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CLAREMONT, Calif. - Indiana Jones better get his alibi ready.

A large crystal skull similar to those at the centre of the upcoming Harrison Ford movie was recently stolen from a New Age store, puzzling employees in part because of the laid-back nature of shop regulars.

"We have zero shoplifting in here, and I have no idea why anyone would take something as lovely as that," said Persis Newland, owner of Kindred Spirits in Claremont, almost 50 kilometres east of downtown Los Angeles.

The skull, named Solar Ray by owner Don Marr, had been on loan at Kindred Spirits for about four months and went missing about two weeks ago. It had sat on an altar in the store's classroom area and was considered one of the shop's prized objects.

"He was on an altar, and he just enjoyed being here," said employee Kristen Nestor, who supervises the store's weekly crystal-reading classes. "He participated in our classes.

Nestor said she believes the skull is as old as 500 years.

"He likes to travel and things like that," Nestor said. "He was here for about four months, just enjoying everyone who comes through here."

Legend has it that the ancient Maya possessed 13 crystal skulls which, when united, hold the power of saving the Earth. A version of the story is the basis for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which opens in U.S. theatres on May 22.