About Quartz

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Keep reading to discover more about quartz

  • Mineralogy and geology*
  • Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
  • Common Associations

 

Mineralogy and Geology of Quartz

Mineral formula: SiO2

Crystal system: trigonal

Crystal habit: variable, from massive to granular, prismatic, six-sided

Cleavage: indistinct

Fracture: irregular, conchoidal

Color: colorless, white, shades of blue, yellow, gold, rose, purple, gray, black, brown, green, orange

Luster: vitreous

Diaphaneity: transparent, translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 7

Streak: white

Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.66

Named after:  Originally called kristallos (Theophrastus, 300 BCE), the names querz, quarzum, querze, and silicum came into use in the 1500s in Europe. Quartz came into more common use around 1700.

Geological occurrence: Quartz is the most common mineral on Earth's surface and forms in all geological environments (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic).

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth’s surface. This is for two reasons – there was a lot of silicon in Earth’s starting materials, so eventually a lot of quartz formed when that silicon bonded with oxygen. Second, quartz is chemically stable and relatively hard, so it’s one of the last minerals to weather (chemically or physically degrade) in the environment (most beaches consist of quartz sand).

As an abundant mineral, quartz has a powerful energetic impact in the environment – it amplifies whatever conscious energy is present. If you have a sacred site sitting on top of quartz sandstone, its energy will be amplified – but the same is true of a federal penitentiary. 

There are many types of quartz; Melody (2007)* has 73 large pages of small print devoted to all the types of quartz! This piece focuses on clear quartz.

Associations for Clear Quartz

  • Color - clear
  • Chakra - all
  • Numerology - vibrates to the number 4
  • Planets – Sun, Moon
  • Zodiac - All
  • Bagua – Dui, Tai Qi
  • Elements
  • Birthstone - none
  • Wedding Anniversary – none, but suitable for all!

Energy of Clear Quartz

Clear quartz is a stone of clarity and truth that amplifies and activates conscious intentions. It raises the energy level of any other crystal it contacts. In general:

  • Quartz absorbs, stores, releases and regulates energy – hold a quartz crystal during any endeavor to enhance the movement of energy.
  • Quartz attunes to the energy level of each individual’s body, providing a cleansing and energizing effect.
  • Quartz raises energy to the highest possible level, working on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
  • Quartz aids concentration and memory.

Clear quartz points and crystals shaped like wands are often used to activate and energize crystal grids and altars. Clear quartz also make excellent pendulums. 

Feng Shui

The energizing and clarifying energy of clear quartz enhance almost any space of home or work space, or even gardens – try adding some quartz crystals to your herb or vegetable garden! Indoors, placing clear quartz in any room with conscious intention helps to activate and energize the qualities associated with that space. Two spaces in particular may benefit from the addition of quartz:

  • The Dui area, associated with completion and children, located in the center-left of your space when standing in the front entrance of home (or room).
  • The Tai Qi area, associated with overall well being, located in the center of your home or room. Placed in this area with conscious intent, the energies of all areas benefit. 

Wearing Quartz

Quartz is powerful and works its magic in proximity, so it does not need to touch the body. If worn with conscious intention, it can be powerful. Make sure to clear your quartz jewelry every so often, as it will absorb energy from its environment.

Carry a quartz crystal or pebble – yes, the ones from gravel driveways and gardens work just as well as the expensive ones from the crystal shop – you’ll know when you find the one that’s right for you! Carry it in a pocket or tucked in a bra.

Quartz earrings – close to the head, quartz in earrings assists mental/emotional clarity and focus 

Quartz necklaces and pendants – when these are short and fit close to the throat, they aid clarity in communication. When worn longer, closer to the heart, they assist with clearing and activating heart energy. A quartz crystal point that’s wire-wrapped to leave the top open and the tip pointing down, worn over the sternum, helps protect from absorbing energy from other people, when worn with conscious intention (a Cherokee practice, according to some).

Quartz Rings – stones such as quartz can help to activate the energy centers of the hands (the same ones activated in reiki), and overall enhance sensitivity of the hands and fingers.

Quartz for Grids and Rituals

Clear quartz points or wands (long skinny quartz crystals) are often used in the activation of crystal grids and altars. In simplest terms, by focusing on your conscious intention for the grid or altar to be activated and energized by the quartz wand, you move the quartz wand over the stones, tracing the path of activation.

In her book Crystal Gridwork, Kiera Fogg classifies quartz as a “seeker” crystal, assisting with pointing the way, leading us in the direction we wish to go. Smaller quartz points are often used as transmitter crystals.  She uses a quartz cluster as the focus stone in her Finding Direction Grid (p. 82)  

In the book Crystal Muse, quartz is a featured stone in several rituals:

Prayer and Miracles Medication Ritual p. 47

Wishes of Love Ritual, a pre-wedding celebration p. 131

New Moon Wishes Ritual, p. 209

Busting Out of the Box Ritual, p. 229

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*Melody 2007 Love is in the earth: the crystal and mineral encyclopedia. Earth-Love Publishing House, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, 965 pp.