Quartz stone: magical properties, properties and varieties, where they are mined, crystal products, blue and green mineral, what is the density and composition

Quartz is a stone whose name translates as “hard.”
The number of precious stones that belong to this group is quite impressive, but previously only some varieties of this mineral were called quartz. The remaining crystals had the status of independent gems and a unique name. These names are still used today. Today we will help you understand which stones can be considered quartz and how to distinguish one type from another. You will learn the beneficial properties of the gem and choose a talisman according to your horoscope.

Physical and chemical properties of the mineral

The gem is original and unique. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide and may contain aluminum and iron impurities. A pure representative of the species, otherwise called rock crystal, has high thermal conductivity. It is cool to the touch even in warm weather. The gem has increased resistance to strong acids and other chemicals. Only alkali or hydrofluoric acid can melt it. Due to its high density, quartz is a fairly hard mineral. Therefore, this indicator is second only to topazes, corundums and diamonds.

The melting point of the gem is +1700°C. The pure mineral is distinguished by its amazing beauty and transparency. It is not for nothing that numerous peoples noted its iciness, calling the pebbles small particles of frozen water. However, when combined with other minerals or chemical elements, the gem radically changes its appearance. It can turn into the most unexpected and bright colors, forming new groups of minerals. For example, red and blue, green and blue quartz are often found in nature.

Artificial production of quartz mineral

Artificial quartz is well synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and for industrial applications artificial quartz is even more preferable than natural quartz, since it contains fewer impurities and is more homogeneous (this is especially true for quartz piezo-optical elements).

As for artificial precious quartz, here too artificial crystals have a number of advantages over natural ones, mainly due to the ability to give crystals any color, including green, which is very rare in nature, as well as blue and indigo, which are not found in natural conditions at all.

A little history

The mineral has been known to mankind since ancient times. Our distant ancestors admired the beautiful tints of its color. Descriptions of the gem and its magical and healing properties are found in almost every culture. Scientists believe that the mineral received its current name from the German “querklufterz”. This word is translated as “transversely arranged veins.” The name of the mineral fully reflects its structure. Other researchers believe that the word "quartz" comes from the Old Cornish "cross-course-spor". This term is translated exactly the same as the previous one.

Crystalline quartz was an object of worship for people living in ancient India, China, and Egypt. Despite the fact that the material is incredibly durable and difficult to process, craftsmen have learned to create true masterpieces from it. The material is ideal for creating beautiful tableware, interior items, and jewelry. Things made from it have been found during numerous excavations. In the Middle Ages, quartz crystals were widely used for the production of church utensils, sculptures, and jewelry. Most of these things were kept in the royal treasuries.

In the 16th century, vessels of various shapes made from natural quartz were especially popular in European countries. Gilding, precious diamonds, emeralds, and rubies were used for their decoration. Many famous historical figures had a special passion for the magical gem:

The ancient Roman emperor Nero simply adored clear quartz. Two stunning cups, made especially for him, can still be admired today in the exhibition of national treasures of France. Numerous photographs of beautiful vessels are presented in specialized books.
During excavations in the tomb of the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamun, an astonishing discovery was discovered - a prototype of modern sunglasses with bronze temples. The products were created from marion - black translucent quartz.
Peter I was the owner of a truly exotic little thing - a samovar made of transparent rock crystal. You can still admire this beautiful masterpiece. It is kept in the Armory among other equally stunning handicraft creations.

Scientists still cannot agree on when the first scientific description of the gem was created. This is due to the fact that numerous types of quartz were discovered at different times. They were often confused with each other.

Interesting facts about quartz stone

Ring with rock crystal
Interesting facts about quartz will surprise anyone, even the most skeptical person.

The amazing strength of this material has allowed archaeologists to find objects made from it, the age of which is determined to be seven thousand years.

In the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh, peculiar glasses made of plates of transparent black crystal were discovered.

The incredible exhibits of the French museum were cups belonging to Emperor Nero.

They were created from absolutely transparent crystal. And when you arrive in St. Petersburg, you can look at a huge crystal more than one meter high and weighing about a ton!

