The Crystal Bible: Volume 1 is Judy Hall?s now classic reference, a directory of all the major stones currently available and many lesser known crystals, originally published as The Crystal Bible, and now renamed to accommodate the arrival of the much anticipated Volume 2. Beautifully illustrated in colour, this is a comprehensive guide to crystals, their shapes, colours and applications. The directory format enables you to find a known crystal instantly or to identify an unknown crystal. The directory covers the practical and esoteric properties of each crystal, including spiritual, mental, psychological, emotional and physical effects, plus its use in crystal healing. This is an indispensable reference for crystal lovers everywhere, encompassing traditional and contemporary crystal lore.
400pp, 140mm x 168mm, illus. in colour, softback, 2009

Extract
Crystal Delights
Everyone is attracted to gemstones. Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires are prized the world over. These are indeed precious stones; they uplift the heart. Their brightness is what most people think of when they hear the word 'crystal'. Equally prized are the semiprecious stones such as Carnelian, Garnet, Rock Crystal, and Lapis Lazuli. They have been used for ornamentation and as a symbol of power for thousands of years. But such crystals were valued for more than their beauty - they each had a sacred meaning. In ancient cultures their healing properties were as important as their ability to adorn.

Crystals still have the same properties today but not all are as flamboyant as gemstones. There are quieter, less outwardly attractive crystals that are nonetheless extremely powerful. Gemstones themselves can easily be overlooked when in their natural, uncut state but their attributes remain the same, and an uncut Sapphire, for instance, which costs a fraction of the price of a faceted stone, is as effective as the most scintillating cut gem.

Most people are familiar with the crystals that have been around for years such as Amethyst, Malachite, and Obsidian but nowadays new crystals such as Larimar, Petalite, and Phenacite are finding their way into stores. These are 'stones for the New Age'. They have made themselves known to facilitate the evolution of the earth and all those upon it. These crystals have an extremely high vibration that raises consciousness and opens the higher chakras to communicate with other dimensions. Knowing how to use these crystals is vital if you are to make use of the gifts they offer.

Crystal Decoration
Crystals are highly decorative, especially when shaped and polished, although some stones are stunning in their natural form. You can now buy decorative objects wrought form an enormous variety of precious stones, all of which greatly enhance their surroundings, especially if you choose them for their esoteric properties too.

Gemstones such as Emeralds and Sapphires are vibrant stones. They make excellent jewelry, for men as well as women, but all crystals can enhance your environment and look superb as well. A carefully placed crystal can magically transform its surroundings.

Wearing gems used to be a royal or priestly prerogative. The high priest of Judaism wore a breastplate set with precious stones. It was much more than a badge of office; it conveyed power to the wearer. As far back as the Stone Age, men and women wore crystal jewelry and talismans. They had a protective as well as a decorative function, guarding their wearer against harm.

Crystals today carry the same power and jewelry can be selected not just on the basis of its outward attraction. Wearing crystals, or simply having one in close proximity, can boost your energy (Orange Carnelian), clean your space (Amber), and attract wealth (Citrine). Carefully positioned, crystals can change your life. You can choose stones to enhance your intuition (Apophyllite), increase metal abilities (Green Tourmaline), and boost confidence (Hematite). You can select abundance (Tiger's Eye) and healing (Smithsonite), or attract love (Rhodonite).

From The Crystal Bible Volume 1, ?2009 by Judy Hall, published by Godsfield Press.