A new shop selling crystals is opening at Oxford's Covered Market.

Retailers say crystals have been used for their healing and spiritual properties for thousands of years and they continue to be popular.

The natural beauty of stones and crystals also makes them fun to collect or give as gifts, traders say.

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After years running a children’s disco business, Sarah-Jane Nichols needed a change of pace due to health issues.

She found herself helping out at her mother's crystal shop Crystal Spirit in Swindon and it was there she fell in love with the trade.

Together with her mum, the idea for Crystal Spirit Emporium was born.

Mrs Nichols said: "My mum has a shop in Swindon which is called Crystal Spirit.

"She has been selling crystals for about 20 years so I have lots of experience from working with her.

Oxford Mail: Sarah-Jane Nichols"I'm a really good sales person and I love people and I love crystals so I thought it would be a good idea to open my open shop.

"Oxford is somewhere I love - the Covered Market is just the most amazing place ever.

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"Graham MacDonald who runs the chocolate shop at the market encouraged me to get in touch and ask about any empty units.

"I sent off my business plan and here we are."

Mrs Nichols said crystals were dug up from various locations around the globe.

Oxford Mail: The sign at the new crystals shop"The rock is cut up and then the pieces are moulded into shapes," she added.

"There are also natural pieces that are sold directly without being moulded."

Mrs Nichols said the crystals in the shop ranged in price from 50p to more than £1,000.

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"An amethyst church could cost £1,000 or more - sometimes they cost less.

"There are mini ones that cost £60. I have one in the corner of my room and it is stunning. It looks amazing - a lot of people find amethyst to be a calming crystal.

"We never guarantee the effect a crystal will have - people did use crystals in ancient times."

The trader said having the sign created above the shop has really made her dream feel real.

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The windows are blacked out right now for the big reveal on Saturday.  

As well as a huge variety of crystals, Crystal Spirit Emporium will be introducing lucky dips.

They have been a very popular attraction at her mum's shops and perfect for that early Christmas stocking filler.

Mrs Nichols added: “Whether you believe in crystals or not, they’re very beautiful so we hope everybody will find something to enjoy in our shop."

In addition to crystals there will also be a fairy garden, two water features, fairy treasure, and pictures.

The shop will open at 10am on Saturday and will then be open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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