An unusual find, which has already become overgrown with legends and the most incredible rumors, was a crystal skull created by the ancient Mayans.

This mysterious artifact, which was discovered in the first half of the twentieth century, attracts with its mystery and has a strange effect on people.

Some begin to hear voices, others smell aromas, some discover supernatural abilities.

Varieties of Crystal Quartz

Regardless of the color of the mineral, quartz is by definition beautiful. But its value largely depends on the shade:

Rock crystal compares favorably with other types with its complete transparency and amazing radiance.
The hairworm received such an unusual name because of its striking appearance. Translucent rock crystal contains inclusions of fine-needle crystals of other gems. Threads of tourmaline, rutile and other minerals resemble thin hairs.
Rauchtopaz, otherwise called smoky quartz, is distinguished by its transparency and unusual shade. The color can range from grayish-smoky to brown.
Morion is a rich black mineral. It can be transparent or opaque.
Prazem is green quartz. The color of the mineral is due to the presence of small fibers of actinolite or other minerals.
Amethyst is the most valuable representative of the species. It is classified as a precious stone. Violet-hued specimens such as violet-pink and lilac-red are often found.
Citrine is a golden or lemon quartz.
Rose quartz belongs to the category of semi-precious stones. It has a delicate pink tint.
Rauchcitrine combines the color of citrine and rauchtopaz. It delights with its iridescence, in which an amazing harmony of brown and yellow shades can be traced.
Ametrine is a rather rare variety. Its peculiarity lies in its amazing colors, where violet-lilac and yellow colors are closely intertwined.
Cat's eye is a greyish, pinkish or white stone that has a striking luminous effect.

The amazing beauty of all types of crystalline mineral enchants at first sight. It is not at all surprising that quartz jewelry is always popular among buyers.

How to distinguish artificial from natural?

Thanks to the huge number of varieties and colors of quartz origin, today jewelry stores offer a wide range of jewelry made from this mineral.

It is worth considering that in addition to natural crystal, there is a synthetic (artificial) crystal, which can be passed off as natural by unscrupulous sellers. In order not to stumble upon a fake when purchasing jewelry, you should be extremely careful, carefully examining the crystal.

It is possible to distinguish a fake from a genuine stone by obvious signs. A fake will be revealed by artificial cracks and air bubbles, arranged in a chaotic manner in disordered groups and having different sizes.

Natural stone may also contain cracks and bubbles, however, such defects are naturally incorporated into the crystal - in areas of crystal accretion or increased nutrient flow. Take a look at the photo of natural quartz so as not to stumble upon a fake.

Types of cryptocrystalline quartz

Cryptocrystalline quartz is no less common than crystalline quartz. The variety of its shapes and colors is also amazing.

Chalcedony is a translucent variety. Its shades can vary from dazzling white to honey yellow.
Agate, in turn, is a type of chalcedony. Its peculiarity lies in its original layered-banded structure.
Peridot is a transparent stone of a yellow or green hue. The color can be either bright and rich or pale.
Aventurine is a very brittle, opaque variety of the mineral. It can have a soft yellow, reddish, cherry color. The highlight of the mineral is the shining inclusions of iron mica.
Carnelian is a pink or red quartz with a striking shine.
Onyx has a rich brown color. It may have white or black patterns. They often alternate with honey, soft pink, red-brown plane-parallel layers.
Sapphirine is a blue quartz with a coarse-grained structure.

Jewelers try to give quartz various fancy cuts, so it looks incredibly beautiful in jewelry. Different types of mineral look great in the embrace of precious metals.

Jewelry with quartz (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

Rose quartz meaning

The magical mineral literally attracts people with a cheerful character and a positive aura to its owner. These magical properties of rose quartz were known in ancient times, so princesses and girls from high society eagerly wore it.

Rose quartz, like no other stone, evokes tender, touching sensations, as strong as red stones, but much more refined, refined and full of romance.

As a talisman, rose quartz opens up new horizons and new possibilities. The gem will bring happiness to students, scientists, researchers, adventurers, hunters, and guides. They are often used when you need to turn the situation in your favor, change your life for the better.

