Ancient Crystals – How old are crystals?
How old are crystals? Have you ever stopped to think about it? Many of us love crystals, their energies, and their healing powers. However, the idea that we're holding a piece of our planet's ancient history doesn't cross a lot of people's minds. I'm an avid crystal user and I've studied crystals and minerals for many years. Yet, the question "how old are crystals?" never really crossed my mind. Since they are a part of the Earth's crust, I knew they were probably pretty old but I will admit that I was shocked when I found the answer. Out of all the ancient crystals, one is almost as old as the Earth itself.
The Oldest of the Ancient Crystals
Professor John Valley of the University of Wisconsin published a study in Nature Geoscience in 2014 that revealed the oldest material on Earth... a 4.4 billion-year-old Zircon crystal. It was actually discovered and dated in 2001 but was met with skepticism. This was due to the fact that this discovery meant Earth had formed a solid crust much sooner after its formation 4.6 billion years ago than previously thought. The crystal was tested once more in 2014, after some technological advancements, and again was confirmed to be 4.4 billion years old.
The Earth has been calculated to be 4.6 billion years old. Earth started out as a hot ball of molten magma until an object, estimated to be about the size of Mars, collided with our planet. The debris left over from this, after several centuries, formed our Moon. However, the dating of this crystal means that the Earth began to form a crust after impact much sooner than previously believed.
Valley weighed in on this while speaking to Reuters, "This confirms our view of how the Earth cooled and became habitable. We have no evidence that life existed then. We have no evidence that it didn't. But there is no reason why life could not have existed on Earth 4.3 billion years ago."
Ancient Crystals You Can Own
It's really interesting to read about the oldest materials on Earth being crystals. Though, if you're like me, you might be wondering how can I own a piece of ancient Earth? While it would be quite difficult or near impossible to purchase crystals that are billions of years old (they are usually being researched or displayed in museums), you can definitely own ones that are millions of years old. What's more, you can even buy crystals that have remnants of dinosaurs in them! To put that into perspective, dinosaurs roamed the Earth during the Mesozoic Era from 250 to 65 million years ago.
Check out some of the oldest crystals on Earth (and even some with otherworldly origins). Please note that due to the age and rarity of these crystals, our stock of them comes and goes. So, we offer our apologies if they are currently out of stock.
Dinosaur Bone
Dinosaur Bone crystals are fossils that have formed with Quartz over millions of years. Most pieces are identified and dated as well. For example, the image shown here is a Dinosaur Bone Pebble from Morrocco. It was dated to be 115 million years old and comes from the Sauropod Dinosaur. Dinosaur Bone is the consummate transformational stone. It is used to bring its very strong Earth power to your efforts to transform yourself into something stronger.
Coprolite
Coprolite is fossilized dinosaur feces that, in many instances, results in beautiful fossilized crystals. This crystal, like most fossils, is a stone that encourages and promotes ancient wisdom while also providing access to the Akashic archives. Dinosaur Coprolite crystals have been dated back to the Cretaceous period, which occurred between 145 to 66 million years ago. Coprolite is an excellent meditation aid. It will ground you, help you connect to the reality of the physical world, and assure you are strong and centered.
Moldavite
Moldavite is the product of a meteor collision with Earth nearly 15 million years ago. It fell over what is now called the Moldau River valley in the Czech Republic. Therefore, these green gems are among the rarest minerals on Earth. They have been prized by humans for thousands of years and are still given as gifts from royalty to royalty. Etched by force and flame as it fell from the heavens, Moldavite returned to the earth's surface transformed, a glass of amazing delicacy and grace ready to serve humankind.
Ammonite
Ammonite is another example of a fossil mixing with a crystal. Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals. The color (rainbow iridescent shades) is a result of nacre, a substance that made up the animal’s shell becoming fossilized and turning into Aragonite. Ammonites are a symbol of change and positive motion. The spiral draws in negative energy, filtering it through, and releasing positive energy. Keep Ammonite in your home to attract health, prosperity, and success.
Shungite
Shungite crystals formed billions of years ago in the Paleoproterozoic Era. It is only found in one place in the world, Russia, where it extends over a vast 3,000+ square mile area. Shungite contains trace amounts of fullerenes. It is the only known natural source of fullerenes on Earth. Therefore, it is likely that Shungite was born in outer space and landed on our planet (probably in the form of a meteor) billions of years ago.
Coral
Coral itself is rare and highly prized in the metaphysical world. It is believed to be filled with mysterious sacred properties. Many healers view Coral as a symbol of wisdom, happiness, and immortality. In order for Coral to turn into a crystal, it first separates from the reef, usually after dying, and then the silica in the ocean starts to harden it. Over time this turns into Limestone which then turns into Quartz. This process takes around 20-30 million years to complete.
Turritella Agate
Turritella Agate is a fossilized group of agatized shells where the organic matter has been replaced by Quartz in a process that takes millions of years. Turritella Agates were formed in and around Wyoming during the Eocene Epoch period. They are said to be between 5 - 50 million years old. The swirls within the stone are fossilized snail shells. Turritella Agate is a spiritual crystal deeply connected to the earth and home, to one’s personal roots and ancestry. Ancient life held within its form lends the power of wisdom and healing.
Septarian
Septarian is loved by many ancient crystal collectors due to its resemblance to dinosaur eggs. In fact, Septarian is also known as Dragon's Egg. They formed during the Cretaceous period between 50-70 million years ago. Sealife decomposed and mixed with ancient ocean sediment. These balls of mud dried and cracked as the oceans receded. The cracks filled with Calcite (yellow), surrounded by Aragonite (brown), and Limestone (gray). Septarian is a healing stone that is excellent for removing stress an anxiety.
Saffordite
Saffordite is millions of years old. Some even place their age at around 30 million years ago. Often called Saffordite tektites or sometimes referred to as Arizona Tektites, they are really members of the obsidian glass family of rocks. This is natural Obsidian or volcanic glass. These stones are hard to find and scattered over about a 100-mile radius in one part of the Arizona desert. This stone is sometimes called the Chintamani "the wishing stone." When you really want something, try holding this stone very tight, close your eyes and wish hard.
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by Kat Ohren
Kat is a Certified Crystal Master and Crystal Astrologist. She has been working with both crystals and astrology for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University. Kat is a Florida native and has been with Crystal Vaults for over 10 years.
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