 |
|
|
|
This incredibly abundant gemstone accounts for a whopping 12% of the earth’s crust. Quartz is a family of minerals with the same chemical composition (silicon dioxide) and similar physical properties. Some say the origin of the word quartz is the Saxon word querkluftertz, meaning “a cross vein ore,” which later was condensed to querertz. However, it also might have been named after the Slavic word kwardy, or “hard,” or possibly the Greek word for ice, as the Greeks believed quartz crystal was fossilized ice… scientists believed this as late as the 16th century. Quartz’s high thermoconductivity, which makes it feel cool to the touch, may have added to this belief. The two varieties of quartz are macrocrystalline (crystals recognizable with the naked eye) and microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline (crystals too small to see without high magnification). citrine, amethyst, aventurine, hawks-eye, tigereye and all quartzes pictured below (flake, rutilated, rose, smoky, snow, etc.). The second, cryptocrystalline, is more commonly known as chalcedony. While commonly imitated by glass (see “quartz” entries), true quartz can be distinguished from glass or lead crystal by its birefringence (double refraction) and the minute air bubbles glass often contains. Quartz is also harder than glass. Lab-grown quartz has the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as its natural counterpart.
The use of quartz dates back thousands of years. Roman ladies carried quartz crystal balls to cool their hands in warm weather, and Roman soldiers used it to capture sunlight for cauterizing wounds. Quartz passed for diamonds for many centuries, and some of the superstitions surrounding diamonds actually had their beginnings in quartz. Since the Middle Ages, quartz crystal balls have been used to predict the future. Crafted quartz items uncovered in the French and Austrian Alps indicate the mineral was used there during the 1800s. The practice of burying crystal with the dead has been popular with many cultures over time and still is by some Native Americans. These cultures believe the spirit of the dead lives on in the crystal. Quartz is said to be the universal healing stone, able to clarify what needs to be healed or balanced and assist in the transformation. The crystals are reputed to promote hope, happiness and optimism while awakening us to the beauty of nature. Found around the world, the important quartz deposits are in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Ontario Canada, the U.S.A. and the French and Swiss Alps, known for their magnificent large crystals.Aqua Aura Quartz
These shimmery, ghostly beads project a blue sheen when worn against most colors, but take on a yellowish tinge when against white. The manmade gemstone has a cloudy center and few visible inclusions.
Blood Quartz
It must not be type O, because this eerie natural stone isn’t for everyone. Dark streaks winding throughout the otherwise clear quartz leave some saying “ah” and others saying “ew”! Blood quartz gets its red and auburn hues from hematite inclusions; the hematite grows on the surface of the quartz crystal, and then as the quartz continues to grow, the hematite becomes contained inside. Our staff first spotted this stone while visiting China. A cutter had purchased all the rough material available on the market, and we bought every bead he had finished.
Flake Quartz
aka Explosion Quartz
This is a clear quartz with thin, shiny flakes suspended throughout. The “explosion” inside is created through heat treatment applied to natural quartz. Glass beads with this effect also can be found on the market
Green Tourmalated Quartz
aka Green Tourmalinated Quartz, Green Hair Quartz, and Green Hair Garnet This is a quartz in which green-to-black needles of tourmaline are embedded.
Kiwi Quartz
This quartz is mottled with green, black and white; while translucent, kiwi quartz is more opaque than most quartzes.
Multi-color Rutilated Quartz
This is rutilated quartz in various colors.
Phantom Quartz
a.k.a Ghost crystals, Spectre crystals and Shadow crystals
The presence of resumes growing, the new growth encompasses the original growth, or "sleeping crystal," inside itself. Some have said the interior crystal is an inclusion. It is said that phantom quartz can help one to understand the different stages of life. Different varieties of phantom quartz are useful for different things. They range from tourmaline quartz's protection to the healing powers of hematite. Red Quartz
The presence of hematite gives this quartz its sanguine shade. Red quartz is quite uncommon and is popular in Russia.
Rock Crystal Quartz
aka Rock Crystal, Baffa Diamond, Bohemian Diamond, Brighton Diamond, Bristol Diamond, Buxton Diamond, Clear Quartz, Cornish Diamond, Dauphin Diamond, German Diamond, Horatio Diamond, Hot Springs Diamond, Mutzschen Diamond, Occidental Diamond, Paphros Diamond, Pecos Diamond, Quasima Diamond, Quebec Diamond, Rhine Diamond, Schaumberg Diamond, Stolberg Diamond, Tasmanian Diamond, Trenton Diamond, Vallum Diamond, Washita Diamond, Zabeltitzen Diamond
The most common quartz, this colorless, transparent gemstone has a quiet beauty. We're told our stock is natural, but we think now and then we've gotten some lab-grown quartz, which is identical to the type found growing in nature. Rock crystal quartz is considered by many to be the best all-purpose crystal. It is reputed to cleanse the mind and body, strengthen alignment with higher self, enhance properties of other gemstones, amplify energies and give strength. It is also said to lessen negativity and remove toxins.
