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Heat-Treated Citrine vs Natural Citrine — Let’s Talk Honestly

About 40 years ago, most of us were told that citrine was "natural" — or more accurately, we weren’t told otherwise. Back then, information wasn’t easily accessible, especially in New Zealand, and it wasn’t uncommon for crystal sellers to pass on what they'd been told without question. Then, about 30 years ago, a few whispers started: “You know that’s heat-treated, right?” But it wasn’t until around 25 years ago, as the digital age blossomed and information became more readily av...

Crystal Elixirs — A 90s Trend We Should Probably Leave Behind

It was the mid-1990s. It seemed harmless enough at the time—pop a clear quartz crystal into your drinking water to add a bit of energetic zing to your day. Maybe rose quartz for unconditional love. Citrine for a little boost of confidence.But then someone came into the shop and said, “I’m going to put this pyrite in my drinking water.”“Um, what?” I asked, doing a double-take.“Yes,” they replied, “I’ve heard it’s good for abundance!”That’s when alarm bells went off.A Sca...

The Magic of Tumbled Stones – Small, Mighty & Full of Meaning

Small, Mighty & Full of Meaning. Tumbled stones might be small, but they carry a big presence — and a surprising amount of heart. Whether you’re new to crystals or have a long-standing love for them, tumbles are often where it all begins.So, what exactly is a tumbled stone?Tumbled stones are natural crystals or minerals that have been smoothed and polished in a rock tumbler. This is a machine that gently rolls the stones for days or even weeks using grit, water, and sometimes polish...

Crystal Flames – Energy in Motion, Beauty in Form

Crystal flames are one of the most captivating and symbolic shapes in the crystal world. Hand-carved to mimic the gentle rise and twist of a flame, these sculptural pieces are more than just beautiful—they represent transformation, passion, strength, and the spark of inner light. The flame shape is said to encourages energy to flow upward and outward, symbolising personal growth, emotional release, and spiritual awakening.These pieces are often carved from stunning stones such as Ocean Spray J...

Cabochons: A Timeless Craft Reimagined

Cabochons—those smooth, domed, and polished stones without facets—have been cherished for centuries. From ancient amulets and medieval talismans to vintage brooches and today’s artisan jewellery, cabochons continue to enchant collectors and makers alike. The term cabochon comes from the French word caboche, meaning “head,” which fittingly describes their rounded top. Unlike faceted stones that sparkle with light, cabochons offer a gentle, glowing beauty that highlights the natural patt...

The Magic of Crystal Spheres

There’s something captivating about a crystal sphere. Perfectly round, smooth to the touch, and often gleaming with natural beauty, they hold a timeless, almost otherworldly charm. But there’s a lot more to a crystal sphere than meets the eye.What Is a Crystal Sphere?Crystal spheres are stones that have been shaped and polished into a round, ball-like form. This shape is symbolic of wholeness, unity, and harmony, with no beginning or end. The smooth, flowing energy of a sphere is thought to ...

What Is “Flash” in a Stone?

What Is “Flash” in Crystals? A Simple Guide to That Magical GleamIf you’ve ever heard a crystal seller say, “Look at the flash in this one!” and wondered what they meant, you’re not alone! Flash in crystals is one of those beautiful little surprises that make collecting stones so exciting. But what exactly is it?What Is Flash in a Crystal?“Flash” refers to a sudden shimmer or shine that appears when the light hits the crystal at just the right angle. It can look like a bright gle...

The Insightful Energy of Window Quartz

Sometimes, a crystal catches your eye in a way that feels deeper—as if it’s inviting you to look within. Window Quartz is one of those stones. With its distinctive diamond-shaped facet and soft inner glow, Window Quartz is known as a neat tool for clarity, self-reflection, and spiritual insight.Let’s explore what makes this crystal special, how to identify it, and why it’s so cherished in spiritual and emotional healing work.What Is Window Quartz?Window Quartz is a form of quartz, usuall...

