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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�...

Crystals for Valentine's Day: Gifts from the Heart

(updates 11/11/2025)Valentine’s Day 2026 is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or treating yourself, it’s a time to embrace love in all its forms. This year, why not elevate your gift-giving with the timeless beauty and positive energy of crystals?Crystals are not only visually stunning — they also hold powerful metaphysical properties. Plus, unlike chocolates or flowers, they’re everlasting gifts that can be cherished for years to come. The...

The Perfect Crystal for Each Star Sign in 2025

As we step into 2025, the stars are aligning to bring new energies, opportunities, and challenges for each of us. And what better way to tap into those cosmic vibrations than with the power of crystals? Each zodiac sign has its own unique traits and qualities, and the perfect crystal can help enhance strengths, calm anxieties, or bring balance to your life. Let’s explore the perfect crystal for each star sign as we embrace the new year! 1. Aries (March 21 - April 19) – CarnelianBold and ener...

Blissful Beginning Crystals for 2025

Six Powerful Crystals to Embrace for a Blissful 2025As we approach the dawn of 2025, it's a perfect time to harness the energy of crystals that will guide and empower us into the new year. Crystals have long been celebrated for their unique vibrational qualities, which can help us align with our goals, clear obstacles, and elevate our energy. Whether you're seeking prosperity, healing, clarity, or balance, the right crystal can be a powerful ally in your journey.For the coming year, we’ve sele...

Super Seven? Super What?

Super Seven? Super What?It was 2006, and I had just started working at a crystal and  new-age shop in Perth, Australia. It felt like coming full circle. Three years earlier, I had sold my crystal shop, so being back surrounded by crystals, dream catchers, and everything in between was exciting and nostalgic. Plus, I had the bonus of working with some amazing bosses and a fantastic team.Three days into the job, a colleague mentioned "Super Seven," a crystal from Brazil that quickly gained at...

Ocean Jasper

Discovering Ocean Jasper: A Beautiful and Healing GemstoneI first encountered Ocean Jasper over ten years ago, when I was reigniting my passion for crystals and healing stones. At the time, I didn’t realize that this stunning Madagascar gemstone had only been discovered in the late 1990s. As a relatively new addition to the mineral world, it’s no surprise that it had slipped under my radar.Crystals like Ocean Jasper often take time to reach the wider crystal community, as mining, polishing, ...

Quantum Quattro

Quantum Quattro: A Stone of Beauty, Healing, and TransformationOh, how easy it is to get lost in the mesmerizing sea greens and blues of Quantum Quattro. It’s a color palette that evokes memories of sunny days, lazy beach afternoons, or perhaps something even deeper—maybe the delicate hue of a flower or the depth of a loved one’s eyes. Whatever it may be, this stone captivates the senses, which is why so many are drawn to it. With its mystical name, Quantum Quattro, it’s no wonder this g...

A Guide To Crystal Massage Wands:

A Guide to Crystal Massage WandsCrystal healing has become increasingly popular in recent years, blending ancient traditions with modern wellness practices. Among the many tools used in this holistic approach, crystal massage wands have emerged as a favourite for those seeking balance, relaxation, and improved energy flow.But what exactly are crystal massage wands, and how can they benefit your well-being? Let's explore the fascinating world of these mystical tools and learn how they can enhance...

Unique Sputnik Aragonite

Sputnik Aragonite, also known as Starburst Aragonite from Morocco, is a captivating mineral known for its unique starburst formations. It​ is a striking variety of aragonite, a crystal form of calcium carbonate. These stunning Aragonite clusters, named for their resemblance to the Sputnik satellite from 1957, have distinctive radiating orange crystals.Colours in this form normally come in various Orange browns; however, recent​ deposits of white and mixtures of white and brown...

Azurite: Exploring the Enchanting Blue Gem and Its Unique Properties

Azurite is a fantastic gemstone famous for its stunning cobalt blue colour. One of the most special forms of Azurite is the Azurite Sun, a rare mineral found in only one place in the world. The Azurite Sun forms between layers of kaolinite clay, creating a beautiful contrast between the deep blue of the Azurite and the pristine white of the surrounding clay.Scientifically, Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral with the chemical formula Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂. Its striking blue colour, derived fr...

Wonderful 'Flat Stones'

Crystal flat stones have become a real favourite among crystal lovers here in Aotearoa and around the world. Their smooth, rounded shape feels wonderful in your hand, and they’re perfect for so many uses — from spiritual practice to simple everyday calm. Let’s explore why crystal flat stones are so special, their benefits, and some of the most popular ways to use them.Why We Love the Flat Stone ShapeEasy to HoldFlat stones sit so nicely in your hand. They’re comfortable to hold during me...

Crystal Palm Stone Guide

Updated 12/9/20205Crystal palm stones are one of those simple treasures that quickly become a favourite. Smooth, oval, and polished to fit perfectly in the hand, these gems are more than just pretty to look at. Whether you’re new to crystals or have been collecting for years, a palm stone is a practical, tactile way to bring crystal energy into everyday life. Why the Palm Stone Shape Stands Out Unlike rough chunks or faceted points, palm stones are shaped to sit comfortably in your hand. That ...