Where is quartz mined?

The gem is very common and has many types. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that quartz deposits are located in different parts of the world:

A large number of pink minerals are mined in Karelia and the eastern regions of Ukraine.
Rich deposits of morion and rauchtopaz are concentrated in the Urals and the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine.
Mass mining of rock crystal is carried out in the north of Ukraine, in the Eastern Carpathians, and in the Pamirs.
Central Asia is famous for its deposits of precious amethyst. Previously, this beautiful stone began to be mined in Brazil, Uruguay and Sri Lanka.

Where is quartz mined in our country? Mainly in the Caucasus, Kola Peninsula, Kamchatka. Stones suitable for creating jewelry are much less common than ornamental ones. This makes them even more valuable.

Cost of stones and products made from them

Stones have different prices, which are based on the characteristics of the product and the quality of the material. Inexpensive breeds start at 100 rubles. Costs vary by type of rock, deposit:

Rhinestone. The price starts from 100 rubles and goes up to 34 thousand.
Rauchtopaz. A gram from a deposit in North Karelia starts at 24 thousand.
Morion. Quartz from Bashkortostan is given a price of 1200 rubles, from deposits of the Urals - 3700 rubles.
Amethyst. The price of grams of crystal can surprise you. Costs 42 thousand.
Citrine. There are products for a thousand, others for 7 thousand.

It is better to find out how much the original breed costs from specialists, so as not to become the owner of a fake.

In what areas is quartz used?

Mountain quartz is a valuable mineral raw material. The scope of its use is not limited to jewelry. Minerals are widely used in the manufacture of ultrasound generators, optical equipment, radio and telephone equipment.

The use of quartz is common in the glass and ceramic industries. The most in demand in these areas are rock crystal and pure quartz sand. The mineral is suitable for the production of siliceous refractories and quartz glasses. Of course, don't forget about jewelry. Here, icy quartz and other varieties of the mineral are used as inserts in jewelry.

The most important property of a gem is the piezoelectric effect. It was discovered in 1880 by French scientists, brothers Paul and Pierre Curie. And it was their compatriot Paul Langevin who first proposed using the amazing property of the mineral in practice. He made his discovery during the First World War. The Frenchman proposed using ultrasound to detect enemy submarines. But it was planned to obtain this ultrasound using the piezoelectric effect.

The inventor used a flat, smooth, polished quartz plate as a basis. Equipped it with electrodes and a holder. The result is a piezoelectric resonator - an oscillatory circuit that provides a certain frequency of resonant oscillations. In the shortest possible time, the unusual invention gained wide popularity not only in France, but also in other countries of the world.

Until recently, piezoquartz was used exclusively for military needs. However, today the situation has changed. The elements are used in various industries, medicine and science as good sources of ultrasound. For example, piezo lighters and ultrasonic devices for rodent control have become widespread. Such equipment, operating for several days, causes discomfort for pests. They strive to leave the premises as quickly as possible.

Scope of use

Stone objects are found among excavations. Ancient people made tools from the rock, and decorations for blades from other species of the same rock. Mineral rock is used in various industries, but there are two main areas of use:

Mineral raw materials.
Jewelry making.

It is used as a mineral raw material for technical parts of optics, radio devices and communications. It becomes the basis of ceramic household items and glass products.

Jewelers create jewelry of all known models: beads, earrings, brooches. Ornamental stones are taken for souvenirs. Craftsman's items will decorate the apartment and add personality to the owner.

What healing properties do jewelry with quartz have?

Our distant ancestors believed that quartz had a lot of useful properties. It was widely used in their practice by ancient healers and healers. It was believed that stones could fill the human body with life-giving energy. This contributed to the restoration of health, the return of tone, psychological balance and physical activity.

The mineral has a complex effect on the body:

Has a positive effect on the nervous system. In particular, a person who regularly wears quartz jewelry does not suffer from depression, chronic fatigue, or melancholy.
Normalizes wakefulness and sleep patterns. The owner of an amazing gem forgets about insomnia, nightmares and other similar problems.
Increases concentration and memory, which is especially important for intellectual workers.
Helps you to completely relax during your vacation and find peace of mind.

