quartz crystal singing bowls

The “Deets” about Crystal Singing Bowls

Before the 1950’s, singing bowls (also known as Tibetan Singing Bowls) were made out of wood, copper or metal. These hand-made bowls date back to the 8th century B.C. Conversely, singing bowls made of quartz emerged much later in the 20th century. Similar to wood, metal and copper, quartz was found to have many applications because of its unique properties.

Quartz, also known as silicon dioxide, is found in sand, most rocks and is one of the most abundant natural materials on Earth.

Crystal Singing Bowl - Complete Higher Secondary Chakra Sharps Set
Quartz crystal singing bowls could quite possibly be made from sand on Siesta Key Beach. The sand on Siesta Key Beach is deposited from the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, one of a couple locations in the world that has the purest form of silica sand.

The vibrational property of Quartz, known as piezoelectricity; combined with its ability to withstand high temperatures and conduct energy, have made it an essential component of timekeeping, broadcasting, computer engineering and most recently, sound healing.

Piezoelectricity is a unique property of Quartz that causes it to vibrate at a precise frequency. When a mechanical force such as pressure is applied to Quartz, it causes the material to convert mechanical energy into electricity. It is these precise vibrations that gave way to the invention of many modern timekeeping and broadcasting devices, beginning with the invention of the Quartz crystal oscillator in 1918. Later, it was discovered that a laboratory crucible made of quartz significantly improved results in the creation of silicon transistors (small switches that control the flow of electricity). In 1954, Bell Laboratories (presently known as AT&T) created the first silicon transistor.

However, more relevant to those seeking healing through alternative medicine, is the creation of the first quartz singing bowl, crafted, at first, as a laboratory crucible.

Significant to the genesis of quartz singing bowls is, like quartz, our bodies possess piezoelectricity. Our bodies, like the crystal oscillator in a watch, can be altered mechanically and discharge electric pulses. When a quartz singing bowl is played, the vibrations (and/or energy created) hit our bodies and create resonance. According to physics, resonance is the reinforcement of sound by reflection from a surface or by the synchronous vibration of a neighboring object. With this definition in hand, it can be said that when two energy systems encounter each other (quartz and our bodies), the two vibrations come into the state of harmonic vibration.

It is the discovery of resonance between quartz and our bodies that led the quartz crystal singing bowl into the hands of musicians, alternative medicine practitioners and spiritual healers.

The vibration of a quartz crystal singing bowl can be scientifically defined as a sine wave. A sine wave is a pure tone that is repeated over and over again to produce a frequency. The quartz crystal singing bowl is the only musical instrument that can produce a sine wave. Quartz singing bowls and other types of vibrational therapy have been in practice for a number of years. This type of therapy has been used on athletes and weight-loss clinics.

Crsytal Singing Bowls at theomshoppe.com
It is the discovery of resonance between quartz and our bodies that led the quartz crystal singing bowl into the hands of musicians, alternative medicine practitioners and spiritual healers.

The OM Shoppe works directly with a manufacturer to ensure fair trade practices and the highest quality product available.

Presently, quartz crystal singing bowls are available at alternative wellness centers, such as The Om Shoppe.

They are made of 99.99% silica. Silica is naturally-occurring quartz sand. The sand on Siesta Key Beach in Southwest Florida could be used to create a quartz singing bowl. The quartz sand on Siesta Key Beach is deposited from one of the most coveted areas of quartz, the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. Similarly, there are pure forms of silica sand found in Arkansas, other parts of North Carolina and Canada.

The process of creating a quartz singing bowl involves heating the silica sand up to 4,000 degrees and then spinning it in a centrifugal mold. An electric arc in the center infuses each individual grain into one whole piece. The tone produced by a quartz singing bowl is always pure, however, the tone will vary depending on its height and/or thickness.

Be wary of online retailers that claim to have perfectly “tuned” bowls.

Bowls can be measured with an orchestral tuner on the 432 HZ frequency. This frequency is said to be the natural frequency of Earth. Realistically, the tones of quartz crystal singing bowls vary widely and bowls can be measured on various frequencies but they cannot be tuned or changed. See our blog on 440hz vs 432hz for more in depth explanation.

Tone is created as the quartz is heated and spun. The tone of each bowl is unique and different. At present, all quartz crystal singing bowls are manufactured in China. Specifically the Jinzhou region for its abundance of silica sand. Some suppliers claim to have bowls “made in the USA” however, they are unable to produce proof of any factories. Use caution when being asked to pay thousands of dollars for special bowls. We work very closely with our manufactuers and are very proud of our relationships with our partners. They create amazing quartz crystal instruments for all types of applications. 

“How do I pick out a chakra set or how do I pick out a single bowl?”

A chakra set is typically a set of three, five or seven bowls.

Average bowls range in size from eight inches to fourteen inches. Some sets start with a bigger bowl (a ten-inch bowl) and end with an eighteen-inch bowl or larger.

Be wary of sets that are simply designed in order of notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B). While this may be an easy way to design a set, this is usually a marketing strategy.

Reputable retailers design the sets with an intention in mind and select bowls based on frequency, pitch/tone and note.

The sound of a quartz singing bowl travels into your body where your body needs it. If you are looking to improve one ailment, a single bowl might be all you need.

For example, if you need more energy in the heart chakra, (to create more love and forgiveness) using a Heart F bowl may work!

“What’s the difference between frosted, clear and fusion/alchemy-style bowls?”

The most common quartz crystal singing bowls are frosted. Due to their size and thickness, Frosted crystal singing bowls are louder and create the more vibration than crystal and fusion bowls. They are also the most affordable ranging from $150 or more.

Clear crystal singing bowls, which are generally smaller and more fragile, are usually more difficult to play than their frosted siblings. Clear bowls are used by sound practitioners because of their ability to direct tones into the human body. Clear bowls are often priced at $300 or more.

Fusion bowls are infused with metals and other gemstones. They are priced high due to their beautiful appearance. These bowls are typically $800 or more.

If you are thinking about adding a crystal bowl to your personal or professional healing practice, consider the size, tone and source of material. Doing so will save time and money in the long run.

Want some personalized assistance selecting your first crystal singing bowl, or the right bowl to add to your existing collection? We love helping our customers find exactly the right thing, just give us a call! 941-706-3257

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Ready to Tune UP Your Happy with a Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl?

Tibetan singing bowls are a wonderful way to feel more grounded and aid with anxieties and improve overall peace.

Enjoy a deeper meditative experience with a BuckWheat Filled Zafu.

Sources:

Piezoelectricity, by Chris Woodford, August 21, 2018

https://www.encyclopedia.com/earth-and-environment/minerals-mining-and-metallurgy/mineralogy-and-crystallography/quartz

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/quartzclockwatch.html

3 thoughts on “The “Deets” about Crystal Singing Bowls

  1. John Pirrone says:

    Crystal Tones claims to manufacture its bowls in the USA. I don’t believe this is true but it appears no one has challenged this claim.

    • The OM Shoppe says:

      Hi John, thank you for your note. Yes, we agree as all quartz crystal singing bowls are manufactured in China.

  2. The OM Shoppe says:

    Hi Lynnette,

    Thank you for reaching out. There are no manufactures of Crystal Singing Bowls in the U.S. although some brands may claim to, there are no factories here. We have been working with out manufacturer since 2010 and the Jinzhou region produces the most elegant bowls and instruments. We work hand in hand with them on development and design. We are happy to help you by phone or email. Please reach out!

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