Unethically Sourced Crystals: Environmental Impacts

By: Trisha Wibawa

Edited by: Fiorina Siamir

Believed by some to carry positive energy and healing properties, there has been a recent surge in the popularity of crystals. The social media app, TikTok, have significantly heightened the rise in popularity of said crystals. A small sub division of TikTok, called WitchTok, spiritually believes that each crystal holds a special property. While using crystals for spiritual beliefs does no harm, a rise in the popularity of these crystals means that there is a higher demand, which leads producers to unethically source crystals for their benefit.  

Firstly, these rare and beautiful crystals are non-renewable sources that come from mining, meaning that once these resources are used up, they cannot be replaced. A significant concern raised by environmentalists is the question of sustainability. The practice of irresponsible crystal mining often leads to detrimental effects in the environment. Oftentimes, it leads to water pollution, destruction of animal habitats, and land degradation. Moreover, there are different methods of mining, such as alluvial mining, open pit mining, strip mining, underground mining, and mountaintop removal mining.

These methods of mining are all harmful to the environment, in most cases destroying parts of the natural structures in surrounding areas. With this comes soil erosion, landslides, damages to wildlife, pollution, and water contamination.

In addition to environmental concerns, there are concerns regarding unethical labour surrounding crystal mining. A large number of crystals come from Myanmar and The Dominican Republic of Congo (DRC), and these countries are notorious for the exploitation of child labour. In Madagascar, crystals come from large scale mining, which oftentimes have dangerous and hazardous working conditions. A large portion of mines exploit their workers, from underage children, low wages, and poor and unsafe working conditions. 


While it is impossible to know for sure where your crystals come from due to the ambiguous transparency and little to no accountability disclosed by sellers, it is best to try to buy from trusted and reliable sellers. Trusted sellers may include locally managed small scale mining operations. Since crystal mining is unsustainable, it is important to be aware of the human and environmental costs of owning crystals. 

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