Quartz

The Greeks originally named Quartz “krystallos,” meaning ice, but this term was soon applied to any crystal. In fact, the modern name of Quartz is derived from the Saxon word “querklufterz,” meaning “cross-vein-ore.”

Although Quartz of sufficient beauty to be set into jewelry is not available in great abundance, Quartz is found in many geological environments and is a component of almost every rock type. It is also the most varied in terms of varieties, colors and forms. The gem varieties of Quartz have been used as gemstones for thousands of years.

Legends and lore

The ancients of India considered Quartz to have special properties as transformers as well as keepers of energy. To this day Quartz crystals are used universally in meditation, as they are believed to possess healing properties and other diverse metaphysical powers.

Folklorists classify Quartz as a receptive gemstone credited with the ability to attract positive energies, such as peace and love. The subtle energy of Quartz is said to balance the emotions, giving inner peace, harmony and enhancing the bonds of relationships. It is also said to calm aggression and increase self-esteem.

Just the facts

Quartz gemstones are commonly separated into two groups based on the size of their individual crystals.

The macrocrystalline Quartz (large crystal) group includes many popular gemstones such as Amethyst, Ametrine, Citrine, Green Amethyst (Prasiolite), Rose Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Smoky Quartz and Tiger’s Eye.

Cryptocrystalline Quartz includes species whose individual crystals are too small to be easily distinguished. Apart from being a variety within the group, Chalcedony is also a catchall term to describe cryptocrystalline Quartz and includes many gems that have been coveted since antiquity such as Agate, Carnelian, Sard, Chrysoprase, Bloodstone and Jasper.

Phenomena sometimes observed in Quartz include asterism (star effect) and chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect).

Amethyst is the queen of the Quartz varieties and in better qualities it is among the most coveted of Quartzes.

Ametrine is a multicolor variety that is part Amethyst colored and part Citrine colored.

Blue Moon Quartz is also called Dumortierite Quartz or sometimes just Dumortierite. It is an opaque to translucent blue variety of Quartz, owing its color to microscopic inclusions of fibrous magnesioriebeckite or crocidolite. Blue Moon Quartz is from one of the old mines of southern Brazil in a region called Uruguaiana in the Rio Grande Do Sul state. The “Blue Moon” prefix is self-explanatory: the gem looks like a full moon shimmering on a clear night. For crystal healers, Blue Moon Quartz is a gem that can enhance organizational abilities, self discipline and orderliness.

Citrine is a yellow variety of Quartz that takes its name from “citron,” the French word for lemon.

Phantom Quartz (also known as Ghost Crystals, Specter Crystals and Shadow Crystals) is an unusual gemstone that exhibits a phenomenon called a “phantom.” Phantoms can sometimes be seen in the interior of Quartz crystals as a permanent record of earlier stages in the crystal’s formation, much like growth rings in a tree.

Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is a confusing gem as it is traded under a variety of names and can easily be mistaken for other gem types.

Rainbow Quartz (including Lavender Quartz, Neptune Quartz, Fuchsia Quartz and Coral Quartz) is visually similar to Mystic Topaz and is produced using the same physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating process. Applied to top quality natural White Quartz, the treatment is permanent with normal wear.

Smoky Quartz is an earth toned transparent Quartz that comes in a variety of shades, including cognac. Also known as “champagne on ice,” Smoky Quartz gets its rich warm colors from aluminum. A variety of Smoky Quartz is Cairngorm, which owes its name to the legendary source in the Scottish Highlands. Smoky Quartz is the national gem of Scotland, whose national scepter includes a large Smoky Quartz.

Rock Crystal (also known as White Quartz) is colorless Quartz.

Rose Quartz is the pink variety of Quartz. Rarely transparent, facet grade gems will usually display a beautiful misty appearance.

Golden Rutile Quartz (also known as Rutilite, Rutilated Quartz, Venus’ Hair or Cupid’s Darts) is a beautiful gemstone produced by large inclusions of golden rutile needles in clear colorless Quartz.

Tiger’s Eye is simply chatoyant Quartz

Star Quartz is a fascinating gem that clearly displays asterism (star effect) and is colorless, blue, pink or silver. The stars are six-rayed and roll around the gem as it is moved.