We should not forget that the gem has many varieties. The healing properties of quartz stone largely depend on its type. For example, amethyst can overcome alcohol addiction. In addition, it reduces hunger, which is necessary for people with a very good appetite. The characteristics of Morion indicate that it is optimal for people who have problems with the circulatory system. The stone strengthens vascular walls and restores normal heart rhythm.

Gold earrings with smoky quartz and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

Rose quartz how to wear

This is not just a beautiful talisman, but also the guardian of your youth and attractiveness: rose quartz helps girls look seductive, and women it gives confidence, hides flaws, and actively emphasizes the advantages of the face and figure.

Rose quartz has healing properties and helps maintain good health without medications. Crystal gems are worn for the purpose of skin regeneration, blood purification, getting rid of fine wrinkles and a good, joyful mood.

It is enough to perform a simple ritual on the Full Moon, which really works: you need to put a piece of quartz in a glass of clean water for the whole night. In the morning, carefully remove the mineral and read the spell over the water: “The water is pink, the Moon is golden, and my beauty is eternal, I will always be young!” Then the water should be drunk or used for cosmetic purposes to cleanse the face. Rose quartz will relieve depression, insomnia, harmonize women's health and relationships with loved ones,

What ailments will quartz water save you from?

Modern lithotherapists agree that the stone, whose potential is enormous, has powerful healing properties. To achieve the desired effect, experts advise using quartz water. It’s extremely easy to prepare, even at home:

The stone is placed in clean still water. If you use rock crystal, you get the feeling that it is melting in a transparent liquid.
The container with water is placed in a dark place for several days.
The mineral is removed, after which the liquid is filtered through a filter containing several quartz crystals of different types.

Experts say that this water is suitable for any medical procedures. It can be drunk, used for compresses and rubbing. Liquid helps:

cure diseases of internal organs;
normalize metabolism;
speed up recovery from various inflammatory diseases;
improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
stabilize blood pressure, strengthen the heart and blood vessels;
alleviate the patient’s condition with respiratory tract pathologies;
strengthen immunity against infectious diseases.

Quartz water is widely used in the field of cosmetology. With its help it is possible to get rid of acne and pimples. If you use the magic product regularly, you will notice that the skin has become smoother and more elastic, and the number of wrinkles has decreased. The liquid is also effective in treating open wounds. It can be used to prepare lotions for bruises, cuts, and injuries. Pain sensations are reduced, and the wound heals much faster.

ALORIS gold earrings with quartz (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

How to enhance the beneficial effects

You can buy a lot of jewelry in stores, but not all of them can be considered amulets. Here is a short list of what to look for when choosing:

Amulets cannot be gems purchased at a pawnshop or consignment store. They carry the energy of the past owner.
Minerals with defects do not work and do not protect. An item with a crack or chip can only be a decoration without any special properties.
To attract love, wear a heart-shaped pendant close to your chest.
To acquire leadership qualities, it is better to buy a ring for your leading hand.
To protect the family hearth, a bracelet or just an object that should be placed in the living room is well suited.
Children can buy a brooch or earrings.

To activate the talisman, you need to lower it into water or hold it over a candle and say special words of gratitude. There is no single formula for such words, but it should be a clear sentence with a request to always protect you and help.

The energy of this family of stones is very powerful, but there are some general tips on how to concentrate their power and increase the benefits of wearing them:

The best cut is silver. Platinum can be used, but it is very expensive.
To preserve love and peace in your home, it is better to take a clear crystal without a frame.
Keep in a cool place, do not expose to direct sunlight, otherwise the stone will begin to darken and lose its healing and magical powers.
Despite its solid structure, it is better to avoid situations in which it could get scratched.
It is necessary to give a break. You yourself will feel the moment when the decoration is fed up and tired. To recharge the talisman, place it in a separate box or velvet bag so that the mineral does not touch anything else.

