Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine the origins of newly discovered items. Certainly, many objects that we’ve addressed in these articles have had a mysterious, unsolved past. Crystal skulls are another we can add to the list.

Crystal skulls are hardstone carvings of human skulls made of clear or milky white quartz (or rock crystal) that are said to be pre-Columbian Mesoamerican artifacts; however, none have ever actually been discovered in any archaeological sites there.

The skulls are claimed to have healing powers and the ability to expand the psychic abilities of people who have been in their presence. Despite these claims, the legends don’t seem to match genuine Mesoamerican or Native American spiritual accounts. An examination of some of these skulls revealed they were most likely made in Germany in the mid-19th century or later.

Yet, some believe crystal skulls didn’t originate on this earth but are actually ancient alien-made artifacts. They believe the skulls arrived on earth via UFO and are some kind of receiver or communication device to otherworldly beings or other dimensions. Some have reported seeing UFOs within the skulls or witnessing UFOs while in the presence of a crystal skull.

Skeptics claim that most skulls are manufactured in China, Brazil, Mexico, or other Central American locations; however, no one knows their origins for certain.

In 1992 the Smithsonian investigated a crystal skull provided by an anonymous source who claimed to have purchased it in Mexico City in 1960 and said it was of Aztec origin. The Smithsonian concluded, however, that the skull was most likely made in Germany.

Crystal skulls have been portrayed in several popular modern works of fiction and film including the Indiana Jones movie series in 2008.

While no one can say for certain where the skulls came from, and with no accurate way to determine their age, the mystery of the crystal skulls continues today.