By its nature, quartz is a mineral mineral in the form of silicon oxide (SiO2), which is considered the most common in the earth's crust. Minerals of the quartz group can most often be found in silica, a soil structure with pronounced polymorphism.
In modern geology, quartz is known as the rock-forming mineral of most metamorphic and igneous rocks. The total mass fraction of the mineral is at least 60% of the total content of all minerals. There are many varieties of quartz, differing in appearance from each other in color, genesis and shape. It also has a number of different modifications.
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.
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.
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.
Morphological characteristics
A typical crystalline form in terms of morphology for quartz is a hexagonal prism, having at one or both ends, depending on the type, a triangular or hexagonal head in the shape of a pyramid. Often the crystal structure becomes thinner towards the head. The faces of the prism have transverse strokes. Often the crystals have the shape of an elongated prism, in which a pair of rhomboids and a hexagonal prism have developed faces that form the crystal head.
Dipyramidal crystals of pseudohexagonal shape are much less common. Often quartz crystals of regular shape have a complex double structure with the formation of twin sections in accordance with the so-called Dauphine and Brazilian laws
This occurs not only during crystal growth, but also as a result of internal transformations at the stage of beta-alpha polymorphic transitions when the temperature environment changes. Such processes are accompanied by compression and some mechanical deformations.
Metamorphic and igneous quartz ores are formed in the form of grains of irregular, isometric shapes, which usually grow together with grain-like samples of other mineral rocks. Often quartz crystals encrust tonsils and voids inside effusive materials.
If we consider sedimentary rocks, quartz is found in their composition in the form of geodes (secretions/discharges), veinlets, concretions, as well as brushes of short-prismatic small crystals inside limestone voids. You can often find quartz of sedimentary origin in the form of fragments of sand and pebbles.
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)
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.
Natural origin
Crystallization occurs from acidic igneous rocks. The mineral is found in effusive and intrusive rocks with acidic and intermediate composition, namely dacite, rhyolite, diorite and granite. In rocks of basic igneous composition it occurs in the form of quartz gabbro.
Porphyritic quartz inclusions are often found in felsic volcanic rocks crystallizing in fluid-enriched pegmatite magmas. This is one of the main minerals among pegmatites of granitic nature.
As part of pegmatites, quartz rock grows together with pegmatite, represented by potassium feldspars. In the composition of greisen (apogranite metasomatic rocks), quartz forms the forming basis.
In the process of hydrothermal effects, crystal-bearing and also quartz veins are formed (Alpine veins can be considered especially noteworthy). In conditions of surface existence, quartz ore is stable. It can accumulate in placers of various origins (mainly alluvial, aeolian and coastal-marine). Under the influence of various external factors, quartz formations are subject to crystallization into various polymorphic modifications given in the description above.
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.
Application
Durable and resistant to high temperatures, the mineral is widely used in a wide variety of industries. Quartz parts are used in optical instruments, telephones, radios, televisions, ultrasound generators, and electronic equipment.
Quartz sand and rock crystal are used in large quantities in the ceramic and glass industries. The production of siliceous refractory materials and quartz glass cannot be done without it. And of course, precious varieties of quartz are used in jewelry production. All types of jewelry are made from the mineral and used for the production of souvenirs and household items.
In addition, people have learned to produce artificial quartz, the characteristics of which are even better than those of natural quartz. Man-made quartz is characterized by high homogeneity and chemical purity - these are precisely the qualities needed in industry.
Artificial quartz crystals are also grown for the jewelry industry. In laboratories it is possible to obtain stones of any color and saturation, as well as specimens with a transition from one color to another.
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)
What do the colors mean?
Rose quartz and serenity can be unraveled endlessly. Their harmonious symbiosis in home interiors, fashion and new cosmetics will tell a lot. The color quartz is no longer a symbol of Barbie, the little girl or the proud princess. Blue has lost its arctic coldness and acquired warm features.
Employees of the Color Institute advise interpreting fashionable shades as follows:
- rose quartz signifies a sense of compassion and inner composure;
- soft pink stimulates new achievements, makes you create;
- blue serenity means lightness and spaciousness, conducive to relaxation;
- Serenity is the color scheme of the heavenly expanse, weightless and harmonious.
The unity of quartz and sky blue creates a stunningly balanced effect. Pink, as a warm shade, has the effect of enveloping space, while cool blue calms it.
At the same time, such a dualistic balance is a kind of challenge to traditional design. The interior of the room becomes holistic, acquires a gentle airiness and the ability to calm.
At first glance, pink and blue combinations are the lot of pastoral Provence or richly decorated shabby chic. In fact, these colors are able to reveal the full potential of a modern interior.
Rose quartz creates a warm effect, while blue-lavender brings a touch of freshness. In addition, they are easy to combine with other colors.
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)
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)
Interesting Facts
Students become familiar with basic information about minerals already in primary school. The teacher can share the following interesting information about quartz in class:
- A mineral can react differently to temperature fluctuations. Thus, black quartz heated to +300 degrees acquires a golden color, and up to +400 it becomes transparent.
- Many people know the expression “quartz watch”. To control the accuracy of movement, they use crystals of this mineral. Watches with quartz crystals are considered the most accurate.
- Quartz lenses are much stronger than glass lenses.
These interesting facts are quite understandable for 2nd grade children. Using such information in the lesson will help to enliven perception and will contribute to better assimilation of the material.
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)
Fashionable colors in the interior - reasons for choosing shades
So, the main colors of this year are rose quartz and blue serenity , or serenity . The two tones were chosen for the first time by Pantone, but they reflect the balance between warm colors and cool blues.
According to the institute, colors should reflect calm, a sense of balance and orderliness.
Designers do not base their choice for all areas of life - fashion, apartment decoration, cooking, cosmetic innovations - on commercial aspirations.
They monitor people's moods and notice that the progressive West has long been on the threshold of gender equality. And this directly affects the choice of fashionable colors.
Calm shades are designed to give the average consumer a feeling of comfort. In addition, color is one of the forms of human self-expression in a society independent of gossip.
Pantone considers the concept of color to be relevant in our world of innovation, social networks and access to events anywhere in the world.
You can interpret the choice of the color institute in your own way, but serenity and delicate quartz are no longer the lot of “vanilla” nymphets. They are the choice of an adult and can be used everywhere: from finishing designer shoes to expensive jewelry.
