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Dendritic Agate

Dendritic Agate is a unique and enchanting variety of Chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of Quartz, celebrated for its intricate, tree- or fern-like inclusions. These natural patterns, called dendrites, are created when mineral-rich water, often containing manganese or iron, flows through tiny cracks in the rock, leaving behind delicate, branching formations. Dendrites can also occur in other quartz materials like Moss Agate and Jasper, where green or brown mineral inclusions form moss- or fern...

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate is a stunning variety of Chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of Quartz, prized for its soft pastel blue shades and delicate, lace-like banding. Its layered patterns of light blue and white create intricate, calming designs that make each piece unique. Scientifically, these banded layers form over millennia as silica deposits slowly crystallize, giving Blue Lace Agate its signature smooth texture and tranquil appearance. Some specimens also contain vugs or pockets of druzy quartz,...

Flower Agate

Flower Agate is one of those crystals that instantly draws you in with its dreamy, soft beauty. Found mainly in Madagascar, this captivating variety of Agate is loved for its delicate, flower-like formations that seem to bloom inside the stone itself. These gentle patterns, often in shades of pink, white, and peach, look like tiny frozen blossoms — nature’s artwork captured forever in crystal form.Scientifically, Flower Agate is a form of Chalcedony, part of the Quartz family, which gives it...

Shungite Elite! The More you Know the Less You Know?

WOW — Two Posts About This Little Controversial Rock Already in one day!At least I'm getting it out there ;-). One thing I really pride myself on is this: if I don’t know something, I’ll find out.After being around crystals most of my life, I’ve learned something important — the more you know, the more you realise you don’t know! The crystal industry is full of twists, turns, and forever-changing supply chains. It’s a machine with many moving parts, and even the most experienc...

Is Shungite Safe to Drink?

Even though I’ve been on my crystal journey since the dawn of time, I did take a little break after I sold my crystal shop in the early 2000s. After that, I worked at a lovely metaphysical store in Perth, Australia for a couple of years. Then, coming back to New Zealand, my husband and I focused on starting a family. Of course, I’ve always been a bit of a deep diver when it comes to rocks, but with babies and child wrangling, my crystal hobby went on the backburner.As the kids grew older, cr...

Grape Agate

Grape Agate is one of those truly captivating crystals that always draws attention. Known for its unique botryoidal formations (the little clusters that look just like bunches of grapes), this stone is both striking to look at and soothing to work with. Also called Purple Chalcedony, it has become a very collectable mineral in recent years and is especially admired for its calming, protective, and balancing energy.What makes Grape Agate unique?When most people think of Grape Agate, they picture ...

Orca Agate

Orca Agate is one of those crystals that instantly catches your eye. With its bold grey and white contrast, it looks so much like the markings of an orca whale that it’s easy to see where the name comes from. This beautiful variety of agate has become increasingly popular with collectors and crystal lovers here in New Zealand and around the world.What is Orca Agate?Orca Agate is a type of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Like many agates, it forms within volcanic rock...

Exploring the Magic of Amphibole Quartz

Science & StructureAmphibole Quartz, often called Angel Phantom Quartz, is a remarkable variety of clear quartz with natural, feathery inclusions that look like angel wings drifting through the crystal. These wispy shapes form as different minerals—commonly hematite, kaolinite, or lithium—grow inside the quartz during its formation. No two pieces are ever the same, making each crystal a unique, natural artwork.A Glimpse into HistoryWhile quartz has been treasured worldwide for thousands ...

Ancient Spirals: Discovering the Magic of Ammonites

Science & StructureAmmonites are part of the Nautiloid family, close relatives of the modern Nautilus we still see in our oceans today. These incredible marine creatures lived hundreds of millions of years ago and are distant cousins of squid and octopus.Their signature spiral shells were divided into intricate chambers, once filled with gas and liquid to help the animal regulate buoyancy. When fossilised, these chambers can reveal stunning natural patterns—sometimes lined with calcite, ar...

