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Snow Quartz Gemstone Meanings and Properties


Snow Quartz History

Snow quartz is just that: quartz that looks pure and fresh as snow. It is sometimes referred to as ''quartzite,'' ''white quartz'' or ''milk quartz.'' Quartz is the most common mineral on Earth, and white is its second most common color. But there's nothing common about the beauty and versatility of snow quartz beads. Gold prospectors know of its value. When they go out prospecting for gold, they keep their eyes peeled for snow quartz, because the gold they want is so often attached to it.

Other than jewelry, snow quartz is often seen sliced into countertops, decorative tile and other home decor options.

Snow Quartz Metaphysical Properties

Snow quartz and innocence are nearly synonymous, which is why wearing it is said to help us look at things from a child-like perspective, without preconceived or cynical notions. This calm and soothing stone is held to be useful for meditation, with all the properties of clear quartz, yet gentler. Practitioners of crystal healing techniques advocate it as cleansing stone, used for purification on the spiritual level and boosting the immune system on the physical level. Some adherents believe this version of quartz aids lactation in new mothers.

This stone has been affiliated with the crown chakra. It is believed to reduce stubbornness in Capricorns, intolerance in Geminis and the need for power in Leos.

Snow Quartz Geological Properties

Snow quartz is a macrocrystalline variety of quartz. Its cloudy, opaque look comes from microscopic inclusions that were incased in the crystal when it first began growing.

Mineral Information Macrocrystalline quartz, silicon dioxide
Chemical Composition SiO2
Color Milky white
Hardness 7 (Mohs)
Specific Gravity 2.65
Refractive Index 1.544 - 1.553

Proper Care of Snow Quartz

This stone is fairly hard so you can use an ultrasonic cleaner with it. As quartzes can experience color changes when heated, steam cleaning is not recommended. Store snow quartz in a cool, dark place as this stone may shift color in the sunlight due to both heat and light.

To learn more about snow quartz and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.

Designing with Snow Quartz

The greatest value of snow quartz beads may be their milky white, semi-translucent quality. That's what makes them pair up so well with a wide variety of other gemstones. They offer the eyes a resting place between busy patterns, bold colors and intricate layers. Sometimes the gemstone a designer needs is one that just quietly complements the beauty of other stones. Snow quartz does all that--and more.

See designs made with snow quartz.

For inspirational jewelry design ideas featuring snow quartz, visit the Gallery of Designs.

Shop for Snow Quartz Items

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

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