quartz are the new must - have accessory for those seeking " well - being " and “ positive vitality ” . Off the back ofbig famous person endorsements , these pretty ( although at last useless ) semiprecious gemstones have see an unlikely retort over the preceding few year .
uncalled-for to say , any supposed health welfare from these stones is currently pure pseudoscience . However , even beyond their promises of “ skilful vibration ” directly from Mother Nature , these gemstones could be have a minus consequence on the environment and local communities . As reported byThe Guardian , many “ healing crystals ” – whether it ’s opal or quartz , tourmaline or amethyst – originate from a murky supply chain that start in conflict - struck countries with lax confinement Pentateuch and environmental regulations . The industry is largely unregulated in needy areas , riddle with vehement military group , and bolster up by underpaid miners working in dangerous conditions .
Much like the blood rhomb of Africa , many of these stones are sometimes refer to as “ genocide gemstone " . Back in 2014,The New York Timesran an investigating into how the jade mines of Myanmar in Southeast Asia have become entangle with the drug trade , with many local miner change by reversal to diacetylmorphine to avail deal with the harsh conditions of their oeuvre . Money for this industry has also been commandeer by local militia groups to finance the country ’s on-going ethnic conflicts . Similar problemswith conflict and militias have also been observe with the excavation of rubies and sapphire in the area .
Then come the environmental impact . Many of the most harmful environmental encroachment stem from “ stone flush ” , when flocks of outsiders pullulate to newly discovered gem mining bank deposit , create large - scale pits that areassociated withthe destruction of animal home ground and the polluting of rivers . Especially in tropical percentage of the world , abandoned pits can become satiate with stagnant water that do as the perfect home ground for malarial mosquito .
However , there is growing impulse towards ethically sourced crystals and stone . Many campaigners argue there should be some kind of regulative arrangement within the industry to ensure the materials are being ethically sourced , a bit likethe “ Fair Trade ” Word you see on coffee or burnt umber . The diamond trade , for example , has implementedthe Kimberley Processin an attack to ensurediamond purchases are not financing violence and armed rebel groups . However , with less - profitable semiprecious Isidor Feinstein Stone and crystals that make up the “ healing crystal ” industry , this level of regulation is current a pipe ambition .
“ All I can do is ensure that at least quality and echt crystals are coming into the marketplace . We ’re buying from the best possible sources . But sometimes unethical mines are the only source of the crystals multitude desire , ” Neil Ashcroft , director of whole supplier Crystal Geode , toldThe Guardian .
“ I assay to persist as cognizant of their descent as potential , but I can be implicated about it while also feel … impotent ? Most retailer find they desire to [ be honorable ] , but ca n’t implement it . ”
[ H / T : The Guardian ]
