I have observed the mineral trade seems to have exploded in recent years with crystal healing and metaphysics playing a more prominent role than in the past. I do not believe that crystals or minerals having metaphysical properties, but I also don't think metaphysics alone is a reason to be dismissive of a vendor or a collector.

You might simply be an asshole

I know the New Age stuff isn't for everyone, but criticizing someone is much easier for humans than being complimentary. It's part of human psychology to fixate far more on the negative things than the positive. We really love judging each other and have unending confidence in our opinions. The internet gives people the courage to say the absolute worst things that enter their mind.

Maybe don't act like that? Have you tried climbing off your high horse? If you think behaving like a troll under the bridge gives you personality, you may be the one who needs to be humbled. Sure call it out if someone's taking advantage of people but otherwise cool it bud.

This isn't a low-education, low-information problem

It's lazy to assume that only dumb or gullible people could possibly engage in crystal metaphysics. People who are reasonable and intelligent can genuinely be unaware that the legitimacy of crystal metaphysics is questionable. We all have our areas of expertise and we all have our blind spots. Some people just never really sit down to think about it. And even if they do, they can reasonably come to believe in crystal metaphysics.

Minerals do have some properties

There is real scientific proof that minerals have physical properties. Minerals can conduct heat, light, and electricity and we rely on these properties in our everyday life. Diamonds are a superb heat conductor and used as a heat sink to protect electronic components from overheating. Synthetic corundum (sapphire) is used in many lasers. Quartz can generate an electric charge when pressure is applied, a phenomenon called ‘piezoelectricity,’ which has widespread technological applications in monitors and sensors.

It is pretty darn neat that crystals can do these things and it makes it far more plausible to believe in metaphysical properties—especially those that could arguably stem from these proven scientific properties.

These beliefs are ancient

Consider that some people may be maintaining beliefs as cultural or religious practices, or as a nod to those ancient practices even if they don't deeply believe it themselves.

There is a long history of humans believing that minerals have properties, such as burning amber for health in ancient times, or burying the dead with crystals to protect them in the afterlife.

Gems and minerals became wrapped into our spiritual and religious beliefs. One of the best-known examples is the gem-encrusted high priest's breastplate of the Hebrew bible and New Testament. The breastplate was traditionally set with twelve different minerals representing the twelve tribes. The minerals used and the properties ascribed to them have differed across regional traditions. You can still find recreations of these breastplates available for sale today. It's also believed that our modern idea of 'birthstones' stems from the twelve stones of the priestly breastplate.

Image: Detail of the Titian painting "The Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple" 1534–1538 via wikimedia commons.

Relax, they may not be dead serious

It's also entirely possible that these people are aware of the criticisms surrounding crystal metaphysics and know it's kinda hooey but enjoy it anyway you grinch. I honestly believe this is where the majority of consumers fall! People like playing with it the way one might casually dabble in tarot or astrology, or burn sage after a breakup. The ritual alone can help provide comfort, clarity, reflection, and focus, so it's not worthless practice. 

Which brings me to...

The Placebo Effect is real

I've never understood why people throw around the term "placebo effect" as if it's a bad thing meaning "this does nothing and you have been tricked." The whole point of the placebo is to control for the fact our brain is going to trick a certain number of us into actually experiencing the reported effects. You can take a placebo medication that does absolutely nothing but your body responds to it anyway because you believe it's medication. That is a fascinating psychological hack.

Which is to say, crystal metaphysics seem to have a significant placebo effect. Who cares if it's not 'real.' If keeping a pocket rock gives you confidence, that confidence is 100% real so don't let anyone bring you down.

Credit to RebordacaoEmbroidery

Have you thought about why people gravitate to metaphysics?

I honestly believe one of the reasons crystal metaphysics are so popular in recent years is due to the inaccessibility of many forms of help. In ancient times if you were unwell you either got better on your own or you died. It makes sense to me that crystals provided hope and some sense of control over the process. A lot of us are effectively operating like that again in the modern era, rolling the dice with hopes and prayers instead of risking the financial ruin of going to the doctor in America.

COVID-19 didn't improve the situation. People were scared about things wrenched from their control: their health, personal relationships, jobs, the future... uncertainty frayed our mental health while the pandemic deepened the loneliness epidemic in the US. Plenty of people found comfort in new hobbies and this one was particularly well-suited for the job. Crystal metaphysics provided a sliver of hope and comfort, delivered to your door for a low price.

A final word for the people into metaphysics

Okay you are probably feeling mighty vindicated by now.

If you're up for it, there is a tough love version of this article detailing the problematic side of crystal healing and metaphysics (coming soon!). It's not meant to dissuade you! It's more meant to ensure you can go in with eyes wide open, understanding why metaphysics aren't widely accepted, and what risks are associated with the world of crystal healing.