The main thing: use it with sincere faith in help, since skepticism in matters of magic is the main enemy. A negative attitude knocks down all the favorable waves, and then the strongest crystal becomes no more useful than a piece of plastic.

Magical properties of the stone

People value not only the healing, but also the magical properties of quartz. Even during the times of ancient civilizations, an amazing stone was used to create ritual accessories. For example, the well-known transparent crystal balls were made from rock crystal. The same material was ideal for creating lenses that were used in temples to light the sacred fire.

The popularity of phantom quartz is especially high in the magical world. This gem fascinates with its appearance alone. It amazingly combines the tints of yellow, red, orange, green, and blue. It all looks really impressive.

All varieties of quartz have a surprising effect on the character and behavior of people:

stimulate memory, attention, mental activity;
contribute to the disclosure of creative potential, the development of abstract thinking and imagination;
grant a person enviable oratorical abilities;
attract material well-being, luck and success;
help you find your soulmate and keep your love;
relieve irritability and increased anxiety.

Of course, almost every variety of beautiful gem has its own magical properties.

Rock crystal is of great value for sorcerers and magicians. It is a powerful conductor of energy. Many people who decided to purchase a magic stone discovered the ability to make random predictions.
White and milky quartz have a close connection with the inner world. They are ideal for people who practice meditation. They help to discard unnecessary thoughts and plunge headlong into self-knowledge.
Carnelian also has its own magic. This amazing gem is considered a symbol of sensuality and passion. It will definitely come in handy for people who dream of meeting the love of their life.
Amethyst and chrysoprase are constant companions of overly temperamental, emotional, explosive people. They have a calming effect on the owner and bring the necessary prudence to actions.
Smoky and snow quartz are talismans for leaders, politicians, and entrepreneurs. They help you avoid mistakes and strengthen your business acumen.

Quartz products have truly mystical powers. The main thing is to believe in their miraculous properties, then minerals will definitely help.

Silver earrings with quartz (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

Magic and abilities of stones

Quartz and its magical properties have been described since ancient times. The properties of crystals made them beloved and chosen by representatives of the witchcraft sciences (sorcerers and sorcerers). Magic fire on the stones illuminated the temples. Stones have beneficial properties comparable to miracles. They are framed in silver to enhance the power of magic.

Properties of quartz:

Development of imaginative thinking.
Strengthening memory properties.
Activation of thought processes of logic.
Attracting good luck.
Strengthening financial well-being.
Avoiding the presence of fear and anxiety.
Neutralization of negativity towards the owner.

The properties of the stone have the ability to help lovers, protect and strengthen feelings. Some magical properties can be found in the works of astrologers. Ability characteristics:

Rock crystal adds energy, quartz magic directs towards positive actions and deeds.
A smoky pattern will help you make the right decision; businessmen and entrepreneurs take advantage of magical opportunities.
Milk quartz saves peace of mind. This property contains the opportunity, with the help of a stone, to know oneself, to discover one’s unknown qualities. Quartz rock is often taken for meditation.

Who is the magic mineral suitable for?

It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously due to the wide variety of types of minerals, differing in energy and properties. Astrologers recommend considering the influence of a specific type of stone on a person with a certain date of birth.

Rock crystal is an ideal personal amulet for Leo, Taurus, Pisces and Libra. It will bring good luck and prosperity.
People whose horoscope is Libra, Taurus, Cancer or Aquarius need to wear rose quartz in a pendant or beads. When located in the heart area, the mineral promotes self-confidence and increased self-esteem.
Rauchtopaz or smoky quartz does not suit all zodiac signs. It is recommended to be worn by Scorpio, who, under the influence of the mineral, gets rid of the negative traits of his character. Capricorns who choose this stone will be able to know their destiny. Libra will find peace of mind.
Citrine will improve the financial condition of Gemini, Virgo and Libra. In addition, it will bring good luck and sharpen intuition.

The mineral is neutral towards all other signs of the zodiac. It will do neither good nor harm.