Rose Quartz
aka Ancona Ruby, Mont Blanc Ruby
This blushing gemstone is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz. The unique pink-to-rose-red color is caused by iron and titanium impurities in the natural stone. However, ours (and most on the market) has been dyed to maintain a uniform color. Both naturally colored rose quartz and the dyed forms are photosensitive and will fade in sunlight. Beads of rose quartz have been found in Mesopotamia that date back to 7000 B.C. It is said that the Assyrians and the Romans were the first to use it. In ancient Rome, rose quartz was popular for making seals, which were used in clay or various dyes to show ownership or identify authors. Often called the "love stone," rose quartz is said to open the heart chakra to all forms of love: self-love, family love, platonic love and romantic love. Emotionally, the gemstone is believed to bring gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance, raise the self-esteem and remove fears, resentments and anger. Some also say it can heal and release childhood traumas, neglect and lack of love, in part by enhancing inner awareness. It is attributed the power to help with reconciliation with family and ease overwhelming or unreasonable guilt. Physically, the gemstone is used to benefit the heart, circulatory system, fertility, headaches, kidney disease, migraines, sexual dysfunction, sinus problems, throat problems, depression, addictions and ear aches. Rose quartz is found in Madagascar, Brazil, India, Germany and several parts of the U.S.A.
Ruby Quartz
The ruby-colored dots suspended inside this quartz are the likely source of its name. Ruby quartz has a truly one-of-a-kind appearance, with veins and clouds of beige, brown, black and white. Thin, clear flecks inside each bead give it a subtle sparkle. It is a natural gemstone, and we are told the color is natural as well. For a quartz, this stone is somewhat fragile, especially in larger sizes. When broken, the stone's surface is sugary, almost crumbly. Ruby quartz became available to us in 2004, apparently from a new mine in Africa. Little historical information is available on any stone called ruby quartz, but its greatest fame has been from the X-Men comics and movies. The character Cyclops, field leader of the X-Men, must wear ruby quartz lenses at all times to protect others from his dangerous optic blasts, which he cannot otherwise control. In reality, however, it would be extremely difficult to see through this cloudy stone! Rutilated Quartz
Gold-colored, hairlike inclusions of rutile (a titanium dioxide mineral) embedded in this gemstone give it the appearance of a frozen meteor shower. The term rutile means "reddish" in Latin. Rutilated quartz is sometimes considered a link between the crown and root chakras, and it is said to enhance physical and mental balance and stability, self-reliance and finding one's way. Many also attribute diminished fear and depression to the gemstone.
Snow Quartz
aka Quartzite, Milk Quartz, White Jade
The second most common color of quartz, this fresh, icy-white gemstone gets its color from inclusions of minute gas bubbles and/or water. Snow quartz is said to bring good fortune, and is a calming and soothing gemstone. Many believe it helpful for meditation and looking within. It also is called beneficial for the immune system.
Tourmalated Quartz
aka Tourmalinated Quartz, Black Hair Quartz
This is a quartz in which dark needles of tourmaline are embedded.
Smoky Quartz
aka Cairngor, Morion, Colorado Diamond, Radium Diamond, Smoky Citrine, Smoky Topaz
Nearly all of this brownish-black, "smoky" variety of quartz on the market (ours included) is a rock crystal that has been heat-treated to produce this coveted color. This treatment has become common because it's very difficult to find good natural smoky quartz materials. Be aware that in Sri Lanka, quartz varieties (smoky, rock crystal, etc) are called "topaz" in English. The dealers (usually) are not intentionally misleading, but when they say "topaz," they actually mean quartz! To tell the difference between topaz and smoky quartz, run your thumb across the table facet; topaz is very slippery and your thumb will slide across the facet like ice, while your thumb will "stick" on the quartz. This gemstone is believed to be excellent for grounding and removing negativity. It is said to enhance survival instincts and help one reach personal and business goals, as well as assisting in making wishes come true. Many use smoky quartz to treat problems associated with the lower torso, including kidneys, abdomen, pancreas and reproductive organs. They say it also is good for dealing with hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder.
Courtesy of Rings & Things Wholesale of Spokane, WA |
|
|
 |
|
