The Environmental & Social Impact of Crystals
No one wants to think about child labor, poor working conditions, or environmental damage when trying to purchase pretty healing crystals. Yet we can all agree that the most powerful healing energy requires ethical mining and polishing. Moonrise Crystals is committed to investigating the environmental and social impacts of the gem industry to provide detailed, transparent research for every stone it sells.
Does Moonrise Crystals Ethically Source?
The simple answer is… to the very best of our ability. The mining industry is famous for its secrecy and lack of regulation. It is very hard to evaluate and track every aspect of a crystal’s journey but Moonrise Crystals was the first crystal business to start asking questions and doing the research.
What We Do
What Does Moonrise Crystals look for?
A tremendous amount of time and energy is spent on tracing stones and cultivating business relationships with mines, lapidaries, and wholesalers who conduct their operations with integrity. Every stone sold by Moonrise Crystals is researched and all findings are published online.
Fair Wages
Good Safety Standards
Low Environmental Impact
Short Supply Chain
Small & Family Businesses
Female-Owned Businesses
Safeguards Indigenous Rights
Compassionate Business Philosophy
MRC Sourcing
Where do our stones come from?
Taking A Stand
Moonrise Crystals’ founder almost quit her business because of the lack of ethical standards within the gem and mineral industry. Instead, she decided to take a stand. Learn about her journey here.
Moonrise Crystals In the Press
Interviews, Podcasts & Workshop
Focal Software Inc – Podcast, May 2025
Founder Hour: An Interview with Julie Abouzelof, Founder of Moonrise Crystals
Sierra: The Magazine of the Sierra Club – Interview, October 2024
Where Can I Get Crystals That Are Less Toxic, Locally Sourced, and Ethical?
Teen Vogue – Interview, November 2021
Lapis Lazuli Sold on Instagram May Be Helping to Fund the Taliban
The Outerknown – Podcast, November 2021
Ethical Crystals with Julie Abouzelof
Virtue Gems – Workshop, March 2021
Expanding Ethical Crystal Markets for Artisanal and Small Scale Miners
Ventured – Interview, March 2020
Rock Stars: 3 Entrepreneurs Banking on Good Vibes With Crystal Magic
Jezbel – Interview, December 2019
Are Healing Crystals Connecting You To The Earth or Harming It?
New Republic – Interview, May 2018
Do You Know Where Your Crystals Come From?
Featured In
New York Times Wirecutter – May 2024 & April 2026
The Best Gifts for your Witchy Friend
Business Insider – September 2025
The Best Place to Shop for Crystals Online
The Good Trade – January 2024
10 Best Online Shops for Healing Crystals
Green Matters – February 2023
Sustainably Sourced Crystals, to Ensure Your Collection is Earth-Friendly
Nylon – June 2022
These are the Best Places to Shop for Crystals Online (Plus how to make sure they are reputably sourced)
Amherst Wire – October 2021
Five Ethical Crystal Shops to Keep Your Spirituality Sustainable
Eluxe Magazine – August 2021
Do Ethical Healing Crystals Even Exist?