Neolithic
(10.000 BC to 3000 BC)
What happened?
The Neolithic (± 10.000 yrs. BC - 3000 BC) was the youngest or the newest Stone Age and the last period in prehistoric times. The term Neolithic derives from the Greek 'neos' (= 'new'), and 'lithos' (= 'stone'), literally meaning 'New Stone Age'. During those years many technical and social changes took place as a result of the sedentary (= settling) of people and their practice of agriculture and animal husbandry. The hunter-gatherer gradually gave up his nomadic existence. The most important innovations were the use of polished stone tools, ceramic dishes, copper metal work, the wheel and writing.
The speed of these developments varies from region to region. In some areas these changes happened quickly and we speak of a revolution. In other places it took much longer and more gradually than was first thought. One of the most famous finds from that era is Ötzi, the ice mummy, that was found, lived ± 3300 BC. His body was found on a mountain between Italy and Austria. He carried typical Stone Age artifacts, such as leather clothes, bow and arrow, as well as a brass ax.
Tumbled Stone - Rock Crystal
± 8000 yrs. BC to 4000 yrs. BC
Most groups of people knew a wise man or woman. This was some kind of priest or wizard. We call him or her a "shaman". This shaman knew all the stories. He knew how to deal with the ghosts: which ones to watch out for and which ones to help you. For the hunt, the spirits living in the animals had to be kindly disposed. He also helped the people when someone had to be solemnly buried. And what was very important: the shaman often knew a lot about herbs against illness or pain.
It is fair to say, that as long as human have existed as a species, we have had an affinity with stones and crystals. Talismans and amulets dates back to the beginnings of humankind. But, we do not know how these objects were viewed and used.
The first historical references to the use of crystals come from the Ancient Sumerians, who included crystals in magic formulas. The Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli, turquoise, camelian, emerald and clear quartz (= rock crystal) in their jewelry. They carved grave amulets of the same gems. The Ancient Egyptians used stones primarily for protection and health. Crystals were used cosmetically.
The people of the East regarded rock crystal as a stone of patience and perfection. Tibetans have used it to treat wounds for centuries. Some Indian tribes gave a rock crystal to the deceased in their graves. This was to bring the soul to light.
The Ancient Greeks attributed a number of properties to crystals and many names we use (in 2021) are of Greek origin. The word ‘crystal’ comes from the Greek word for ‘ice’. It was believed that clear quarts (= rock crystal) was water that had frozen so deeply that it would remain solid.
The Roman emperors, like Caligula, drank wine from cups made of rock crystal. They believed that the crystal would neutralize effects of poisoning.
Crystals and gemstones have played a part in all religions. In the Bible, the Koran and many other religious texts, they were mentioned. They should be sanctified and consecrated before wearing. During time, there was also a belief, that cleansing and programming of crystals before use in crystal healing, just like the shaman did, is needed to work.
The choice of rock crystal as a drinking glass or as part of medieval jewelry can be attributed to the belief that these crystals would break of change color in contact with poison. It gave protection in that way.
Using precious stones in healing, during the Renaissance, was still accepted, but enquiring minds of the period sought to found out how the process actually worked and give it a more scientific explanation.
In the advent of the New Age culture, in the 1980s, the use of crystals and gemstones began to re-emerge as a healing method. Much of the practice was drawn from old traditions, with more information gained by experimentation and channeling. Books about the concept helped to hype the use of crystals. There continue to be books published on the subject. Crystal therapy crosses the boundaries of religious and spiritual beliefs. It is no longer viewed, in 2021, as the domain of alternative culture. It is an acceptable and more mainstream complimentary therapy as many colleges offer it as a qualification subject.
Clear quartz is one of the most popular crystals as a healing crystal, collectable or ornament. It is considered the most powerful crystal for channeling energy, amplifying energy and cleansing. This stone is a must have for crystal healers.
In present day (2021) most crystals come from Brazil, Kenya and Madagascar. There is a mass production of rock crystals for all kinds of utilities.