The use of crystals for comfort and healing seems to be the newest fad, but it has been popular for quite a while. Critics of the crystal craze roll their eyes at the New Age hippies falling for just another snake oil scheme. Then there are others who place a great deal of faith in the power of crystals to heal.

Owner of Healthy Hippie Trading Co., Sarah Rose, understands the debate as she has been on both sides of the issue.

"Honestly," Sarah admits, "I didn't get all the hullabaloo around crystals and I'm still not completely knowledgeable about all the physical and spiritual properties of all crystals but the more I learn the less inclined I am to dismiss crystals as pretty rocks."

One thing she does know is that there is nothing new about the use of crystals in ceremony. Ancient Sumerians included crystals in their ceremony. Evidence of crystal use in Chinese medicine goes back 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used certain stones for protection and health as did the inhabitants of Ancient Mexico.

"I can respect those who don't believe in the healing powers of crystals but what I will never agree on is that their use is new," she said.

Many of the Healthy Hippie customers are believers of the validity of crystal healing so Sarah has made a concerted effort to find good quality, ethically sourced crystals at affordable prices.

"One thing that is a complete racket is the unbelievable mark-up when it comes to crystals. We're talking 4,000-5,000% profits," she said. "I refuse to be part of that greed. My customers are seeking ways to relieve anxiety and other ailments. I'm not going to take advantage of their sincere desire to heal. My prices are so reasonable that I've had people ask me if the crystals are real. I assure you that they are."

Finding ethically sourced crystals is not easy as there is no worldwide industry standard for crystal mining.

"It's been a bit frustrating trying to find suppliers who care about the environment and the safety of the employees doing the mining," she explains. "The best solution is to purchase crystals mined right here in the U.S. from small, family- owned operations."

With that in mind, Sarah has done most of her recent crystal purchases from individual miners who gather in Quartzite, Arizona. Recently she a met a retired couple who purchased a mine in Northeast Washinton where they harvest a beautiful stone called Noble Serpentine (also known as Healerite.)

"Not only is this one of the prettiest stones I've seen, I also loved supporting another American owned small business," she said.

The Hippie has over 40 varieties of tumbled and raw crystals plus larger pieces that are perfect for display or altars. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 20418 Brian Way, Tehachapi.