Spirit Amethyst & Spirit Quartz – Crystals of Sparkling Harmony

Spirit Amethyst—also known as Cactus Amethyst or Fairy Amethyst—and its close cousin Spirit Quartz are some of the most enchanting crystals you’ll ever see. Their glittering surfaces look as though they’ve been dusted with stardust, catching the light in a way that’s simply magical. Whether you’re a crystal collector or just love a bit of sparkle, these pieces are captivating.Science & StructureSpirit Amethyst and Spirit Quartz form through a fascinating process called second-gen...

Prasiolite – The Gentle Green Quartz

Prasiolite – The Gentle Green QuartzPrasiolite, sometimes referred to as Green Amethyst, emits a soft, calming glow that evokes the sensation of fresh leaves after a rain. Whether you’re drawn to its soothing colour or its heart-centred energy, this crystal has an intriguing story—one that blends natural geology with a bit of human help.Science & StructurePrasiolite is a green variety of quartz (SiO₂), sharing the same crystal structure and a Mohs hardness of 7 as amethyst and citrin...

How to Use Sweetgrass for Smudging

Blissful Things – This is just a basic Kiwi Guide for use by like-minded Kiwis who are interested in, exploring or want to know about smudging with Sweet Grass. If you would like to work with your own rituals or explore other methods, or have a way of smudging that feels right for you, go ahead. After all, this is just a basic guide. Sweetgrass, also known as Aromatic Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), has been cherished for generations as a sacred herb of healing and connection. Revered by...

Hydrothermal Etched Amethyst – Nature’s Underground Art

Hydrothermal Etched Amethyst is one of those crystals that makes you pause and look twice. Instead of the smooth faces we expect from classic amethyst, these pieces carry intricate markings and soft grooves, as though Mother Nature has delicately carved them with her own hand. Each one is a natural sculpture, full of mystery and beauty.Science & StructureEtched Amethyst begins its life as fully formed amethyst quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) with the familiar violet hue and a solid 7 on the...

Silky Silk Agate – The Artistry of the Earth

I know it’s heat-treated, but I’ve always had a soft spot for it. Maybe it’s because it’s just so fascinating. Silky Agate, sometimes called Silk Agate, is a true testament to the Earth’s exquisite artistry. This remarkable stone features a soft, silky-smooth texture with bands of mesmerising colour — from soft pastels to bold oranges, greys, and blacks that ripple through each piece like ribbons of light.Mined mainly in Madagascar, Silky Agate is admired for its soothing energy and ...

Amethyst – The Classic Crystal of Calm

Amethyst is one of those stones that never goes out of style. With its deep, vibrant violet glow and glassy clarity, it’s both elegant and soothing—like twilight captured in crystal. Whether you’re drawn to it for its beauty or its peaceful energy, amethyst remains a favourite in homes, jewellery boxes, and meditation spaces around the world.Science & StructureAmethyst is a stunning violet variety of quartz (SiO₂), prized for its exceptional clarity and captivating colour. That rich ...

Amazonite – The Calming Turquoise Toned Stone

Amazonite is one of those crystals that instantly catches the eye with its vibrant turquoise-green glow. Our Blissful Things collection features pieces mainly from Madagascar and South America, where some of the world’s most striking specimens are found. Whether you’re drawn to its colour, its soothing energy, or its deep geological story, Amazonite is a true crowd-pleaser.Science & StructureAmazonite is a variety of the feldspar mineral microcline with the chemical formula KAlSi₃O₈....

Ametrine – Two Energies in One Beautiful Crystal

Ametrine is one of those crystals that makes you stop and smile. With vivid amethyst purple flowing into warm citrine yellow, it’s like sunrise meeting twilight inside a single stone. No two pieces are ever the same, and each one feels like a tiny work of art from deep inside the Earth.Science & StructureAmetrine is a variety of quartz (SiO₂) that forms when iron impurities inside the crystal experience different temperatures and oxidation levels during growth. This natural process creat...

