Miners are risking their lives to find 'healing' crystals

Demand for ‘healing crystals’ prompt amateur miners to take significant risks

What you probably already know: Quartz, amethyst and other crystals have gained popularity in recent years as celebrities and influencers have claimed the rocks have mystical healing properties. That’s prompting a flood of amateur miners to dig in hillsides and backyards in South Africa, where a particularly rare but popular cactus quartz can be found.

Why? Healing crystals aren’t new — in fact, the ancient Egyptians believed in the healing qualities of crystals — but they’re having a bit of a moment as a growing number of young Americans seek them out. While there is little to no scientific evidence of crystals’ healing abilities, the trend has taken off on TikTok — #crystaltok is packed with informational and review videos, and the videos have more than 2 billion views.

What it means: The crystals can sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, which is spurring people in rural South African to seek out the stones. A Wall Street Journal report on Monday profiled several miners who work almost nonstop and are making around $4 a day. They take significant risks, as the mines are unregulated, hand-excavated, rarely reinforced and can easily collapse. Mines are popping up in other countries with lax mining regulations like Myanmar, Congo, India and China.

What happens now: Industry watchers are calling on American consumers to demand fair trade, sustainability and worker protections when they buy their crystals in an attempt to increase regulations in the areas where mines are popping up.

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