The Growing Problem of Misinformation

I've been writing articles about crystals, rocks and minerals since 2002.

When I began, my geological knowledge was relatively limited, so like many other businesses, I conducted research by reading information published on other websites. I assumed that if the same information was being repeated, it was probably correct. Over time, I discovered that often wasn't the case.

The growth of the internet has made information about every possible subject more accessible than ever before. Unfortunately, it has also made inaccurate information far easier to reproduce and spread.

Copying and rewriting material from other sources has played a significant role. I've discussed the problem of plagiarism and how information can become distorted through repeated rewriting in a separate article.

The problem of misinformation is particularly noticeable on crystal healing-related websites.

The Spread of Misinformation

The extraordinary growth in the popularity of crystals, primarily for their metaphysical healing properties, has driven a huge increase in the amount of information being published about materials that were once described as rocks and minerals.

Thousands of websites, blogs and social media accounts now cover almost every stone, much of it written by crystal retailers and enthusiasts with little or no background in geology. The problem arises when information that's not fully understood is reproduced and presented as fact.

Geology is incredibly nuanced. There are subjects that have been debated for decades, for which there is still no universally accepted answer. When complex information is rewritten or simplified by someone who doesn't fully understand the subject, important detail can easily be misinterpreted or lost.

A recent example involves the classification and naming of a material widely known as pink amethyst. The use of the name 'amethyst' continues to be debated. I've read claims about this material that go way beyond what has actually been established.

Raquirite is another example. This relatively new material, reportedly from Colombia, has an almost identical appearance to elite shungite. There is currently no conclusive published scientific data establishing its precise chemical composition. Yet it's being sold on many websites as elite shungite from Colombia.

Historical information can become distorted just as easily.

The ancient Greek myth associated with amethyst that's described on many crystal websites is in fact a poem written by French poet Rémy Belleau in 1576.

It has been reproduced so many times that some versions bear no resemblance to Belleau's poem. Finding the source of this apparent Greek myth was not easy. Search terms such as 'amethyst myth' and 'Rémy Belleau amethyst' led to many different versions of the story on crystal-related websites.

Trustworthy Information Can Be Difficult to Find

Finding trustworthy information is compounded by what people search for online. Phrases such as 'the meaning' and 'properties' of various crystals are used extensively. This prompts small businesses to incorporate these terms into their articles to encourage visitors to their website.

Although the primary subject will usually be a stone's healing properties, these articles often include geological information or 'interesting facts'. The question is: where did the information come from and is it accurate?

The problem becomes even more difficult to recognise when proven scientific facts are mixed with metaphysical belief. The claim that crystals vibrate is a perfect example.

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Do Crystals Vibrate?

It's widely reported by those who share advice on using crystals for healing that humans have an energy field that can be influenced by a crystal's vibrational frequency. Different crystals are said to vibrate at different frequencies.

No scientific evidence supports this, and scientists argue that these energy fields and vibrational frequencies do not exist.

So, how did this theory come about?

Everything in the universe is constantly vibrating because atoms are always in motion. A curious phenomenon known as entrainment can occur when objects vibrating at different frequencies come into close proximity. Over time, the objects can influence each other and may begin to vibrate at the same frequency.

Quartz, topaz and tourmaline are piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric means they produce an electric charge when put under mechanical stress. Scientists have a good understanding of how and why this occurs.

This phenomenon has been manipulated to the point where it's now believed that all crystals vibrate. It's claimed this vibration can tap into a vibration produced by an energy field surrounding the human body. It's claimed that this enables chakras to be realigned, which improves health and well-being.

The Danger of Misinformation

Many online articles and social media presentations about healing crystals make statements that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Here are some examples:

"Lapis lazuli and garnet are associated with recovery from a stroke. They offer pain relief, lower blood pressure and assist in restoring higher brain function."

"Shungite alleviates heart difficulty, eases allergies, slows cancer cell growth, soothes skin diseases and slows down HIV/AIDS."

"Tourmaline assists in the recovery from paralysis by encouraging nerve regeneration."

The author of this next article states in large bold letters, "The following crystals can be used to heal mental illness."

What they go on to write is not only incorrect from a geological perspective but is also misleading and irresponsible.

"Mental health plays an important role in human life. Crystals are fossilised minerals that possess healing and restorative properties. Many are known to have some unique curing properties. Religious leaders often use them to align chakras to help your body cure different diseases."

Healing Claims Made in the Crystal Bible

The Crystal Bible, one of the most widely used and respected references on crystal healing, promotes the ability of crystals to heal on a mental and physical level.

While science has shown crystals can improve some conditions through the placebo effect, no evidence exists to support their ability to slow down serious illness.

Crystals cannot cleanse blood, improve kidney function, or reduce swelling and bruising. Diamonds cannot treat glaucoma, pyrite cannot alleviate asthma and bronchitis, and lepidolite cannot treat epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

The Crystal Bible claims malachite can lower blood pressure, reduce growths and stimulate the liver to release toxins. It also says blue lace agate can treat brain fluid imbalances and hydrocephalus, as well as arthritis and other bone deformities.

In the past, someone who offered this kind of information was known as a snake-oil salesman. Crystals are not 'quack remedies' in the sense that many people do feel some benefit from using them, but the degree of effectiveness must be kept in perspective.

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This claim appeared on the website of a UK-based crystal retailer. Following a complaint, the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the claims were misleading and could not appear again without robust clinical evidence.

In a similar case in New Zealand, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint about Facebook adverts published by a crystal retailer. The adverts claimed that crystals offered health benefits ranging from protection against nightmares to helping overcome addiction. Most of the claims were found to be unsubstantiated, and four adverts were withdrawn:

Conclusion

This article is not intended to dismiss crystal healing or the considerable amount of time and effort that many small businesses put into their websites.

The problem is that establishing whether information is accurate can be a lengthy and arduous process.

Artificial intelligence has made research much easier, but it has not removed the need to verify information. AI can help locate sources, explain complex material and identify areas that need further investigation, but the information it provides must still be checked carefully.

Where that information comes from is also important. An AI-generated answer may incorporate information from scientific publications, universities and museums, but it may also use material published by crystal websites, blogs, and articles whose authors and expertise are unknown.

Trusting AI to write an article without verifying its facts and sources risks accelerating exactly the kind of misinformation discussed in this article.