The Gentle Glow of Girasol Quartz

There’s something quietly magical about Girasol Quartz. With its soft, milky glow and subtle shimmer, this gentle stone radiates a calming, dreamy energy. Sometimes mistaken for opal or moonstone, Girasol Quartz is a variety of quartz known for its delicate internal glow—like mist captured in crystal.Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful mineral, including its variation, Girasol Rose Quartz, and explore its metaphysical meaning and uses in everyday crystal practice.What Is Girasol Qua...

The Spiritual Beauty of Twin Crystals

There’s something especially touching about twin crystals. Whether you're drawn to them for their unique growth pattern or their spiritual symbolism, twin crystals carry a gentle yet powerful energy of connection, harmony, and shared growth.In this post, we’ll explore what twin crystals are, how they form, the metaphysical meaning behind them, and why they’re loved by collectors and healers alike.What Are Twin Crystals?Twin crystals (also called twin flames, soulmate crystals, or simply tw...

The Magic of Double Terminated Quartz Crystals

Double terminated crystals have long captured the hearts of collectors and healers alike. With points at both ends, these beautiful stones are believed to channel energy in two directions, making them sort after tools for healing, spiritual growth, and balance. While quartz is the most well-known mineral to show this formation, double terminations aren’t exclusive to quartz alone.Let’s explore what makes these crystals so special, how they form, and why they’re a much-loved part of the cry...

Rutile Quartz: Threads of Light and Insight

Rutile Quartz is a captivating crystal that seems to hold rays of golden sunlight frozen in stone. It’s a type of quartz that contains needle-like inclusions of rutile, often golden, but sometimes silver, copper, red, or even black. These shimmering strands give Rutile Quartz a distinctive beauty—like nature’s own tangle of angel hair.But beyond its unique appearance, Rutile Quartz has long been cherished for its energetic properties and spiritual wisdom.What is Rutile Quartz?At its core, ...

Phantom Quartz: A Crystal of Inner Growth and Timeless Wisdom

Phantom Quartz is a fascinating crystal that captures the imagination — and for good reason. At first glance, it looks like a typical clear quartz point. But peer inside, and you’ll notice something magical: ghost-like shapes, often in the form of pyramids or outlines of crystals, frozen within. These “phantoms” are actually earlier stages of the crystal’s growth, captured and preserved as the quartz continued to form around them.Here at Blissful Things, we’re always drawn to stones ...

Lemurian Quartz: Trend or Truth?

Oh dear—another crystal trend, I thought! If there’s one thing I’m not, it’s someone who gets caught up in the latest crystal craze. But, me being me, I had to look into it a bit more.Now, let’s be real—“Lemurian Quartz” is a marketing name. That’s something I’ve known for a while. But interestingly, a lot of people in the metaphysical world really feel drawn to it. So, what’s going on here?Lemurian Quartz crystals generally come from Brazil. They tend to be super clear, lo...

Oracle Cards: A Beautiful Way to Tap Into Guidance and Intuition

We’re excited to now stock oracle cards at Blissful Things! Whether you’re new to using cards or already have a few decks at home, oracle cards are a beautiful way to invite inspiration, clarity, and gentle guidance into your day.If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between oracle and tarot cards or how to begin your own practice, here’s a simple intro to help you connect with the magic.Oracle Cards vs Tarot Cards: What’s the Difference?Both oracle and tarot cards are used for ...

Cinnabar – A Quirky Name, an Interesting Stone!

Cinnabar – A Quirky Name, an Interesting Stone!Cinnabar—what a weird name for a rock, right? I always remember it from when I was a kid rockhounding in Northland, New Zealand. We were told, “Don’t lick the red ones!” because they contained mercury. Of course, being kids, that just made it more fascinating.The cinnabar we usually see here in New Zealand is found inside a pale white chalcedony. I’ve recently been revisiting this mineral, as we had some beautiful cinnabar tumbles arrive...

