Brandberg - The Finest Crystals.

The crystals originating from the Brandberg region of Namibia are the highest quality in the world and unique in the mineral kingdom. They are famed for clarity, healing energy and incredible beauty.

The area itself was shaped by the fossilisation of ancient rainforests more than 130 million years ago. As you will have seen from the photographs on the homepage, it's a very special part of the planet. The indigenious peoples themselves hold the "fire mountain" sacred, as do we.

The current location where the amethyst quartz is mined is named the Goboboseb and is a few miles west of the Brandberg. The area yields what are arguably some of the most beautiful crystals in the world. They are known for having exceptional lustre and are often filled with wisps of amethyst and smoky quartz. Most remarkable of all are the rare enhydro crystals. These have bubbles which move in cavities of water rather like an ethereal spirit level. The conditions under which they form give rise to crystals full of deep purple amethyst and smoky quartz.

The crystals are all mined by hand without the use of any power tools or excavation machines, They are found in beds near to the surface. The miners themselves live in tents only returning to their families every few months.

Enhydro Brandbergs ( liquid/gas inclusions ) are formed at the depth and pressure, at which volcanic lava forms, 40km or more, small quantities of water vapour and carbon dioxide are totally dissolved in lava. Once the lava reaches the earth's surface, it is unable to retain these gases in solution and they begin to separate from the lava and form small gas cavities. These cavities grow in size as the lava cools and solidifies. Surface fluids, generally superheated steam from groundwater and rain pass through the hot rock. These fluids contain various dissolved minerals, e.g. silica for quartz crystals. As the lava cools, these fluids can retain less and less of the dissolved minerals in solution so they begin to crystallize in the gas cavities already formed within the lava.
The crystals grow inwards from the cavity walls into the fluid filled space. Slight imperfections in the crystallization process, may result in fluid being incorporated into the crystal, as in the Brandberg crystals of the Tafelkop Mountain in Western Namibia. If the fluid incorporated into the crystal is superheated steam, it will condense to water inside the crystal as it cools. A cavity inside the crystal will then contain water and often a small bubble of carbon dioxide. this is referred to as a fluid inclusions.
Brandberg crystals are well known for their breathtaking beauty, glassiness, iciness and sheer transparancy. Compared with normal quartz, Brandbergs don't get that large. They appear in a variety of formations - but it's the amythest and smoky, dancing whisps that are so unique and distinctive.

Brandbergs, like all crystals, have distinct energies. Brandbergs are associated with grounding and cleansing properties. They have been used by healers worldwide.Their power lies in their ability to induce/aid meditation and align Chakras. Many believe they are associated with higher beings. Metaphysical use of the crystals requires practice, undisturbed time and the ability to 'let go'. This does take time, but regular practice is the key - 15 minute sessions are a good way to start.

In the hands of an adept, Brandbergs open doors and new paths, revealing hidden rainbows of experience, bringing colour, unblocking channels in our consiousness, helping to light up life with crystaline energy and power. They balance and unblock chakras helping us give insight into our physical bodies, encouraging us to love ourselves and those around us.

Whether it be creativity, energy for sports, communication, guidance, inspiration, purification, clarity, focus, protection, understanding or problem solving, a Brandberg can be a much valued friend. The stones are powerful tools to healers, helping them root out and diagnose illness and disease, both in humans and animals.

They bring peace and harmony to personal relationships, helping "channel" our thoughts , promoting integrity and devotion. Rooting us more strongly to mother earth, turning us away from negativity and bad feelings. They repel feelings of anger and grief by nurturing a meditative wisdom and oneness with ourselves, even offering moments of Godhead...

These beautiful stones connect us with moments past and present. Brandbergs are truely catalysts of personal change, they help attract alternatives by letting go of the past, releasing old routines and stigmas, achieving balance "yin/yang" in life and spirtuality. Your stone can prove to be a most loyal ally, opening the door to a new life full of LOVE.