Written By: Zach Champ,
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WHAT IS QUARTZ?
Quartz is a mineral made from both silicon and oxygen atoms (SiO²) and is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth.
It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale. Quartz usually forms when molten magma from volcanoes and hydrothermal vents begins to cool and crystallize.
In many cases, the forming quartz mineral will contain the ores of other rare minerals like gold, silver, iron, and copper. This contributes to the different colored forms of quartz that can develop.
The various types of Quartz include Amethyst, Ametrine, Rose Quartz, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Aventurine, Agate, Onyx, Jasper, Milky Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Tigers Eye, Citrine, Prasiolite, and many others!
There are many special and unique qualities about Quartz that make it so prized and valued.
The most important characteristic of quartz is that it has piezoelectric properties, meaning that it can store and transfer electricity under specific circumstances.
Another reason quartz is special is that it has the ability to fragment light into a spectrum. This is another reason why there are so many different color varieties of quartz.
THE HISTORY OF QUARTZ
The word Quartz comes from the German word Quarz and the ancient Greek κρύσταλλος ( krustallos) which means “icy cold”. This comes from the ancient philosopher’s misperception that Quartz was some type of ice that had been permanently frozen over time.
The Irish refer to Quartz as Grian Cloch which means “Stone of the Sun”. It is a popular belief that placing quartz gemstones and crystals in the sun will charge the minerals and imbue the solar energy into them.
A large portion of the world’s quartz is mined in Brazil, China, Russia, Japan, and South Africa.
WHAT CAN I USE QUARTZ CRYSTALS FOR?
There are many uses for quartz crystals ranging from the practical to the mystical. They truly are one of the most powerful minerals on our planet and for good reason!
Quartz is especially valuable for its use in all types of electronics! Quartz is used in watches, computers, and smartphones for its electrical conducting properties.
Quartz is used for storing memory and information, making them an essential component of some advanced computer hard drives. This type of quartz crystal-based computer memory system is referred to as Holographic Data Storage.
Researchers have even pushed the limits of storing information and data on quartz crystals by etching into the crystals with lasers! Doesn’t that sound like something straight out of a science fiction movie?
The truth is that crystals, especially quartz, are capable of doing a lot of amazing things! Anyone that discredits the power of quartz crystals severely misunderstands the subtle context in which quartz dominates many aspects of our lives.
THE MAGICAL & SPIRITUAL USES OF QUARTZ
Quartz is able to easily receive and send energy out because of its aforementioned piezoelectric properties. This makes it useful for healing, meditating, and purifying things. Placing quartz around a household can help remove negative vibrations and cleanse spaces.
Quartz is great for emotional and energy work, especially when using quartz crystals. With the crystals you can easily focus and channel your energy into the gemstone, allowing for the release of negative feelings and thoughts, and promoting positive psychological health. There are many ways of doing this, but the idea is to essentially meditate and channel your intent on the quartz crystal.
Quartz is often made into objects for magical use such as crystal balls, wands, and scrying pendants.
