Quartz is one of the most abundant and common minerals on the earth.
Quartz stones are found almost all over the world, and as a result, it is an affordable gem.
The name is supposed to come from the German word “quarz,” which originated from Polish and Slavic, meaning “hard.”
Taking its position on the Mohs Hardness Scale – a 7 – it is easy to relate to the word’s origin.
Additionally, Ancient Greeks called quartz “kruos.”
The expression means “icy cold” because they believed quartz was the mineral form of supercooled ice.
All these gemstones have the same chemical composition of silicon dioxide but have different crystal classes and formations.
There are two main types – macrocrystalline and cryptocrystalline (microcrystalline).
It is often called rock crystal, especially luminous, transparent pieces. Many of these gems, such as smoky or rose quartz, are named according to their appearance.
Also, according to its color, there are several varieties – citrine, amethyst, chalcedony, and tiger’s eye are some quartz types.
The semi-precious gemstone is mined in the Alps, Brazil (Minas Gerais), Japan, Russia, and Madagascar.
However, the best quartz is found in Arkansas, Ellenville, and New York (USA). The largest producers are in Arkansas and Brazil.
Multiple Uses
We generally know quartz as a semi-precious gemstone found in eye-catching jewelry.
However, it is a hard gemstone, and as a result, it has multiple uses.
For instance, quartz is a valuable and fundamental component in transmitting TV and radio signals because it can vibrate specific frequencies.
Therefore it is used in clocks, watches, televisions, and GPS devices.
The hardness of quartz makes it a great choice in lenses, too – it is found in telescopes, microscopes, and lasers.
Even though we may not own and see it regularly, it is an essential component of our daily life.
In Europe, quartz was considered a healing stone in the Middle Ages. For example, Aborigines linked quartz to rain rituals.
Japanese called quartz the “perfect jewel.” They considered this rock crystal the frozen breath of the white dragon, a symbol of perfection.
It symbolizes infinity and purity.
Like many other gemstones, it is used for healing and spiritual purposes and to strengthen hearts.
Exclusively pink quartz is known as the “love stone.”
People believed that it would also protect the backbone and help to relieve headaches and vertigo.
Even though it is a hard gemstone, storing it separately from other gems will prevent it from scratches.
So, keep all your jewels in a soft pouch separately and avoid chemicals during cleaning. This way, you will keep your gemstone shiny and attractive, like on the first day.
Quartz | Physical Properties
Chemical Classification: Silicate
Color: Occurs in various colors
Luster: Vitreous
Mohs Hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 7
Crystal System: Trigonal
