I was finally starting to run low on Maelstrom Crystals the other day and started looking around for some cheap ways to obtain them. The Raid Finder has sent prices through the roof, which has been great for the scroll business if you had a stockpile of scrolls and/or mats. I figured there would be a jump of around 50% on the crystals, with a similar drop in Heavenly Shard prices, thanks to the new Maelstrom Shatter spell for enchanters. As it turns out on my realm, prices for the crystals more than doubled while the shards saw a slight bump because of increased demand for enchants.
Sadly, everything that could be crafted was way more expensive than the crystals on the Auction House, so it wasn't looking good. Then, while upgrading another toon, I realized my enchanter (which is also my primary dungeon/raiding toon) could get them with her extra Justice Points.
From the early days of Cataclysm, I've had it in my head that crystals are expensive at 3750 JPs from the trade goods vendor. Which is expensive by the way. But enchanters can actually get them for only 700 by purchasing any of the epic Relics for a mere 700 JPs. Plus, with the guild perk Bountiful Bags, you have a chance you double your value if it procs. Not an enchanter? Get the epic Bind-on-Equip boots for 1650 and have a friend disenchant them for you.
It's not a long-term solution to keeping stocked on crystals, but it's a decent source in a pinch.
