Crystals And Aromatic Solutions: Preventing Unwanted Scents

Aromatherapy crystals are believed to have healing properties, bringing mental serenity and rejuvenating the soul. They are often used in alternative therapy for self-care. Some crystals absorb the surrounding energy, while others radiate it. Crystals can be infused with essential oils or fragrances to enhance their healing properties. For example, pairing lavender incense with amethyst gemstone is said to help charge your chakra and heal your mind. Similarly, combining Sakura incense with the rhodonite gemstone can help ease pain in the emotional centre. To create your own scented crystals, you can add a few drops of fragrance oil to dry crystals, allowing them to absorb and diffuse the scent over time.

Add fragrance oil to crystals to create an aroma

Adding fragrance oil to crystals is a great way to create a personalised aroma for your home or for aromatherapy. The process is simple and you can find the supplies at your local dollar store. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Crystals

Place the crystals in a colander and rinse them under cool water to remove any grit or residue. Spread the crystals on a towel to dry.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Take a zipper bag and add several drops of food colouring, a few drops of water, and fragrance oil. A good ratio is two droppers of fragrance oil for every cup of crystals. Mix the ingredients well.

Step 3: Coat the Crystals

Pour the dry crystals into the zipper bag and mix until they are evenly coated with the colouring and fragrance. You can also add alcohol to prevent moulding if you wish to display the crystals during hot summer months.

Step 4: Dry the Crystals

Drain the liquid from the bag and spread the crystals on a paper bag, foil, paper towel, or parchment paper to dry.

Step 5: Display the Crystals

Once the crystals are dry, pour them into a glass dish or candle holder. The aroma will fill your home with your chosen fragrance. You can also gift the scented crystals in fancy glassware to your friends and family.

Alternative Method: Crystal Oil Perfume

For a portable aroma, you can create your own crystal oil perfume. First, break down the crystals into small pieces that will fit into a roller bottle. Wrap each crystal in fabric and hammer it on a cement surface to prevent pieces from flying.

Choose your favourite crystal pieces and place them into the bottle. Use a transfer pipette to fill the bottle with fractionated coconut oil, leaving some space at the top. Add your chosen essential oils and finish with more coconut oil. Cap the bottle with a roller top.

Use food colouring to create colourful crystals

To create colourful crystals using food colouring, you can follow these steps:

Materials:

• Food colouring (liquid or powder)
• White sugar crystals
• Vodka or high-proof alcohol (or glycerin)
• Oven or dehydrator (optional)

Instructions:

• Choose your desired food colouring agent. You can use either liquid food colouring or create your own natural food colouring using various fruits, vegetables, and spices. For example, beetroot powder or fresh beets can give a bright pink colour, while turmeric can produce a vibrant yellow.
• If using natural food colouring, extract the colour by mixing the ingredient with vodka or another high-proof alcohol. Alternatively, you can use glycerin for a non-alcoholic option.
• For liquid food colouring, simply mix a small amount into the white sugar crystals until the desired colour is achieved. Be careful not to add too much liquid to avoid dissolving the crystals.
• If using natural food colouring, strain out the solid material using a cloth or coffee filter. Then, mix a small amount of the coloured liquid into the sugar crystals, stirring until the colour is well-dispersed.
• Once the crystals are coloured, spread them out on a baking sheet and allow them to dry. You can speed up the drying process by placing them in an oven at a low temperature or using a dehydrator, especially in humid environments.
• During the drying process, the sugar crystals may clump together. Simply break up the pieces with your fingers or a spatula once they are dry.
• Store the coloured sugar crystals in an airtight container until you are ready to use them.

Tips:

• When using natural food colouring, be aware that some options may alter the flavour of the sugar slightly. For example, beetroot has a mild, sweet taste, while turmeric has a more potent flavour.
• If you want to create multiple colours, divide the white sugar crystals into separate batches before adding the food colouring.
• Experiment with different types of food colouring and adjust the intensity by adding more or less colouring to the crystals.

Include alcohol to prevent moulding

To prevent aroma crystals from moulding, you can include alcohol in your mixture. While alcohol is not the most effective mould removal product, it can still help to prevent mould from growing on your crystals.

