What are Vogel Crystals? Do they Work? How to Choose the Best Healing Tools for You

…But did you know Vogels hold a very specific purpose? Here we discuss the secrets of one of the most powerful crystal forms ever created.

**While we sell Vogel-like crystals in our shop, we can only claim they are inspired by Vogels original design. They are not made by him or his cutters specifically. Are these imitation carvings comparable to genuine Vogels? We will discuss this in further detail below.

What Are Vogel Crystals? 

A Vogel crystal is a very distinct double terminated, faceted tapered shape. It was developed by Marcel Vogel in the 1970s, a brilliant IBM scientist and crystal healer. The Vogel shape was given to Marcel in a dream, which he identified as the “Tree of Life” from the Jewish Kabbalah tradition. This shape is based on principles of sacred geometry.

Marcel began experimenting to reproduce this shape in crystal form. Beginning with a basic 4-sided Vogel, Marcel discovered this shape had the ability to enhance and direct the energy of the crystal, with immense healing effects on the body.

Marcel discovered that by adding more facets to the outside, the intensity of energy production was increased, and could penetrate deeper into the body for healing. While the 12-sided Vogel has become the standard and most versatile, Marcel did identify uses for different facet strengths. More information can be read here, and is summarized below:

4 sided: for healing aches and pains in the physical body
6 sided: penetrates deeper in the energy fields for emotional work
8 sided: used for deeper emotional work including repatterning trauma
12 sided: ideal for use in general healing
24 sided: used in transformation efforts
The largest amount of facets on a Vogel is 144. It is said the effect was like holding liquid light.

What Are Vogel Crystals Used For?

Vogel crystals were designed to be used as powerful healing tools to balance energy within the physical, mental and emotional bodies. The larger point is known as the “female” or receptive end of the crystal, and the smaller pointier end is known as the “male” or emitting end and is used to direct energy. Those sensitive to crystal energies will feel the energy radiating from the male end quite easily. Marcel Vogel shared many miraculous healings during his studies, which I would highly encourage you to read. A great starting place can be found here.

Beside their use as healing tools, many collectors simply appreciate Vogels for their beauty. The Vogel design is a true work of art and geometric perfection. Many collectors appreciate them for use as display pieces, or even in jewelry.

Genuine Vogel Crystals – Is There A Difference?

In our shop, we carry Brazilian cut copies of Marcel’s design. They are not cut by “Vogel-trained” cutters. Does this result in a different product? The answer is yes. 

There are two major differences between originals and copies: precision and price, and some would also add intent. Genuine Vogels are hand-cut to perfection, down to the individual facets and specific angles of the end points. The female end has an internal angle of 51.5° (the same as the pyramids), and 60° angle of the male end. Copies, in comparison, are not always as precise. While most will have the same number of facets, the end points will often have slightly different angles than Marcels specifications.

This naturally leads to the second major distinction: price. A genuine hand-cut Vogel will command a much higher price (starting at $500), while the copies are much lower (starting well under $100). This is understandable due to the handmade nature of the originals. So, which should you choose? 

Are copies as Effective as A Genuine Vogel?

If you are just getting started and would like to experience a Vogel, I would not hesitate to recommend a Brazilian copy. There have been significant efforts to discredit Vogel copies as ineffective tools but based on my own experience; they do contain and direct energy, very well. They are an excellent option for someone who may not be able to afford an official Vogel. 

To better understand the difference, I would compare it to a violin. Stradivarius crafted the finest violins in the world. They have been imitated, but never duplicated. Stradivarius copies, while not of the same quality, are still violins and play beautiful music. The same is true with Vogels.

Similar to a musician, if you are a professional healer and are looking for the scientific precision of a handmade energetic tool, I would suggest considering a genuine Vogel (links below). However, if you are a beginner and looking to dip your toe into the healing world of Vogels, or you simply appreciate their beauty, I would not hesitate to recommend a copy. All copies will emit energy – it is the very nature of the quartz they are carved from. For more information you may also read here.  

It may be interesting to note: when comparing a genuine Vogel to a copy, the main difference will be in the quality of the cut, rather than the material. Rumi Da, an associate of Marcel Vogel stated:

“The internal environment of the crystal is not as important as some might think. Although optical quality and clarity is beautiful and offers some unquestionable benefits, it is not necessarily a primary consideration in selecting a crystal. Clear crystals have been observed to become cloudy and cloudy crystals have been observed to become clear through use…The inclusions within a crystal that some people find distasteful are gateways to the many realms of imagination for others. One must choose according to one’s proclivities as well as so called objective criteria”

*While Marcel Vogel did research the energetic differences between his design and copies, there are no independent or non-biased studies that I am currently aware of. *