Birthstone of May – Emerald

When I think of emeralds, I always picture the Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz—that rich, glowing green we all know and love. Like spring leaves lit by sunshine—fresh, lush, and full of life.But not all emeralds look like that! They come in a range of grades, and not every one is bright or clear. Emerald belongs to the beryl family (which also includes aquamarine), and it rates between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. That makes it fairly hard, but it can still be fragile due to n...

Know Your Crystal Hardnesses

Do you know your crystal hardnesses—or even what that means?I’ve had many conversations over the years with people wanting to know the meaning of a crystal. Often, when I start talking about a crystal's hardness, most will pause and listen. But a few have cut me off with: “I just want the meaning!”The truth is, if you want to understand your crystals better—whether you're drawn to them for collecting, metaphysical work, or spiritual connection—you need to understand their hardness. I...

Sun Catchers

There’s something truly spellbinding about the way sunlight filters through glass, scattering vibrant beams of color that dance across a room. Rainbow catchers, also known as suncatchers, capture this magic effortlessly, transforming ordinary light into a dazzling display of color and wonder. Whether crafted from faceted crystals, delicate stained glass, or shimmering resin, these little treasures infuse any space with joy, warmth, and a touch of enchantment.The Magic of Light and ColourRainbo...

Understanding Chakras & Crystals – A Simple Guide

Firstly The word chakra comes from ancient Sanskrit and literally means “wheel” or “disc.” It refers to spinning wheels of energy in the body that have been talked about for thousands of years in Indian traditions. These energy centres are part of a system that connects your physical body with your emotional and spiritual self. While the chakra system has roots in early Hindu and Buddhist teachings, it’s now used by many people around the world as a way to understand how energy flows (...

A Blissful Visit: Discovering Our Crystal Shop in the Bay of Plenty

Visiting the Blissful Things Crystal Shop – A Hidden Gem in the Bay of PlentyIf you're into crystals and you're in the Bay of Plenty, a visit to our little shop – Blissful Things – is well worth the trip. We’re rurally based between Tauranga and Katikati, and honestly, the drive out here is lovely. Peaceful countryside roads, beautiful scenery – it sets the tone before you even arrive.Our crystal shop is a destination in itself. We're not a walk-in store, so we work by appointment only...

How to Choose Your First Crystal: A Beginner’s Guide

Thinking about buying your first crystal? Whether you’re curious about crystal healing, looking to start a collection, or want something beautiful for your home décor, this guide is here to help you get started.At Blissful Things, we know it can feel overwhelming stepping into the world of crystals. With so many colours, names, and meanings, how do you even begin? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there.Start With Your IntuitionOne of the best ways to choose your first crystal is to simply go ...

Why We Blog at Blissful Things

Here at Blissful Things, we believe that crystals aren’t just pretty—they carry stories, energy, and intention. Our blog is a space where we share a little heart, a little humour, and a whole lot of knowledge.We write to connect with you, to answer those “I’ve always wondered…” questions, and to make metaphysical tools feel approachable and fun. Whether it's how to use a pendulum or why your crystal bracelet snapped (again!), we’re here to chat it through.Plus, blogging helps other...

Crystal Bracelets: Why They’ve Taken Over

Let’s talk about crystal bracelets—the stretchy kind, the stackable kind, the ones we wear until the elastic gives up the ghost. You’ve probably noticed they’ve quietly taken the spotlight away from the humble crystal necklace. And honestly? I get it.Bracelets are easy. You pop them on, no fiddly clasps, no worry about matching them to your neckline. Plus, they’re a fun way to carry crystal energy with you all day long—and let’s face it, they’re cute too.Why Bracelets Are the New...

Pendulums Debunked: The Basics

Firstly, for all the seasoned pendulum users out there: this is just my take. I ask that everyone reading this keeps an open mind. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. Whether you take a little something from this blog or absolutely nothing at all—that’s totally up to you.More often than not, whether I'm at the Psychic Café, a metaphysical event, or just pottering around in the Blissful Things shop, someone will ask me about pendulums. Especially if they’re new to the idea, or if...