Features Oct 11, 2017 at 4:00 am

Looking into the mythical power of rocks.

AJ Crecelius at her shop, NW Crystals in Ballard. Steve Korn

Comments

2
I do wish that crystal fans would all take some interest in the minerals and the geology. Respect the earth by knowing it on its own terms, instead of staying in people's heads with their human responses.

And don't color-treat the stuff. Sheesh.
3
Crystals are probably a very effective treatment for the gluten-intolerance you probably don't actually have.
4
When I hear about this sort of silliness I think of the Frank Zappa jam.

But I said look here brother
Who you jiving with that cosmik debris?
5
They work for separating fools from their money.
6
Katie, though I spent the whole time screaming “NO!” in my head to your headline, I enjoyed reading your article and appreciate that you maintained respect for your interview subjects while still firmly pointing out the truth... that crystals do nothing.
7
They do work, they do!. Don't hate, appreciate!!

They work by expanding the vendor/seller's bank account!!!
8
remember when this lefty rag was busy patting themselves on the back for attending the March for Science?
9
Six inch purple crystal dildos work very nice indeed.
10
My rock collection has a placebo effect? Cool.
12
Can't be any worse than that poisonous shit Wall SStreet's OligarKKKs attempt to force upon Us every damn day to make you die nice and slow and painfully: no inheritance for YOUR loved ones!
13
I regularly treat myself with my six inch purple crystal dildo, and the outcum has been invigorating.
14
Comparing folks that believe in the energy of crystals to Trump voters is a very beyond stupid comparison. (Trump can get us all killed and crystals create a nice color spectrum when light shines through it) There are all kinds of things that some people believe help them them that others think are crap. Personally I do believe there is energy in all things but don't think that a specific crystal is going to heal a cold. No different than religion but to make a hell of a lot more sense to believe in rocks than a unseen being that commands some to kill in it's name.
16
A friend was excited to share this article with me, and I was eager to read it.
I'll try to be as kind as possible here, but also want to challenge how you think.

I very much appreciate the respect you showed the shop owners/workers. That was very mature of you. The rest of the article, however, reeks of condescension. Can you not see the flaw in attempting to speak expertly on a subject about which you have little to no knowledge? Approach the subject with humility, openness, and respect for those who are immersed in it. I mean, seriously, woman... you spend 5, maybe 10 min, with your brand new crystal... don't feel much of anything... and that somehow makes you an expert? You must be great the first time you handle a new musical instrument.

You come to the conclusion that your somewhat calm state of mind, while interacting with your new purchase, is a result of the placebo effect. You spend enough time in this article explaining a bit about the placebo effect, but don't seem to understand how it actually works. It's "magic". Yeah... that's right... magic. If a little $5-15 purchase has convinced your brain that you will be a more calm person, that's a damned good placebo effect. If it improves the quality of your life, don't knock it.

As for rockhounds not believing in crystals? Whooptyfreakingdo. We are some of their biggest customers. Our belief in something you find ridiculous is what funds their expeditions. So, the only thing I want to hear out of their mouths is a humble "Thank you for your business." Why? Because without them, we would not have the crystals we love. And, without us, they'd have to spend a lot more of their own $ trying to hunt crystals for hobby rather than a means of supporting something they love doing so much.

Then there's this bit:
"...may be convinced of crystals' metaphysical properties, but science says otherwise."

Ok, so do you not understand Science, as well? If science could prove things metaphysical, then it would be... Physics, not Metaphysics

Your rampant condescension over something that's beyond your comprehension robs people of the value of the anecdotal experiences they have. It's a small, limiting world, inside the heads of "sensors". Just admit that there's crap that's beyond your understanding, ask curious questions, and stop trying to tell the rest of the world that because you can't perceive something that it must therefore not exist.

Your intellectual curiosity on this subject is very thinly veiled.

Please wait...

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