystals and Golden Healers So Popular Right Now?

Lately, I’ve noticed a bit of a pattern here at Blissful Things…There’s been a real pull toward darker stones, think obsidian, black tourmaline, smoky quartz, along with the beautiful, warm energy of Golden Healers, Citrine and Tiger's eye.It’s always interesting to watch what people are naturally drawn to, because more often than not, it reflects what’s going on beneath the surface, not just individually, but collectively as well. A Need for Grounding and Protection Dark crystals...

Crystals Don’t Replace Medical Care!

Crystals have been part of human history for thousands of years, valued for their natural beauty and the sense of connection and calm they can bring into our lives. At Blissful Things, we truly believe in the supportive role crystals can play in wellbeing, helping to create space, intention, and a moment to pause in a busy world.But it’s just as important to say this clearly: crystals do not diagnose, treat, or replace medical care.They are companions, not cures.In today’s world, it can be e...

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...