Crystal quartz is often sold via online crystal stores and collector websites alongside jewelry and trinkets. The unregulated working conditions of many crystal quartz miners are often in contrast to how the crystals are used to try to quell anxiety or boost energy levels. Conditions and risks for miners “won’t change until consumers tell the market they want sustainable healing crystals," says Villegas, of Pact. The size and color of the crystals make no difference in the price they get, many miners say. When he returned home, he saw people digging for crystal quartz and thought he would try his luck.

Source: Wall Street Journal June 24, 2024 09:56 UTC