Cheddar News reporter Ashley Mastronardi took a deep dive into the "crystal culture" popular among children and teens. 

Cheddar News reporter Ashley Mastronardi took a deep dive into the "crystal culture" popular among children and teens.&nbsp;

Wake Up With Cheddar

A Deep Dive Into the Rise of 'Crystal Culture' Among Kids

Well, it's no secret. I'm a fan of crystals. I keep them in my pocket and I charge them in the moonlight to change my energy. So this morning, I'm very excited. We're joined by our very own Ashley Massardi who's done a deep dive into crystal culture among Children in particular, Ashley. Good morning. Good to have you here. So, what did you learn about all of this? I guess I'm not the only one that's a little whacko here. No, no. Good morning. So yeah, crystals are not just for adults. A lot of my uh friends with kids were telling me their kids are obsessed with them. So I did a deep dive and this is what I found. What about this one? I want to do this one. This is Lape Leslie. I like it because its name is gone. F seven year old Fiona Henry has a new obsession. I love them. I love them. I was just so happy when I see crystals. Henry became crazy about crystals. Two years ago during the pandemic, they were first introduced to her by her mom, Melissa. I keep them by my bedside. I use them when I meditate. I noticed that they would disappear and end up under their pillows in their room. But the Henry family aren't the only ones obsessed with crystals. Evelyn Ghost is a retired elementary school teacher. She taught kids about crystals for 34 years and now she's the organizer of the Freeport Gem and Mineral Show here on Long Island. She says kids have always been into crystals but their interest spike during the pandemic, parents were more turning towards alternatives for themselves for healing. It became a family affair. Children love the look, the sparkle the shine. But for those seeking solace from these precious finds, New York University. Chemistry professor, Doctor Bart Carr says crystals offer nothing more than some sparkle and shine. They have flat faces and sharp edges and they are extremely geometrical. For this reason, people have endowed them with extra powers that there's no evidence that they have. But despite what critics say, the Henry family says their crystal collection will continue to grow. It's a miracle, right? It's this really rare and unusual thing that just is embodied in these diverse forms to be able to connect with my kids over that is really a gift. Despite the fact that crystals can sell for up to thousands of dollars, Henry says it's a gift with no price tag. Ashley Masar Cheddar News. I won. I'm so upset. I was not at that convention. Uh by the way, uh that what is an amazing package, Ashley. Thank you so much for showing us that. Thank you. So I come bearing gifts. I did show me what it is. Ok. So which ones did you bring us moonstone and meant to bring joy? Yes. So as I was mentioning, I have crystal is almost always in my package and, and yeah, so by the way, at the ones I brought today, I have courts in one hand and then I have rose quarts in the other courts is supposed to bring inspiration, creativity and the pink one that I have the rose courts, it's more so just to love yourself to just sort of just remind and affirm yourself that you're worth it. You are amazing and all this and it might be Hoy poo. It might be weird just like that. But like it makes me feel better about myself. I think my expert Dr Bar from N Y U called it nonsense. He says there's no scientific evidence. How do you feel about that? I mean, look, that's, my husband says the same thing. It's probably true. But look at the end of the day, people turn to religion, spirituality, self help books. I think at the end of the day, whatever makes you feel good about yourself, do it. And if it's a small little stone that's in my pocket, it makes me feel better about myself than do it. And Ashley, I will be charging this in the moonlight. Thank you Ashley and coming up.