San Sebastián, Spain – A new study suggests our fascination with crystals may have deep evolutionary roots shared with chimpanzees.

Researchers tested enculturated chimps at the Rainfer Foundation to see which qualities of crystals attract attention. “We show that enculturated chimpanzees can distinguish crystals from other stones,” said Prof Juan Manuel García-Ruiz. “We were pleasantly surprised by how strong and seemingly natural the chimpanzees’ attraction to crystals was. This suggests that sensitivity to such objects may have deep evolutionary roots.”

In one experiment, chimps were presented with a large crystal and a normal rock. While both caught their attention at first, the crystal quickly became the preferred object. Chimpanzees rotated and inspected it, carried it around, and even exchanged it for bananas or yogurt when caretakers tried to take it away.

A second experiment tested smaller crystals alongside pebbles. The chimps quickly picked out quartz, pyrite, and calcite crystals, studying their transparency, symmetry, and luster. Some carried the crystals in their mouths to separate them by type — a behavior suggesting they valued the stones.

Researchers concluded that transparency and shape likely made crystals appealing. Early humans may have been drawn to similar features in crystals, whose flat, polyhedral surfaces contrasted with the curved forms of the natural environment.

“Our work helps explain our fascination with crystals and contributes to understanding the evolutionary roots of aesthetics and worldview,” García-Ruiz said. “We now know that we’ve had crystals in our minds for at least six million years.”

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