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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,...

White Sage Smudge Sticks: A Simple Guide to Cleansing & Clarity

How to Use White Sage Smudge Sticks for Spiritual CleansingIntroduction:White sage smudge sticks are a traditional tool for spiritual cleansing and refreshing your space. At Blissful Things, we offer both New Zealand grown white sage and Californian white sage. Both are equally effective—the choice comes down to personal preference.How to Use Your White Sage Smudge Stick:Trim and Light: Simply trim the cotton as you burn your smudge stick and re-tie the bundle for multiple uses—a little goes...

Crystals for Mental Clarity & Overcoming Overthinking

We all do it—overthinking. Whether it’s a big situation or something small, our minds can spiral until it feels like we’re walking around in a fog. Mental clarity goes out the window, and suddenly even simple choices feel heavy.That’s where crystals for mental clarity and calm can be supportive. But here’s the thing—as I often say—it’s all you. Crystals are handy allies, but they aren’t magic fixes.First Things FirstBefore reaching for crystals, it’s essential to check in wit...

Crystals for Manifestation & Abundance

Crystals for Manifestation & Abundance When we talk about manifestation, it’s easy to imagine crystals doing all the work for us. But the truth is, crystals are supportive allies, not magic wands. They help us focus our energy and intentions, but real manifestation also comes from the choices we make, the actions we take, and the effort we put in each day.Abundance doesn’t always mean money—it can also be opportunities, support, growth, health, love, or inner peace. By combining clear ...

Crystals for Overcome Obstacles

Obstacles are those stumbling blocks that stop us from reaching our goals. They can feel like limiting factors that get in the way of our dreams. As frustrating as obstacles are, we’ve all faced them—in the past, in the present, and we’ll face more in the future.The real key is how we approach them. Overcoming obstacles might not feel empowering at the time, but each challenge builds resilience, strength, and wisdom. Sometimes obstacles are small and manageable. Other times they feel overw...

Pastel & Ethereal-Colored Crystals for Decor & Styling

Crystals aren’t just magical—they’re also gorgeous little mood-lifters for your home. And right now, the trend is all about soft, dreamy colours: think coral, ocean blue, gentle pinks, and ethereal pastels. These stones aren’t just easy on the eyes—they can actually bring a calm, uplifting energy into your space.Whether you’re decorating your lounge, setting up an altar, or just showing off your crystal collection, these pastel beauties are having a moment.Why Pastel Crystals Are So ...

The Placebo Effect

Let’s be honest—crystals can be a bit of a mystery. Some people swear by their healing energy, while others roll their eyes and say, “It’s all just placebo.” But here’s the fun part: even if it is placebo, that doesn’t make it less powerful. In fact, the placebo effect is one of the most fascinating (and very real) psychological benefits out there.So let’s dive in—science, sincerity, and a dash of Kiwi cheekiness—into why crystals feel powerful and why that’s something to c...

A Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Scrying & Gazing

Crystals have been used for centuries as tools for insight, guidance, and meditation. One of the most fascinating practices is crystal scrying, also known as crystal gazing. Most people picture the classic image of a fortune teller with a crystal ball—but there’s so much more to this ancient art.Whether you’re curious about crystal ball reading or you want to explore new ways of working with crystals, this guide will give you a gentle introduction.What Is Crystal Scrying?Scrying is the pra...

Budget-Friendly Crystal Collecting

Crystals are magical in more ways than one—they can support intention, mindfulness, and energy, and they’re also beautiful objects to collect, admire, and display. But building a meaningful collection doesn’t need to cost a fortune. The joy comes from both the energy each crystal brings and the thrill of finding stones that speak to you.With a little planning, awareness, and mindfulness, you can create a collection that nourishes both your spiritual practice and your love of collecting—w...

How to Program Your Crystals

How to Program Your Crystals 🌿✨ Crystals are wonderful companions—beautiful, unique, and full of potential. They naturally carry their own vibrations, but you can also program crystals with your intentions. Programming a crystal simply means giving it a clear purpose, so it can support you in your personal journey. It’s like setting the GPS on your phone—you decide where you’d like to go, and the crystal helps hold that focus with you. At Blissful Things here in New Zealand, we ofte...

How to Buy Crystals Safely: Honest Suppliers and Online Tips.

Crystals are beautiful, magical companions—but their value lies not just in their energy, but also in their authenticity. Buying from a trustworthy crystal supplier ensures you get genuine crystals, fair pricing, and respect for mindful sourcing. Whether you’re collecting for metaphysical purposes, display, hobby, or home décor, it’s important to know your supplier is reputable—both in person and online.Signs of an Honest Crystal Supplier1. Clear Sourcing InformationSourcing can be tric...

All about Caribbean Calcite

Caribbean Calcite is a truly enchanting crystal, known for its lovely calm blue and white tones, sometimes accented with hints of brown. The swirling patterns of colors within the stone bring to mind gentle waves, warm winds, and tropical beaches—hence the name “Caribbean Calcite” or sometimes “Caribbean Blue Calcite” or “Ocean Blue Calcite.” Interestingly, despite its name, this mineral is not from the Caribbean. It is a fairly recent discovery, first found in 2019 in Pakistan, an...

All about Black Amethyst

Black Amethyst: A Rare and Protective StoneBlack amethyst is a truly unique crystal, instantly captivating with its deep, dark purple to nearly black hues. Unlike the more common lighter shades of amethyst, this stone has a mysterious, grounding energy that makes it both beautiful and powerful.What is Black Amethyst?Black amethyst is essentially tiny druzy quartz crystals sitting on a black chalcedony base. The quartz druse can vary in colour—from clear to white, and sometimes with hints of am...