Quartz properties

The origin of the name of this semi-precious stone remains shrouded in mystery and various theories. It is suggested that "quartz" derives from the term "quaterz" or "quaderz," used until the late 16th century to refer to lower-quality minerals.
Another hypothesis suggests a possible origin of the word in the German term "gewarz," meaning "excrescence" or "germ."
In the Middle Ages, all crystals were called "quartz" before Georgius Agricola restricted this designation to rock crystal. Quartz is also known by a multitude of names such as Alpha-quartz, azetulite, azeztulite, conite, dragonite, konilite, or lodolite. The common term used specifically for transparent quartz is "rock crystal."

Quartz, belonging to the group of silicates, stands out for its diverse crystals, varying in size and color, ranging from colorless to colored, as well as smoky. After feldspars, quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust.

When the term "quartz" is mentioned, the classic image of a translucent or transparent stone often comes to mind. However, the world of quartz extends far beyond this, forming a family of stones with a dazzling diversity, spread across all continents and boasting an infinite range of colors. To illustrate this diversity, we can mention a few members of the quartz family.
The first group comprises macro-crystalline quartz, including gems such as rock crystal, amethyst, ametrine, aventurine, blue quartz, citrine, milky quartz or snow quartz (quartzite), rose quartz, prase quartz, prasiolite, smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, hawk's eye, and many others.
The second group consists of fibrous quartz, among which are treasures such as agate, carnelian, chalcedony, chrysoprase, onyx, sard, chert, flint, jasper, heliotrope, and many more.
However, this list only scratches the surface of the richness of the world of quartz, which comes in over 500 distinct variations, each offering its own beauty and unique properties.

Thanks to its remarkable strength and exceptional luminous and electrical properties, quartz is widely used in a multitude of fields. Whether in construction for durable flooring, in water treatment for its proven effectiveness, in sandblasting for its abrasive capability, or in decoration for its natural beauty, quartz finds its place in many sectors.
Furthermore, its brilliance and clarity make it a preferred choice in jewelry and watchmaking, where it is crafted into sparkling gemstones. Additionally, its piezoelectric properties make it an indispensable component in modern electronics, used notably in oscillators, sensors, and various precision electronic devices.

History, legends and beliefs about quartz

Here, we primarily focus on "pure" quartz or rock crystal, as each member of this vast family of stones possesses its own narrative and distinct properties.

Quartz has been revered by most ancient civilizations as an amulet, and its healing properties were recognized as soon as its energetic potential was discovered. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, Celts, Indian shamans, and many others have all utilized the virtues of quartz in their spiritual and healing practices. Indeed, quartz has traversed the ages, retaining its status as a precious stone imbued with mystery and power, captivating minds across epochs and continents.

Quartz has a long history dating back to antiquity. The oldest known name for this precious stone is "Kristallos," mentioned by the famous Greek philosopher Theophrastus around -325/-300 BCE. This term, which is the origin of the word "crystal," means "ice." At that time, it was believed that rock crystal was actually solidified ice, forever condemned to remain in that state. This belief explains why it was attributed with refreshing properties, granting it a special status in the rites and beliefs of the era.
The Greeks had a special relationship with quartz, dedicating it to Gaia, the mother goddess personifying the Earth. This association reflects the deep connection between quartz and nature, considered a sacred and powerful element by this ancient civilization.

According to some interpretations, the diamond mentioned on Aaron’s breastplate in the Bible could actually be quartz.

Quartz has a long history in the practice of divination. Since the Middle Ages, it has been used in the crafting of the famous crystal balls, powerful tools for delving into the mysteries of the future. This centuries-old use of quartz in divination art testifies to the ongoing fascination with this stone and the belief in its mystical and spiritual potential.

Some research suggests that the Aztecs and Mayans used pure quartz to carve human skulls, creating mystical and powerful objects. A persistent legend, perhaps dating back to the 19th century, tells of twelve crystal skulls hidden in Mexico during the Spanish conquest. According to this legend, their reunion could lead to the rebirth of the Aztec empire.
Later, a thirteenth relic, the dancing skull, was added to this story. Placed at the heart of the circle formed by the twelve other skulls, it was believed to have the power to reveal to humans the message and mission transmitted by extraterrestrials or Atlanteans, the presumed creators of these artifacts.

As for the Iroquois Indians, they revered quartz by associating it with Gendenwitha, the goddess of the morning star, thus demonstrating the veneration of this stone in their spiritual practices.

The Cherokee Indians also attributed special powers to quartz, believing that it could enhance hunting and divination. Considered a precious relic, quartz was sometimes "fed" by bathing it in the blood of the hunted animal, thereby demonstrating the respect and deep connection between this stone and the vital activities of the community.

The Japanese attributed evocative names such as "tama" or "perfect jewel" to quartz, infusing this stone with profound significance. For them, quartz symbolized purity and infinity, embodying a timeless and transcendent essence. Rock crystals were revered as the frozen breath of the white dragon, a legendary creature embodying perfection and ultimate wisdom, thus reflecting the spiritual importance attributed to quartz in Japanese culture.

As for the Aboriginals of Australia, they forged close ties between quartz and rain-related rituals, perceiving in this stone a deep connection with natural forces. Quartz was considered a mediator between heaven and earth, a sacred stone capable of invoking the benefits of the elements to ensure the fertility of the land and the prosperity of Aboriginal communities.

According to some intriguing interpretations, the legendary cities of Atlantis or Lemuria may have possessed advanced technology based on the use of quartz and its ability to reflect light. According to these accounts, mastery of this powerful energy source would have been essential to their prosperity. However, the loss of control over this technology would have been fatal, leading to their mysterious disappearance. According to legend, the inhabitants of these cities anticipated their fate and preserved all their knowledge and wisdom by encasing them in crystals, an ultimate attempt to preserve their heritage before their inevitable disappearance. This theory continues to fuel the collective imagination, raising questions about lost civilizations and their enigmatic use of quartz.

Mines: you can find it anywhere on earth but it is being especially mined in Madagascar, Brazil, Russia, the USA, South Africa and Tibet.

Healing properties and benefits of quartz

Quartz is revered as the "master" of crystals, recognized as the most powerful healer due to its ability to contain the full spectrum of light, thus offering an infinite palette to work on all aspects of being.
In in-depth studies of various disciplines of lithotherapy, such as gemmotherapy or lithomancy, quartz stands out as an unparalleled energy vector. Its presence is ubiquitous in the fundamental structure of watches, electrical devices, and batteries, evidence of its unique properties in separating electrical charges and its distinctive vibrational behavior. As such, quartz embodies a primordial force that transcends the boundaries of science and spirituality, offering an endless source of inspiration and benefits for humanity.

• Quartz is not just a stone in itself; it also acts as an amplifier for all the properties of other stones, thus enhancing their effectiveness and power.
• By stimulating the immune and circulatory systems, quartz provides enhanced protection against a multitude of diseases and helps maintain optimal overall health.
• It is renowned for its effectiveness in treating ear infections and strengthening the heart, thus offering vital support for cardiovascular well-being.
• By acting as a protector for the spine, quartz promotes the health and stability of the central nervous system.
• Its balancing action is beneficial for people with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
• For those suffering from migraines, dizziness, or lightheadedness, quartz provides welcome relief while also combating exhaustion, chronic fatigue, and even excessive weight loss.
• In cases of pain, especially burns or blisters, quartz effectively soothes the affected areas, alleviating discomfort and promoting rapid and soothing healing.

In essence, quartz embodies a source of diversified benefits, offering holistic support for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Quartz jewelry samples