The Crystal Bible
by Judy Hall
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Book Reviews of The Crystal Bible
Book Review: Great little book!
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book awhile back since I was taking a course to become a Crystal Therapist. Also I love stones and crystals in general, so I enjoy finding books I can use for reference. The size is definatly handy; if you were going to a crystal shop and wanted to try and look up what some tumbled stones are, this would be a great book. It is small and thick, complete with a few little blips about cleansing the stones, meditating with them, and selecting them.
I also liked the section farther in the back on crystal formations, descriptions on self healed, phantoms, elestials, and several others. I do have to say that I wish there had been more pictures of each formation. Some of the formations had illustations instead of an actual photo, which made it difficult for me to think of what it would look like in person.
In the back there is also a list of crystals for the zodiac, chakras, aura, and correspondences (such as brain, ear, eyes, etc.) Also a little information on making gem elixers and using grids or layouts.
Overall I am most pleased with this little book, tho there are a few things I wish it had. Such as more descriptions of other stones I have found out about, and also it would be nice if there were more pictures of the stones/crystals. Some of the pictures I did get a little confused on, I think if each stone/crystal had a natural formation and polished it might help.
Overall I am pleased I purchased this book, it has been a great little companion for me for many months. I would definatly recommend this book for someone who is just getting into stones/crystals and wanting to learn some of the more basic things that stones/crystals can do.
Book Review: For getting to know your crystals, this is the ONE book you'll need!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Whatever your crystal, you'll find most all common and uncommon crystals in `The Crystal Bible' by Judy Hall. Don't forget that if it's not here, it's in Hall's second book `The Crystal Bible 2' that I have on order. Hall covers crystals from top to bottom; where they are from, a picture of a raw and tumbled form, what their gifts are, what emotional and mental problems they cure, what physical problems they cure, and how to best use the crystal for getting the most out of it's abilities.
The layout is wonderful, easy to read, and filled with photos and excellent information. The largest section is on crystals by name in alphabetical order, but other sections cover formation, care, meditation, shapes, making elixirs; plus a reference section and extensive glossary and index. You can use the index to cross reference crystals by what they are used for, such as heart care or stomach problems. This is a very handy feature, especially when looking for the correct crystal for your charm bags or as a gift in itself. The format is easy enough that you'll find yourself learning your favorites very quick, and the rest will follow, so you can rattle off a crystal's properties just from memory.
Aside from the other great attributes of this book is it's size. It's perhaps 1 1/2" thick but smaller than normal books, almost pocket sized, so that it fits easily into your purse to take with your when crystal shopping or to a show. In these cases, don't leave home without it. I can't recommend this book highly enough. With all the books out there on crystals, `The Crystal Bible' should be your first. Outstanding 5 star book. Enjoy!
Book Review: I'm sorry I spent the $$
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm going to be the one grouch! :)
I bought this book while I was on vacation this week and desperate for something to read, and I'm sorry I spent the $$ on it. Not only have I always loved and collected stones, I have an Earth Science degree specializing in Mineralology, Crystalography, and Paleontology. I have a very extensive library on stones, ranging from the complicated reference tomes to magical properties. I didn't care for the statements without explanations or the failure to include alternate names, and many of the properties just didn't jive with my personal experiences or what's "known". That's no big deal--each person can have a different experience with or reaction to a stone. What really turned me off from the book were the blatant errors in fact. Just one (1) mistake out of many was the statement that star sapphires have five points. The star in a sapphire (or other stones) is caused by very fine inclusions of fibers or needles crossing (asterism), and the points only occur in even numbers. There were numerous technical errors similar to that, which make me think it wasn't just a typo. The only decent thing about the book was some of the pictures, but you can get that in any good mineralology reference book, and those sometimes have good folklore info also. I can't give even the pictures a full thumbs-up because I'm suspicious of a few. There are MUCH better books out there. I was not impressed.
Book Review: Factual errors flaw the presentation
Summary: 2 Stars
I had high hopes for the book as it proclaimed itself "The Crystal Bible." One expects some accuracy with such a proclamation. However, I was a bit disconcerted when I got to the section on Chrysoberyl where I read that it is a form of Beryl. That is simply not true. Beryl is Beryllium Aluminum Silicate that forms in the hexagonal crystal structure. Chrysoberyl is an Oxide that forms in the Orthorhombic crystal structure. They are different minerals and different crystals.
Also, I think it should have been mentioned that some of the "new crystals" are really new marketing names for minerals that have long been known and actually have little value. "Azeztulite" is simply opaque white quartz. Angelite is simply blue anhydrite.
I can take no issue with the uses and attributes ascribed to the crystals because the author states on the last page that her knowledge of the crystals is mostly intuitive and is based on 30 years of experience. That much experience must have led her to a great understanding of the crystals and their powers.
I also found the photos to be excellent allowing the book to serve as a great visual reference.
I would hope that the next edition would have some of the factual information reviewed and corrected. This would make the book much more valuable as a reference.
Book Review: Another good thing in a small package
Summary: 4 Stars
As a manager for a metaphysical/"new age" shop I see a lot of books and this book is one that I recommend frequently. It is a great little book that, while not as comprehensive as Melody's Love Is In The Earth series, is perfect for people just getting started with crystals as well as long time students/practitioners.
Ms. Hall introduces us to over 100 mineral friends and their varying formations with suggestions for a variety of uses. She also includes a quick reference section on chakras, auras, crystals and the zodiac signs, and laying on of stones that is very nice.
There is one thing I felt was a bit lacking and that is the illustrations and a few photos. For illustrations I would use books by Katrina Raphaell or Melody as they are a little clearer. Overall this is a very good investment for anyone interested in crystals and their healing properties and the language is a easier to understand than some. It's also much more convenient to carry to the crystal shop! Just make sure you let the sales people know it's yours & not one of theirs.
Happy New Year!
May your best day of 2004 be your worst day of 2005!