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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

Why We Write – Sharing Crystal Wisdom from the Heart Here at Blissful Things, we believe that crystals aren’t just pretty — they carry stories, energy, and intention. Each one has its own character, its own gentle vibration, and its own way of finding the person who needs it most. Our blog is where we share a little heart, a little humour, and a whole lot of crystal knowledge. It’s our way of connecting with you — answering those “I’ve always wondered…” questions, and making me...

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...

Rainbow Inclusions — That Rainbow Connection

Whenever I talk to people about rainbow inclusions, my mind drifts back to a very specific moment in time. I’m  curled up in front of our old tube TV (yep, not YouTube — I mean the big ol’ boxy TV with a tube inside), on a rainy school holiday afternoon in autumn. The kind of day that smells of damp leaves and feels like magic. And on the screen? Kermit the Frog, singing The Rainbow Connection.Fitting, really — because more often than not, rainy days are followed by rainbows. And in...

The Magic of Crystal Eggs

The Magic of Crystal Eggs – Meaning, Uses & Everyday BeautyCrystal  eggs have long been admired for their beauty, symbolism, and versatility. Shaped like the universal symbol of new beginnings and fertility, these smooth, polished stones hold powerful energy while serving many practical and spiritual functions. Whether you’re drawn to their aesthetic or their deeper metaphysical meaning, crystal eggs are a beautiful addition to any collection.🌸 Symbolism & MeaningThe egg is a...

Perfectly Imperfect: Celebrating the Uniqueness of Crystals

Having grown up surrounded by crystals, I’ve always been fascinated by how different minerals mix within the Earth’s kingdom. Some of my earliest memories are of admiring polished stones at the local gem club, where lapidaries—stone artisans—worked their magic. Both my parents were involved in this craft, and as a family, we often ventured to the Coromandel to collect nature’s treasures. More often than not, we would return with beautiful mixtures of petrified wood, agates, chalcedony,...

How Do Geodes Form?

How Do Geodes Form?Geodes start as hollow spaces within volcanic or sedimentary rock. These cavities can form in different ways:Volcanic Gas Bubbles: In volcanic areas, geodes often begin as gas bubbles trapped in cooling lava. Over time, these bubbles leave behind empty pockets inside the rock.Sedimentary Cavities: In sedimentary rock, geodes can form in areas where organic material, like shells or tree roots, has decayed, leaving behind a hollow space.The Magic of Crystal GrowthOnce a cavity f...

How to Cleanse Your Crystals: A Simple Guide

Over the years of working with crystals almost on a weekly basis, one question keeps coming up: How do I cleanse my crystals? This is often followed by: How often should I cleanse them? What happens if I don’t? And many other related questions.The truth is, it’s entirely up to you how often you cleanse your crystals and what method you use. If you haven’t cleansed them for a while, don’t worry! Crystals fit into our lives, not the other way around, and everyone has their own interpretati...

The Truth About Auralite 23: A Personal Reflection

One thing I can’t help but do is keep you guys informed! Over the years, I’ve had countless requests for Auralite 23, and when I finally came across it, I was absolutely speechless—but not in the way you might expect. My experience with this mineral didn’t quite match up with the claims I had read, and honestly, I was shocked.I’ve had my hands on this so-called “Auralite 23” for over three years now, debating whether or not to list it on the website. After much deliberation, I’ve...

Rubys Rubys and more Rubys.

Not only is Ruby the birthstone of July, but Rubies have captivated people for centuries, whether in ancient legends, family heirlooms, or dazzling works of art. When we think of rubies, many of us picture scenes straight out of an Indiana Jones movie—vast treasure chambers filled with gold, silver, and brilliant gemstones, including fiery red rubies, glowing emeralds, deep blue sapphires, and shimmering amethysts. It’s no wonder that both children and adults are drawn to these mesmerising s...

The Rise of Crystal Mushrooms

Let’s be honest—growing up, whenever we encountered a mushroom in a storybook, it was often linked to fairy tales, whimsical adventures, or cute Disney animals. As a child, I was always drawn to them, letting my imagination soar with stories of fairies and enchanted forests. I clearly remember, back in the 1980s, there was a giant red mushroom with white spots near Greerton in Tauranga. As far as I recall, it was actually a veggie stand, but all I wanted to do was stop there, imagining a mag...

I found this rock; how much is it worth?

While talking to a friend's six-year-old son, he excitedly handed me a rock and asked, “How much is this worth?” Clearly, he thought he’d found something special, so I asked, “Where did you find it?”“In a local river,” he replied.I smiled, knowing that many people find crystals and rocks, particularly over the summer, when exploring New Zealand and asking the same question. This is a common scenario for me—people want to know what their crystals are worth. Over the years, I�...