Electric Monk |
Dr. Beiersdorfer is a professor in the Geology and Environmental Sciences department at Youngstown State University in Ohio.
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| Dr. Ray Beiersdorfer And Friend |
Dr. Beiersdorfer began by defining what a mineral is. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic, crystaline solids with definite chemical compositions and characteristic physical properties.
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Next, he explained the Mohs hardness scale, with talc as the least hard, and diamond as the most hard. This was followed by a very funny video of "Moe's Hardness Scale" featuring clips of Three Stooges stunts.
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Crystal healing claims and their supposed bases were then examined. Typically, the color, shape, and even just the name are used to determine their healing properties.
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| Big Crystals, Or Tiny People? You Decide. |
Dr. Beiersdorfer presented the results of tests of crystal's performance on increasing gas mileage, purifying water, and growing plants. In each case, no significant differences were found from the control samples.
And then, it was time to reveal the purpose of the experiment conducted during the conference. At the beginning of the meeting, we were encouraged to choose an amethyst from pile, and keep it with us for the whole weekend. According to crystal healers, amethyst is a general-purpose healing stone, with the particular ability to prevent drunkenness and cure hangovers. I could report not having been sick, drunk or hung over, so it must have worked for me. The experiences of others were not so positive, though.
Dr. Beiersdorfer closed with some humorous quotes from crystal healing books, with notions such as being able to ground onesself (spiritually) by eating chocolate. Sign me up for that group!
