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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...

Brandberg Quartz Blog

The Brandberg Massif in Namibia is one of the world’s most famous and remote quartz localities. The name “Brandberg” comes from this region, and it has become synonymous with some of the finest and most collectible quartz crystals on the planet. Collectors and crystal lovers alike prize Brandberg Quartz not just for its beauty, but also for its unique energies.What is Brandberg Quartz?Brandberg Quartz includes a range of quartz varieties such as clear quartz, smoky quartz, and amethyst. Wh...

Ancestralite Blog

The ancient grounding energy of Ancestralite is really something to behold. These stones are incredibly old — around 2.5 billion years — and have lived through immense pressure and tectonic upheaval. When you hold one, you can almost feel that long history pressing gently into your hands. Despite their weight and density, Ancestralite carries a surprisingly calming and steady energy.Ancestralite is actually a trade name for a pseudomorph mineral that contains Martite. Martite forms when Magn...

Feeling Stuck? How to Refresh Your Energy This Spring

So, have you ever just sat back and felt… completely stuck? Maybe you’re tidying the house, or at work, or just filling in time, and your brain seems to have hit pause. Nothing major has happened. You’re not stressed, but you feel flat, uninspired, and unsure what to do next.Maybe the spring weather isn’t helping — sunny one moment, windy and rainy the next. Ten seasons in a single day. It’s like everything is swirling around in your head, and you’re just… ho hum.Perhaps it’s t...

Do Crystals Keep Growing ?

This is a question I’ve been asked many times over the years—can crystals keep growing once they’ve been mined or taken out of the earth? It’s a fascinating thought, and one that deserves a clear, down-to-earth answer.The Simple TruthOnce a crystal is removed from its natural environment—whether that’s deep underground, in a cave, or nestled in a pocket of rock—it stops growing. The reason is simple: all the conditions that were feeding it and allowing it to grow are no longer pres...

Goldstone – The Sparkling "Stone of Ambition"

Goldstone has always held a special place in my heart. As a child, I was mesmerised by its twinkling surface that looked just like gold dust. Hypnotic and magical, it quickly became one of my favourites.Yes, it’s man-made – but interestingly, Goldstone has been embraced by the lapidary world and crystal enthusiasts alike. Back in the day, obtaining material in New Zealand was no small feat. Collectors would import the raw material from overseas, then cut and polish it here. Most of us were f...

Double Terminated Quartz Crystals – Flowing Energy from Both Ends

Double terminated quartz crystals are a beautiful and powerful shape within the quartz family. A termination refers to the six-sided point at the end of a crystal, and double terminated crystals have these points on both ends. This unique formation allows energy to flow freely in two directions at once, making them popular for healing, meditation, and crystal layouts.With the rise of crystal popularity, double terminated quartz has become a highly sought-after shape. Natural double-terminated po...

Barnacle Quartz

Barnacle Quartz is a form of Quartz where many smaller Quartz points have grown onto the surface of a larger point or cluster. This happens naturally over millions of years, as conditions in the crystal’s environment change and new growth layers form. The smaller “barnacle” crystals often have the same composition as the main crystal, and you’ll usually find them in Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, or occasionally Amethyst. Each little point catches the light beautifully, making Barnacle Quar...

AI Generated Crystal Images

Don't Be Fooled: AI-Generated Crystal Images Are EverywhereMajor advancements in artificial intelligence in recent years have made it harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake – not just in pictures of people, but also in product listings. And yes, this includes crystals.AI-generated images are popping up all over social media, websites, and even in supposedly educational crystal books. Some of them look so real it’s scary. But when you stop and look a bit closer, you’ll often find te...

Tabular Quartz

Tabular Quartz, also known by its nickname Tabby Quartz (and no, it’s got nothing to do with cats), is one of those stones that really catches the eye—and not just because of its shine. What makes it so cool is its shape. Instead of the usual chunky points we see with most quartz crystals, tabby quartz forms in a thin, flat shape—kind of like a crystal that got squished sideways. It has two large flat sides, two thin sides, and somewhere in there, two other little edges hanging on—making...

How Are Crystals Priced?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “How do you price your crystals?” Or, just as often, people assume, “It’s by weight, right?” Well… yes and no. “It’s about rarity then?” Again—yes and no.Without giving away all of my secrets (let’s face it, I’ve been doing this most of my life!), Crystal pricing is based on a variety of factors, and personal experience definitely plays a role. So here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the scenarios I’ve come ac...

The Truth About Amethyst Geodes: Concrete, Paint & Beauty Beyond the Surface

If you’ve ever been mesmerised by an Amethyst geode—those towering crystal cathedrals or deep sparkling caves—you’re not alone. These treasures from the earth have captured hearts for generations. But did you know many of the geodes from South America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay, have had a little help along the way to look their best and survive the journey to you?Let’s dive into the why, how, and what it really means.Why Concrete?Here’s something many people don’t realise: s...

Pink Amethyst – The Gentle Heart of Quartz

Pink Amethyst is one of those crystals that feels like a soft hug for your soul. With its dreamy shades of pale blush, lavender, peachy pinks, and even soft greys, it’s no wonder this gem has quickly become a favourite in the crystal world. But what exactly is Pink Amethyst—and why has it caused such a stir? ✨ A Newcomer with Ancient Beauty Pink Amethyst is a rare and relatively new find. It was first discovered in 2019...ish, and so far, it’s only been found in Brazil and Argentina—wi...

Pisces – This Blog Is Just for You

Please note: this is a light-hearted, generalized look at Pisces energy through the lens of astrology and crystals. It’s all for the love and fun of it! Of course, there's far more to a person than just their star sign — so take what resonates and leave the rest.Pisces – February 19 to March 20. These dates can shift slightly depending on the year and time zone, so if someone is born right on the cusp, they can choose what they want to be. This blog can apply to people with their moon in P...