“The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals”
by Judy Hall
ISBN: 978-1-158297-240-4; ©2003
I’ll be the first to admit that, when this book was published and had garnered so many positive reviews, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Called “a definitive guide”, The Crystal Bible packs a wallop of information in a small package. The first portion of the book is devoted to the background, selecting, care, formation and healing uses of crystals. The middle deals with the crystal descriptions themselves, listed alphabetically, which include photographs, appearance, sources and both physical and metaphysical properties of over 200 stones. The latter portion includes a glossary, index, quick reference guide (zodiac stones, chakras, gem elixirs, layouts, etc.), bibliography and short note about the author, Judy Hall, who has had over 30 years’ experience working with crystals.
However, beware books labeled as “definitive”, which is synonymous with “precise”, “exact” and “correct”. There are a few examples of misinformation in The Crystal Bible. The crystal Azeztulite is listed as a rare crystal when, in fact, it is just quartz and there is no such mineral as Azeztulite. Chrysoberyl is “a form of Beryl” which is untrue. Beryl is a silicate, while Chrysoberyl is an aluminum oxide. Atacamite, is touted as being “a newly discovered crystal” – it was originally discovered in 1801. Another example concerns Blue Tiger’s Eye and Hawk’s Eye, which are listed as separate crystals, when they are actually one and the same. And don’t let some of the photographs fool you, either. The White Moonstone doesn’t look white at all, while Sugilite (a purple stone), looks quite reddish/brown.
Despite the misinformation, The Crystal Bible is still an invaluable reference, especially for those looking to find metaphysical properties of many crystals. That is where Ms. Hall’s expertise lies.
For novices and learned crystal healers alike, this book is a wonderful addition to your reference library.
Pros
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Small size, suitable for taking with you shopping for crystals
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Metaphysical information abounds
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Clear photographs
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Quick reference guide for making gem elixirs, layout grids, chakras, etc.
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Glossary, selecting crystals and crystal care information included
Cons
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No Mohs hardness ratings
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Some misinformation, including questionable photographs
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No astrological, magickal or elemental correspondences, if that is what you’re looking for
Sonia Acone
Healing Crystals Expert
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Posted on April 21, 2011 |
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