Silver ring with peridot, quartz and pearls (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

Name compatibility

Each subspecies and color corresponds to a female or male name. Let's take a closer look at the magical properties and who is suitable for certain stones, depending on the name:

Alina is a pink talisman for femininity, peace of mind and goodness.
Andrey is purple. To relieve tension in thoughts and body, overcome addictions and stop living in a world of illusions, not noticing problems. With him there will always be harmony with himself, and success and luck will accompany him in life.
Victor and Victoria, those for whom rauchtopaz is suitable. It will protect against bad habits and develop the brain.
Daria - citrine. An ideal energy cleanser and intuitive enhancer.
George - citrine. In this case, it enhances useful leadership abilities, teaches you to think correctly and logically, and make balanced and responsible decisions, on which a lot will depend.
Ekaterina - the smoky version will become a talisman stone, but only if a person is inclined to creativity and does it professionally. It will reveal your imagination, help you find new facets of talent and never lose your muse. It is also perfect as a talisman stone for Catherine.
Leonid - amethyst will allow you to be in harmony with yourself and complete satisfaction with life. Additionally, it will protect against physical and moral temptations, and after difficult situations it will remove tension and teach you to let go of problems, at least for a while.
Mark needs to calm down, so a purple stone is an ideal choice during work or stressful situations. The properties of quartz will calm the raging ocean of passions and give you the ability to find a common language with people, even if they are unpleasant.
The smoky type is suitable for Peter to get rid of pride, resentment and jealousy for no reason.
Maria should take a closer look at the purple specimen. These girls are usually quite nervous, worry about every occasion, and bring themselves to breakdowns, the consequence of which can be a real mental disorder.
Nina is prone to pride and takes offense at any reason, which is why she is constantly depressed. Her best friend should be rauchtopaz.
Tatyana - rauchtopaz. With him, she will be able to establish social contacts, eliminating the barrier of shyness and becoming more self-confident.
Irina - chalcedony stone will help in difficult situations to transform negative into positive or at least into a neutral state. It is best to choose Iram, born under the zodiac signs Cancer, Virgo, Leo.

Other quartz group stones

There are quite a few other types of quartz with unique properties:

White crystal - milky quartz is used for finishing baths. This mineral is capable of maintaining temperature for a long time. When heated, it releases ozone vapor. This helps clear the lungs of carbon dioxide. This makes the procedure more useful.
Smoky stone - this type has magical properties. In science it is called rauchtopaz. It is important to consider that this gem can cause harm to its owner. It is not suitable for suspicious and cowardly people. Light types of smoky quartz are usually used in jewelry. They look very aesthetically pleasing.
Purple mineral - this rock is used to decorate houses and implement various design ideas. In science, this mineral is called amethyst. Today there are a large number of deposits in which such rocks are mined. Therefore, the cost of the gem is relatively low. The advantage of amethyst is its healing properties. The stone enhances potency in men and copes with female infertility.
Rutile stone is considered the most expensive. It is recommended to be worn by representatives of creative professions. The gem is also used by shamans when performing love rituals. Inside the crystals there are yellow-brown stripes, which give the gem a beautiful golden hue.
Onyxes come in a variety of shades. They can be white, black, pink, brown. All colors are presented in the form of welded layers that are arranged in parallel.
Rock crystal - crystals have a transparent texture. This type of quartz stone has magical properties. It is also used to create beautiful products and talismans.

Purple quartz is called amethyst.

History and origin of quartz

Considering the ubiquity of this mineral, it is not surprising that many ancient peoples knew about its existence and used it for their own purposes. However, ancient people did not have special means to study it in order to understand that different types of stone - crystal, onyx, citrine, etc. belong to the same species. Therefore, each of these minerals was considered separate and not classified as one group. In addition to differences in appearance, the stones differed in their properties.

The name "quartz" comes from the German word Quarz, which comes from another word - twarc, which means "solid".

Minerals of this family were highly valued by various magicians, alchemists, shamans and other guides between our and other worlds. They carefully studied the properties of the precious stone and its applied uses. It is impossible to accurately determine the year of discovery of the mineral, due to the fact that it was used long before the compilation of historical chronicles.