Aura crystals are among the most visually distinctive stones in the world of crystals. But what exactly are they? Are they naturally occurring? And what are their benefits?
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of aura crystals, explaining what they are, the process involved in their creation, and their potential benefits, including the metaphysical properties associated with popular varieties such as Aqua Aura and Angel Aura.
What Are Aura Crystals?
Aura crystals are natural crystals that have been electrostatically bonded to join minerals and precious metals at the surface, creating their distinct iridescent look. Their colours often shift and shimmer, like oil on water, with a rainbow-like sheen.
Aura crystals are natural crystals — most often clear quartz, but sometimes other stones like selenite — that have been enhanced to create their distinctive, iridescent appearance.
How Are Aura Crystals Made?
The process to create aura crystals is called vapour deposition. It involves heating crystals to temperatures over 800°C in a vacuum chamber. Then, you add a vapour of precious metals, coating the crystal and causing its atoms to attach to the surface, giving it its dazzling, metallic rainbow finish.
- It starts with a high-quality natural crystal, such as a clear quartz point or a piece of rough crystal.
- The crystal is placed inside a vacuum chamber, where all the air is removed. It's then heated to extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 800°C.
- At this point, precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and indium are introduced. The intense heat causes the metal to vaporise.
- In this superheated, vacuum state, the vaporised metal atoms are electrostatically attracted to and permanently fuse with the crystal's surface. The metal atoms bond at the surface, creating a thin, durable, and colourful metallic film.
- This process doesn't change the crystal's fundamental structure; rather, it adds a new, shimmering layer to its surface, creating the aura crystal! The different colours are achieved by using different metals and controlling the duration of the process.
You might see aura crystals in their rough form, as tumblestones, or as crystal points and carvings. And you might see aura-treated stones take on names like Angel, Aqua, Lemon Jade or Red Tangerine, depending on the metals used.
Are Aura Crystals Real?
This is a common question, and the answer requires a little nuance. Yes, aura crystals are "real," but they are not natural.
The base crystal is 100% real and natural, and is most often a clear quartz. However, the aura part is a man-made enhancement. It is this man-made enhancement, achieved through vapour deposition, that enables the crystals to take on their iridescent sheen and the additional properties of the bonded metal.
What Do Aura Crystals Do?
Aura crystals are believed to carry the combined energy of their two parts: the natural crystal and the mineral/bonded metal.
For example, quartz is known for its connection to energy, thought and intention. Each metal then adds its own energetic signature, such as gold, which is associated with the sun, wealth and spiritual attainment.
Aura Crystal Benefits
The specific benefits of aura crystals can vary slightly depending on the crystal and metal used in their creation. While all share the amplifying properties of their (often quartz) crystal bases, the specific metal makes a difference. Here are some of the most popular types and the benefits they are believed to offer.
Aqua Aura
Aqua Aura is known as a powerful throat chakra stone. It's believed to enhance communication, helping you to speak your truth with confidence. Spiritually, it's said to facilitate connection with higher guidance and promote a deep sense of inner peace and calm, much like a still, clear ocean.
Angel Aura
The Angel aura crystal has a soft, iridescent rainbow sheen and a pearly or opalescent appearance. It's often made by bonding platinum and silver to quartz and is believed to carry a gentle, loving vibration. It's often used to facilitate communication with angelic realms and spirit guides, as well as to promote a sense of protection.
Tangerine (Sun) Aura
With its warm, sunny orange to reddish-orange hue, Tangerine Aura (also known as Sun Aura) is created by bonding the indium to quartz. This joyful crystal is all about creativity, vitality and sensuality. It's strongly linked to the sacral chakra, the energy centre associated with passion, pleasure, and creativity, and is believed to help unlock creative blocks and boost enthusiasm for life.
Learning about these crystals is the first step, but how can you invite them into your daily practice? Consider using aura crystals:
- For Meditation and Mindfulness: Hold an aura crystal in your hand (usually your non-dominant hand) during meditation.
- In Your Environment: Place aura crystals on your desk, bedside table, or space. Their iridescent sheen catches the light, reminding you of their purpose.
- On a Crystal Grid: You can arrange raw crystals into intentional patterns to create crystal grids that amplify energy and support specific intentions.
- As Personal Tokens: Carry a small aura crystal in your pocket or wear it as jewellery, such as on a crystal beaded bracelet.
How Dylan's Den Can Help
We hope this guide has not only explained what aura crystals are but also helped you envision how a stone like this could fit into your own life.
At Dylan’s Den, we offer a wide variety of crystals for starting or expanding your collection, including rough and tumblestone aura crystals, aura crystal points and aura crystal carvings.
You’re also welcome to visit our shops in Aberystwyth, Hereford, and Tregaron to see our crystals up close. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose stones that resonate with you, explain how to care for them, and share tips on incorporating them into your own life.
If you have any questions, contact us at info@dylansden.co.uk. Or to keep learning about crystals, check out our blog page for more articles, including our Beginner's Guide to Crystals and How to Manifest With Crystals.