{"id":21334,"date":"2026-05-27T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.canterbury.ac.uk\/sustainability\/?p=21334"},"modified":"2026-04-21T10:57:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T09:57:25","slug":"keeping-it-crystal-clear-the-environmental-impact-of-crystals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.canterbury.ac.uk\/sustainability\/keeping-it-crystal-clear-the-environmental-impact-of-crystals\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping it crystal clear \u2013 The environmental impact of crystals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent months, I have been exploring the importance of central nervous system regulation. The ways in which to facilitate such regulation have led me down many different paths. From tarot readings to sage burning and the healing power of crystals, I have become quite interested in spirituality and tools that can aid us in connecting with ourselves. Back in January, I was standing in a little independent shop in the Brighton Lanes. I was positively overwhelmed by the scent of incense within this small haven tucked away from the bustling street, and the windchimes that rattled with every customer that entered the shop. I had gone in there with a purpose, to find a crystal necklace \u2013 suffice to say I was successful and walked away with an obsidian crystal pendant on a delicate silver chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I was walking around the streets of Brighton though, I got to thinking about my purchase and other similar products I\u2019ve been using. Where do these crystals come from? Are they mass produced? Ultimately, for the first time I was considering what impact this was all having on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crystals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the usage of crystals has become rather a commodification, it can be hard to determine what is \u2018real\u2019 or authentic and what is artificially grown. It is usually reflected in the price, and authentic crystals are less polished, showcasing more natural imperfections. Natural crystals take millions (yes, millions!) of years to form relying on activity within the Earth\u2019s crust \u2013 the part we live on. A combination of pressure, heat, volcanic activity and movement of tectonic plates help push crystals closer to the surface so they can be excavated. Whilst many of us may prefer authentic crystals, it is important to question if these stones are negatively impacting the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mining<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As previously mentioned, crystals are formed within the Earth\u2019s crust. To get to them, mining takes place, but this can be in many forms including large scale open pits, underground, along riverbeds or by hand. Crystal mining is not as harmful as mining for other high demand materials like gold, but it does still have its impacts both on people and planet. A reoccurring theme for the creation of many products is the process of land clearing or deforestation. For crystal mining, this is to gain access to the Earth\u2019s crust and dig to find these crystals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, by doing this, natural habitats are destroyed and disrupt the biodiversity of an area. Crystals are typically found in areas of high volcanic activity, the Pacific Ring of Fire (high activity zone for earthquakes and volcanic activity) is a useful way to identify where crystals are likely sourced from. Once the crystals have been sourced, they are then transported for distribution either via ocean or air travel. Although ocean travel is significantly less harmful to the environment than air travel, it still contributes 3% to global greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Description \u2013 A volcano erupting<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Crystals can be replicated in a laboratory to create a synthetic product with the same (plus some additional) properties without having to mine. They are usually identifiable through their cheaper price and refined appearance as natural crystals present with imperfections. Synthetic crystals that have grown in popularity include forms of quartz like rose quartz and amethyst. \u00a0These are formulated through a process called Hydrothermal Growth combining heat and pressure to recreate what happens naturally beneath the Earth\u2019s crust, dissolving nutrients in water that once cooled forms crystals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being slow and costly, Hydrothermal Growth has minimal impact on the environment, particularly when comparing other methods of synthetic crystal growth. This includes the Czochralski Process where nutrients are melted, and a seed is dipped in and gradually pulled away as it grows to form a crystal. This method is responsible for high energy consumption and waste. An example of synthetic crystals you may be familiar with is lab grown diamonds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, lab grown diamonds have grown in popularity due to their affordability. Formulated through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) where diamonds are grown in a vacuum chamber to form diamond seed crystals, alternatively through High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) where melt flux dissolves carbon to form diamond seed crystals. Lab grown diamonds do not prevent environmental damage, as like other synthetic methods, it leads to high energy consumption that may be sourced from fossil fuels. However, it does reduce the need for mining and environmental fallout like land\/habitat disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Description \u2013 A diamond necklace<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to say. Realistically, they both have their pros and cons when considering the environment. An additional factor to take into consideration is that crystal mining can be associated with the violation of human rights. In 2019, there were incidents in Madagascar where miners were killed by landslides whilst digging for rose quartz. These miners were also children, sent to work with limited protective equipment. Child labour in the mining industry is highly prevalent, with an estimated 1 million children worldwide working in mines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering both environmental impact and protection of human rights, the artificial growth of crystals is better overall. Although not perfect, it is a big step towards a more sustainable future for many forms of crystal production. Some jewellers have even begun creating in a way that does not compromise the environment. The brand \u2018Skydiamond\u2019 takes CO2 from the atmosphere, cleansing it. They then collect rainwater and break it down into oxygen and hydrogen. The CO2 and hydrogen are combined with the necessary ingredients to generate diamond seeds using renewable energy. Skydiamond work in partnership with an initiative helping female artisans in India, prioritising their human rights. You can find out more about this here: How Our Lab-Grown Diamonds are Created | Skydiamond<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combining all this knowledge, I personally would prefer a lab grown crystal than an authentic. This is not to say that mined crystals cannot be done in a more sustainable way but synthetic seem to be making more progress in environmental and human right sustainability. I am interested to know, which would you prefer?

By Maddie Polston, SGO Projects Officer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our sources \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Crystal Travel From Mine to Jewelry? Discover the Hidden Journey! \u2013 V&J<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Environmental Problems Caused by Mining | Earth.Org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ships: climate impact and alternatives | T&E<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Introduction to Synthetic Gem Materials<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Czochralski Process \u2192 Term<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Ethical for the Environment?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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