By Arina Smith
It’s said that amethyst can help its user keep a calm, clear mind and reduce tension and stress. Quartz, on the other hand, is also a type of crystal or gemstone with remarkable properties. If you dig deeper, quartz crystals are hard, crystalline minerals consisting of silicon dioxide or silica. Manufacturers of watches, clocks, computers, electronic games, and other devices use quartz crystals to create components.
White quartz crystals are known as healing crystals, a ‘master healer’ amplifying energy. Clear quartz is thought to absorb, store, release, and regulate it—this gemstone aids in memory and concentration. In addition, clear quartz helps stimulate and strengthen the immune system. Aside from clear quartz crystals, there are many other types of quartz. Also, quartz has other uses aside from health purposes.
Different types of quartz have different meanings and use like these. The best part is, there are over ten types out there.
Here is a complete guide on the different types of quartz and how they can benefit you.
1. How to Identify Quartz
Quartz comes in all kinds of different shapes and colors. There are a few distinct features that will help you tell it apart from other stones, however.
It will have a glassy luster and be a 7 on the Mohs scale. This means that it can scratch ordinary glass and all types of steel.
It breaks into shards instead of flat-faced cleavage fragments. It’s almost always white or clear and is usually present in light-colored rocks and sandstones. It may appear dark if in rock with other dark minerals.
If it’s found in crystals then it has a hexagonal cross-section just like a common pencil. These unique properties make quartz favorable for many fashion designers, stylists, interior designers, and jewelry makers. Hence, identifying quartz is an essential skill for them.
2. What Can Quartz Do for You
Quartz has many uses. You can make it into jewelry, or use it on countertops. The cost of quartz countertops is usually high but not as bad as some other materials you could build with.
Like a lot of stones, quartz is popular to use for jewelry due to its colors and because some believe in the different healing properties they are said to have. It also helps that quartz is relatively common to obtain. Hence, quartz crystals are affordable. Homeowners can buy quartz crystals as décor pieces, and fashion advocates can purchase quartz accessories online easily.
Because of the several varieties of quartz, this precious stone is versatile. Whether you want to integrate the crystal into your jewelry collection or home décor, this gemstone makes a great statement. It can look luxurious or casual, depending on your intended purpose. For instance, you can combine a quartz bracelet with your fine jewelry pieces, like a gold or silver bracelet or necklace.
3. Different Types of Quartz
There are over ten types of quartz in existence. It’s the most abundant mineral found in the earth’s crust. Here are some that you might run into.
Amethyst
We know that we said quartz was most commonly clear, but any chemical impurities will cause the color to shine through. This is how you get quartz like amethyst. It is the most popular due to the fact that it’s been considered valuable since ancient times.
Its name comes from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “not drunken” as they thought it could ward off drunkenness. It is usually light to a dark purple color and as stated in the beginning it’s known to ward off stress and cause its owner to have a clear mind.
Citrine
Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz. Natural citrine isn’t common at all. It’s actually created on the market by heat-treating amethyst and smoky quartz.
Low heat will give you a light yellow color, and hotter temperatures will give you darker yellow to a brown color.
Its name derives from the citron fruit. It’s a yellow fruit that is similar to a lemon. It would be wise to slip a little citrine in your wallet as it is said to bring wealth and abundance.
Smokey Quartz
Smokey quartz has only recently gained popularity. It’s fairly common and has never been a really important stone. It ranges in color from a light greyish-brown color to deep black.
Smoky quartz is rumored to help lift its use of negative emotions and bring truth to their life.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is the rosy pink type that you are probably very familiar with. It’s color usually ranges from light to medium pink. It lacks great transparency and is fairly common. It can occur in very large samples in nature which means it’s possible to get relatively huge chunks of gemstone from it.
Rose quartz doesn’t just symbolize romantic love but unconditional love in general. It’s said to help it’s user be able to forgive and understand prospective during a fight.
Ametrine
Ametrine is fairly new on the gem scene. It’s a combination of amethyst and citrine. The combination has created a unique color that is making it quite popular in jewelry.
It has the appeal of having two gemstones for the price of one. It’s a handy stone for imagination, expanding the mind, and helping it’s user think through situations in a logical way.
Tourmalinated Quartz
Tourmaline is the most colorful of all gemstones. You find it in almost all colors but the most common are pink, blue, green, red and multicolored. It’s made up of a group of minerals rather than just one.
Tourmaline is the ideal gift for someone who seems to always feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of life.
Cat’s Eye Quartz
Cat’s eye quartz is known for having dense, tiny Rutile inclusions that cause the cat eye effect.
It’s not very common and is usually grey in color and transplant. It acts to stimulate intuition and heighten the awareness of its user.
4. Where Can They Be Found
Quartz is found in most geological settings and typically forms in rocks such as sandstone. This isn’t really a surprise considering nearly all sand on the earth is made of grains of quartz. It also makes up the backbone of good soil.
Quartz is the defining mineral in granite and also occur in veins of super-heated water activity in the shallow crust.
It’s really not hard to find quartz considering it is the most common mineral found on our planet.
How Can the Different Types of Quartz Help You
Different types of quartz can not only be useful for jewelry but things like countertops as well. It’s sturdy and its various colors and interesting meanings make it highly sought after by many.
For more information on different types of jewelry and fashion visit the lifestyle section on our blog.
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