Editor’s Note
This article examines the social media-driven trend of “crystal water” bottles, contrasting the wellness claims of influencers with scientific skepticism. It highlights the enduring appeal of water bottles as lifestyle accessories and the new layer of mysticism being marketed to consumers.
On social media, influencers and sellers are promoting drinking bottles with built-in crystals as the new miracle cure. Scientists scoff.
Drinking bottles in all shapes and colors have long been established as a fashionable accessory. Now a new product is fueling the hype. Celebrities and influencers swear by so-called crystal water: elegant drinking bottles with integrated gemstones. Under hashtags like #edelsteinwasser #kristallwasser or #crystalwaterbottle, influencers pose with the stylish containers.
Former Switzerland’s Next Topmodel candidate Stella Castelli also posed with a crystal bottle on her Instagram profile.
says the model, who works full-time as an assistant in a real estate company. She says she has believed in the power of gemstones since her childhood.
She says she was not paid by the supplier for the photo.
Sellers praise the drinking bottles, which cost between 30 and 200 Swiss francs, as miracle cures. They claim, for example, that the integrated stones energize the water and give the consumer strength. Whether amethyst, rock crystal, or aquamarine – depending on the stone, the water is said to have a specific effect.
According to the companies, the drinking bottles are popular.
says Bernhard John, an internal service employee at Vitajuwel Switzerland. Especially with Christmas in mind, numerous orders are coming in.
Cats and dogs would also prefer crystal water to tap water. He says he also noticed this with his pet.
John notes:
Mariza Renaudie, owner of the Yoga Boutique, also says that the crystal water bottles are regularly ordered.
The beautiful appearance of the product automatically tempts them to take a sip of water more often. However, some people also believe that the stones could work miracles, such as fulfilling a desire for children.
Among scientists, the supposed miracle water earns ridicule.
says Beda Stadler, emeritus professor of biology. The idea of giving life to stones comes from “the oldest of old esotericism.” However, he congratulates the inventors of these bottles on the good business idea.
One’s own imagination plays a big role.
says Stadler. You could also pick up a pine cone from the ground and believe that life will change dramatically afterwards.
In a blind test, 20 Minuten wanted to know if there is a difference between crystal water and tap water. For this, the editorial team presented high school student Daria and primary school student Benjamin with water containing the stones orange calcite and rock crystal from Vitajuwel, a tap water, and water with an amethyst from the Yoga Boutique. See in the video above whether Daria and Benjamin tasted a difference between crystal and tap water.
