Uncover the Mysteries of Crystal Transformation: Delving into Crystal Heat Treating, Dying, and Aura Coating

Crystal Heat Treating, Dying, and Aura Coating

What are these various treatments for crystals and gems?  Do these treatments change or affect a crystal’s composition, vibration, or metaphysical properties?

There were many times these questions crossed my mind throughout the beginning of my journey into crystal healing.  Then, I decided to quit wondering and was determined to dive into some intensive research and find the answers myself.  I found that there wasn’t an agreed consensus amongst crystal lovers and geologists, however, I was able to form some more precise conclusions and to identify my final thought regarding gemstone treatments and their effects.  Humans have been treating gemstones and crystals for thousands of years, so this is not a new practice.  Many of the gemstones and crystals on the market today have been treated in some manner before they reach consumers.  The main purpose of heat treatment, dying, or aura coating is to alter a gemstone or crystal’s color in one way or the other, which is not necessarily a bad thing…or is it?  Before we can answer that let’s first begin by clarifying what exactly these treatments are and how they are accomplished.

Heat Treating/Irradiation

            Heat treatment is a process where the gem/crystal is exposed to very high temperatures (approximately 1600 Celsius).  This extreme heat enriches the color, either lighter or darker, and increases the clarity of a crystal/gem. Without heat treatment, gems and crystals with the most desirable colors would be rare and uncommon.  The most frequently used tool is a computer-controlled burnout furnace. This allows a gradual temperature change and reduces thermal shock, which can damage crystals.  Cracking the gemstone or crystal is avoided and a slow heat is used to keep fractures at bay.

Irradiation is another way of heat treating where the crystal is exposed to gamma radiation, neutron bombardment, or ionization.  This process is sometimes used on smoky quartz to give it a deeper more consistent brown color.

Dyeing

Dyes can take a crystal from a naturally dull to a multi-dimensional captivating, and unique item to behold.  Dyes are simply to enhance the natural beauty of crystals and gems.  Colors are introduced via porous or fractured gems/crystals to alter their color.  Fractures are created via heat treating so the gem is more accepting of the dye. This process can be applied to already colored crystals to enhance their colors, or dyes may add colors to the already existing color. This process is often used to make a colorless crystal take on a pastel tone.  More porous gem materials, such as agate, are commonly dyed due to their naturally porous nature.  Crystals that are not as porous, need heat treating.  One method of dyeing is heating the crystal in a dyed solution causing the crystal to expand, allowing it to be easily penetrated by the dye via the fractures created by the heating process.  Once heated, the crystal is then dropped into the dye bath. Upon hitting the dye, the crystal will crackle causing the dye to seep into the cracks, changing the general color. 

Aura Coating

An aura coating on a crystal is a fine metallic coating applied in order to create a mystical and alluring colored layer.  Aura coatings are achieved via a process called electrostatic bonding technology. This coating is often “vapor deposited” on top of the crystal coating it.  Crystals are then placed in a vacuum chamber by electrostatic charge, at a high temperature (800 degrees Celsius) allowing the vapor to coat the crystal and bond its atoms to the surface. Metals used in aura processes are silver, gold, titanium, iron, magnesium, nickel, and platinum.  This process is complicated and intense, and those crystals with fractures will not survive the process.  Aura coatings are permanent, and the aura coating color depends on which metal has been used.

Finally, to completely formulate my conclusion on the effects of heat treating, dyes, and aura coating with crystal healing, we need to define and detail what crystal healing means.  This practice is an alternative method where crystals are conduits used for healing positive energy flow into the body.  Crystals heal holistically, helping the body release toxins, heighten overall vibration, and balance the energy centers in the body (chakras) to achieve overall wellness from the inside out.  So, would treated crystals be any different in their healing energy flow and properties? With regards to heat treating and aura coating, the crystal composition is not affected, and therefore the vibration and metaphysical healing properties of the crystal remain intact.  Heat treating or aura coating a crystal does harden the crystal and make it more durable, like putting armor on a knight, however, the atoms of the crystal are not disrupted, and it retains its original healing properties.  When you are aura coating and/or heat treating you are just adding a coat to the top of the crystal, not the inside of it. A good example would be putting on nail polish. When you’re done polishing you add a topcoat, which makes the polish shiny, stronger longer lasting. Heat treating and aura coating add to the crystal, but it does not “burn” away any of the properties that already exist. Aura coating is simply adding a protective layer, and the crystal then takes on properties from the metal vapor in addition to the crystal’s original properties.

Dyeing, however, is a different story.  When dyeing, the crystal is heated to the point where it crackles.  Once the crystal crackles, the dye infiltrates the inside of the crystal, making the color more visually appealing to the eye. Because of the crackling, it does break apart some of the atoms in the crystal therefore changing its original composition. However, it doesn’t completely disrupt the crystal, rather it may weaken it.

In conclusion, treating crystals is used to create more beautiful and aesthetically appealing crystals.  Whether you are looking to add an exquisite piece, or looking for a method of alternative healing, you still won’t go wrong with obtaining a treated piece.  Just keep in mind that the dyed crystals will still offer healing benefits but maybe not to the power of their original composition.  I personally enjoy my collection of treated crystals, and still turn to them for healing daily.  If a crystal calls to you, there is a reason, so go ahead, grab it, and enjoy its magical radiance for years to come!