Ajoite in Quartz – Rare Blue-Green Magic from Messina

If you love crystals with a story, Ajoite in Quartz Matrix is one to treasure. This rare combination shows off striking blue-green inclusions floating inside clear or milky quartz, almost like captured watercolour clouds. Our Blissful Things collection features pieces hand-selected from the historic Messina Copper Mines in South Africa—material that has only recently reappeared on the market after years of scarcity.Science & FormationAjoite itself is a hydrous sodium–potassium copper alu...

Chevron Amethyst – Dreamy Bands of Purple & White

Chevron Amethyst, sometimes called Dream Amethyst, is a true show-stopper in the crystal world. With its striking V-shaped stripes of deep violet and soft white, this stone looks as if an artist has painted layers of moonlight across royal purple skies. It’s a favourite in our crystal cabin here in the Bay of Plenty and always draws admiring looks.Science & StructureChevron Amethyst is a variety of quartz made of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It shares the same chemical make-up as classic amet...

Agate – A Deep Dive into Nature’s Banded Beauty

Agate is one of those crystals that quietly steals the show. A captivating variety of chalcedony (a microcrystalline form of quartz), Agate is loved for its swirling bands, earthy colours, and amazing durability. This is a general guide—there are so many different types of Agate that you could spend a lifetime collecting and still be surprised.Science & StructureScientifically, Agate is a silica mineral that forms when silica-rich water slowly fills cavities in volcanic rock. Over time, la...

Amber – Golden Light From Ancient Forests

Amber Copal is a hard, translucent fossilised resin that formed from the sap of long-extinct coniferous trees. It isn’t a mineral or a crystal at all—it’s the preserved essence of ancient forests. Some pieces of Baltic Amber are more than 40 million years old, while Dominican Amber often shows off insects and plant fragments trapped for 15–30 million years. Even younger “young ambers,” sometimes called Copal, can still be a few million years old and carry a gorgeous honey glow.Where ...

Crystal Gridding – A Simple Kiwi Guide

What is Crystal Gridding?Crystal gridding is the art of placing crystals in a pattern so their energies work together for a single purpose—whether that’s protection, abundance, calm, or simply a good night’s sleep. Think of it as a mini power team: small things can pack a punch when working collectively, and crystals are no different.Why Has Crystal Gridding Become Popular?From Tauranga to Te Anau, more and more people are discovering how easy and fun it is to create a crystal grid. It’s...

Crystals for Emotional Balance

A Gentle Reminder on Emotional BalanceCrystals can be wonderful allies in times of stress, but they are not a replacement for self-care, healthy choices, and supportive connections. They work best when combined with practices like rest, reflection, setting boundaries, and reaching out to trusted friends or professionals when needed.Emotional balance doesn’t mean never feeling upset—it means finding steadiness, resilience, and calm even when life feels uncertain. Crystals can help us anchor i...

Palo Santo: Holy Wood for Cleansing & Positive Energy

Palo Santo, often called Holy Wood, is a sacred tree native to South America and loved for its sweet, uplifting aroma and powerful cleansing properties. At Blissful Things, we offer beautifully fragrant Palo Santo that’s perfect for spiritual rituals and everyday energy clearing.What Is Palo Santo?Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) has been used for centuries by South American cultures for smudging, meditation, and spiritual cleansing. When lit, it releases a warm, sweet, earthy fragrance that ca...

Pluto in Aquarius – My Take (and a Few Crystal Tips)

I’ve never been a trend follower when it comes to the metaphysical side of life. Don’t get me wrong—I love astrology, crystals and all the “woo-woo.” But when it turns grand or hyped, I tend to switch off.I’ve seen too many crazes: the Moldavite craze in the 1990s and now, the Shungite craze, the Lion’s Gate craze—all those “new”, or renamed modalities where suddenly everyone is rushing to try it. And of course, every time Mercury goes retrograde, it’s red-alert panic. Yip,...