F or as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by and deeply inclined to learn as much as I can about the universe and life—a nearly obsessive search for truth. This journey has taken me down many paths and through various endeavors, including studying physics at university and traveling to India for a deeper understanding of life.

On the spiritual side, I have always been particularly drawn to self-inquiry, Gnana Yoga, Vallalar's teachings, Tantric Kriya Yoga, and Dzogchen Buddhism (hence the name Mingyur Yeshe). I was fortunate to study at a university near Sedona, where a great spiritual master, Robert Adams, once lived. He became my primary teacher on the path toward understanding life.

A major part of my enthusiasm began with collecting crystals and minerals. I still remember the first time I held a phenacite crystal in my hands; it feels like yesterday, though it was back in 2000 in Crete, Greece. In a small shop in Heraklion, a lady handed me a beautiful crystal that caused my whole body to shake and gave me goosebumps all over. I remember asking myself, *How is this possible?* This moment marked the beginning of my fascination with crystals, minerals, and their interaction with life.

Since then, I have amassed a large collection, focusing primarily on the energetic qualities of crystals. My collection revolves around the unique sensations these crystals create in my body, mind, and energy system. Despite my background in physics, which makes me naturally analytical and factual, my approach to crystals is an unusual blend of scientific inquiry and subjective experience.

However, there was very limited reliable information about certain special crystals. Only a few people provided detailed insights into crystals like phenacite, herderite, natrolite, petalite, danburite, and brookite. Additionally, much misinformation circulated about crystals such as azeztulite and satyaloka quartz—names that sound appealing but, upon inspection, turned out to be mere varieties of quartz that had been “energized.”

Thus, I decided to create an authentic, financially unbiased list that represents only genuine crystals and minerals, including studies on some of the ultra-rare varieties.

Through this information, I hope to share my joy and fascination with crystals with others.