Are Crystals in the Bible?

Crystals appear in the Bible as one of God’s many beautiful creations. In Revelation 21:9–27, God’s heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, is described as radiating “with the glory of God” and sparkling “like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal” (verse 11). According to Job 28:18, wisdom is far more valuable than crystals and precious gemstones.

Crystal, a nearly transparent quartz, is referred to both literally and comparatively in the Bible. In the New Testament, crystal is repeatedly compared to water: “Before the throne was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal” (Revelation 4:6).

Does the Bible Mention Crystal?

In the Bible, crystal is used to describe something of great value (Job 28:18) and the brilliant glory of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:11). In a vision, Ezekiel was shown God’s heavenly throne. He described God’s glory above it as “an expanse, with a gleam like awe-inspiring crystal” (Ezekiel 1:22, HCSB).

The Bible often mentions crystals in connection with water because, in ancient times, crystals were believed to have been formed from water frozen by extreme cold. In the New Testament, there is the “sea of glass, similar to crystal” before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6, HCSB) and “the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1, HCSB). The Hebrew word qeraḥ is translated as “ice” in Job 6:16, 37:10 and 38:29, and is rendered as “crystal” in Job 28:18. Here it is associated with other precious gemstones and pearls.

What Gemstones Are in the Bible?

At least 22 gemstones are mentioned in the Bible by name: adamant, agate, amber, amethyst, beryl, carbuncle, chalcedony, chrysolite, chrysoprase, coral, crystal, diamond, emerald, jacinth, jasper, ligure, onyx, ruby, sapphire, sardius, sardonyx, and topaz. A dozen of these are part of Aaron’s breastplate, and two adorn the shoulder pieces of the priestly ephod. Nine precious stones are listed in the King of Tyre’s covering, and twelve are featured in the foundations of the walls of the New Jerusalem. In each collection, many of the stones are repeated.

Exodus 39:10–13 describes the breastplate worn by the Levitical high priest. This vest contained twelve gemstones, each engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel: “And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row; the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings” (Exodus 39:10–13, NKJV). The “diamond” named here may have instead been a crystal since crystals are softer stones that the diamond can cut, and these gemstones on the breastplate were engraved with names.

The King of Tyre, outfitted in exquisite beauty and perfection, is depicted in Ezekiel 28:13: “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared” (ESV).

Revelation 21:19–21 gives readers a glimpse of the New Jerusalem: “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (ESV).

Elsewhere the Bible mentions precious stones, such as onyx (Genesis 2:12), rubies (Proverbs 8:11), sapphires (Lamentations 4:7), and topaz (Job 28:19).

Crystals in Other Spiritual Contexts

The Bible speaks of gemstones and crystals almost exclusively as adornments or jewelry, and not in any spiritual context. Gemstones are associated with wealth, value, and beauty in Scripture but are not tied to any mystical properties or magical powers of healing.

All spiritual traditions involving crystal healing therapies come from sources other than the Bible. In fact, in biblical times, the use of “sacred stones” was widespread among pagan peoples. It was believed that good energy from the spirit world could be channeled through these stones or other amulets, charms, and talismans to induce mystical enlightenment and physical healing. Such use of crystals in supernatural rituals is directly tied to superstition and the occult, practices God considers detestable and forbidden (Deuteronomy 4:15–20; 18:10–12; Jeremiah 44:1–4; 1 Corinthians 10:14–20; 2 Corinthians 6:16–17).

Crystals are still used today along with other natural treatments by people seeking to heal their bodies from injury, recover from illness, relieve pain, reduce stress, and increase mental focus. One alternative medicine trend is placing or holding crystals near different body parts to stimulate physical or mental benefits. As the crystal’s energy interacts with the body’s natural energy field, it is thought to create balance and bring alignment to the body.

Some claim that crystals can ward off negative thoughts, increase brain function, protect against evil spirits, unblock “stuck” areas of body energy, relax the mind, soothe the body, reduce depression, and improve mood. Practitioners combine crystal rituals with mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, some proponents of crystal healing believe different gemstones are endowed with targeted healing capabilities that correspond with the body’s chakras. 

Can Christians Partake in Crystal Rituals?

From a biblical viewpoint, crystals are one of God’s captivating creations. They can be admired as part of His wondrous handiwork, worn as jewelry, used in décor, and appreciated for their beauty. But when crystals are viewed as conduits of magical powers, they join the realm of the occult.

Inherent in all occult practices—including crystal healing, palm reading, consulting a medium or psychic, witchcraft, and the like—is the belief that supernatural forces can somehow be manipulated or harnessed to the benefit or advantage of humans. The Bible says these methods are sinful (Galatians 5:19–21) and an abomination to God because they acknowledge a power other than God, which is idolatry (Exodus 20:3–4).

The Bible says that God is the Healer (Exodus 15:26). He heals His people physically (2 Kings 5:10), emotionally (Psalm 34:18), mentally (Daniel 4:34), and spiritually (Psalm 103:2–3). Jesus Christ, who was God in the flesh, also healed people (Matthew 4:23; 19:2; Mark 6:56; Luke 5:20). Since God alone is the supernatural power behind healing, then Christians ought to seek the Great Physicians and not look to crystals for healing.

Sources

• What Does the Bible Say About Crystals? https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-crystals.html
• Dictionary of the Bible (p. 465). 
• The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Vol. 1, p. 832). 
• Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 371).