Any form of alcohol will work to prevent mould, including denatured alcohol and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). However, the effectiveness of alcohol in removing mould is disputed. To ensure the highest chance of success, you should use a high concentration of alcohol, such as 99% rubbing alcohol, and avoid diluting it with water. When creating your crystal mixture, add 1/4 teaspoon of alcohol for every 1/2 teaspoon of crystals to prevent moulding.

It is important to note that alcohol may not be suitable for all surfaces, as it can damage wooden furniture, painted surfaces, acrylic, plastic, and rubber. Additionally, alcohol is flammable, so use caution when using it in your home.

Use distilled water to make larger crystals

To make larger crystals, distilled water is the best option. Distilled water is purified through distillation, which involves boiling water to separate its components, and removing impurities. This process leaves the water free of minerals and other additives, such as calcium, sodium, and chloride, which are typically found in tap water.

Distilled water is often used in crystal-making because it allows for the formation of larger crystals. This is because the purified water does not contain any additional substances that might interfere with the crystal growth.

Materials:

• Distilled water
• Chemical to be crystallized (e.g. alum, salt, etc.)
• Shallow dish (e.g. Petri dish)
• Heat source (stove, microwave, or hot plate)
• Nylon line (for fishing)
• Jar or clear, heat-safe container
• String or smooth wire
• Super glue or fishing line
• Seed crystal (a small, single crystal)

Method:

• Heat about 1/4 cup of distilled water in a glass container. Be careful not to superheat the water.
• Stir in the chemical you want to crystallize. Keep adding it until the water becomes saturated and no more can be dissolved.
• Pour the solution into a Petri dish or a similar shallow container.
• Allow the solution to cool. Crystals will form as the solution evaporates.
• Once crystals have formed, select a seed crystal. Look for a crystal that is individual, has flat surfaces, straight edges, and is at least the size of a pea.
• Attach the seed crystal to a string or smooth wire using super glue or by tying a knot.
• Create a new solution by mixing distilled water with the same chemical. This time, only slightly warm the water. The goal is to create a saturated solution.
• Pour the new solution into a clean jar or container.
• Suspend the seed crystal in the solution so that it is completely covered but not touching the sides or bottom of the container.
• Let the crystal grow undisturbed in a cool, dark location. You can cover the jar with a coffee filter to keep dust out.
• Check on the crystal regularly. It will continue to grow slowly as the water evaporates.
• Once the crystal has reached your desired size, remove it from the solution and allow it to dry.

Using distilled water and following these steps will help you create larger and more defined crystals. The absence of impurities in distilled water allows for optimal crystal growth without interference from other substances.

Pair with incense to enhance the fragrance

Incense has been used for centuries to enhance spiritual practices, create calming atmospheres, and uplift moods. When paired with crystals, incense can enhance the fragrance and create a unique aromatic experience. Here are some tips to pair incense with crystals to enhance their fragrance:

• Woody Accord: Frankincense, the aromatic resin extracted from the Boswellia tree, blends perfectly with woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar, or patchouli. This combination creates a warm and meditative ambience, making it perfect for relaxation and spiritual practices.
• Spicy Accord: Spices like cinnamon, pepper, or cardamom add a vibrant and energizing touch to incense. When paired with crystals, this combination can enhance the fragrance and create a stimulating atmosphere.
• Amber Accord: Rich and enveloping amber notes blend harmoniously with incense, creating a sensual and captivating atmosphere. This combination can enhance the fragrance of crystals and create a romantic and relaxing environment.
• Floral Accord: Delicate flowers such as rose, jasmine, or lily of the valley can soften the powerful presence of incense. When paired with crystals, this combination adds subtlety and floral harmony to the overall fragrance, creating a soothing and elegant aroma.
• Leathery Accord: Incense can be combined with leathery notes, creating an intriguing contrast between the resinous warmth of incense and the sensual texture of leather. This combination adds a layer of complexity to the fragrance of crystals, making it perfect for those seeking a unique and sophisticated aroma.
• Citrus fragrances: Orange or lemon incense fragrances have a refreshing and invigorating effect on the mood. Pairing citrus-scented incense with crystals can enhance their fragrance and create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

When pairing incense with crystals, it is important to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend. The quality of the incense and crystals is also crucial to ensure an authentic and long-lasting scent experience. Additionally, always follow safety precautions when burning incense, such as using an appropriate holder or burner and keeping it away from flammable materials.

Frequently asked questions