Quartz Crystal Meaning and Properties
Quartz Crystal History
Quartz crystal was once believed to be an eternal ice sent by the heavenly gods. Until the late 1500s, many scholars thought this stone was fossilized ice. Quartz crystal is actually a mineral—one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust—composed of silicon and oxygen.
Quartz can be icy clear or have inclusions, veils, bubbles and various colors. It is also known as rock crystal, crystal quartz, universal crystal or clear quartz.
People in the earliest recorded times believed in the magical powers of quartz. Ancient Roman, Egyptian and Greek civilizations used quartz crystals as potent talismans. The word quartz is thought to come from the German word "quarz," and the word crystal comes from the Greek word "krystallos," which means ice.
The ancient Japanese believed quartz formed from the breath of a white dragon and regarded quartz crystal meaning to be perfection. Quartz has been used throughout history in rain rituals, in crystal skulls and in crystal balls, used to predict the future since the Middle Ages.
Once thought to be eternal ice sent by the gods, quartz crystal is actually a mineral that is prized by many for magical, mystical and implied metaphysical powers. Not only that, in electronics, quartz crystal meaning is tied to its ability to maintain a consistent frequency when subjected to an electric current. Learn more about this storied gemstone, its believed properties and how to incorporate it into jewelry designs with this video.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Quartz Crystal?
Quartz crystal is a power stone that's prized for its perceived abilities as a healing stone. It is known as the most powerful healing stone of the mineral kingdom, able to work on any condition. It has been called the "Universal Crystal" because of its many uses and is beneficial for manifesting, healing, meditation, protection and channeling.
Due to its ability to balance, quartz is thought to be excellent for harmonizing and stabilizing one's environment and helpful in romantic relationships. It is said to amplify healing energy and is reputed to be particularly effective for chronic fatigue, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia and intestinal troubles. It is also believed to improve mental and physical energy, stamina and physical strength.
The quartz crystal meaning in modern crystal healing emphasizes its role as a powerful energy amplifier and cleanser. Quartz is said to enhance spiritual growth, spirituality and wisdom. Because it is believed to clarify thought processes and emotions, it is thought to increase inspiration and creativity. It is also reputed to help with concentration, studying and retaining what one learns.
What Chakra is Quartz Crystal?
Chakras are seen as vital energy centers that connect body, mind and spirit—subtle currents shaping how we move through the world. Wearing a chakra bracelet set with meaningful gemstones is a beautiful, natural way to stay attuned throughout the day. Quartz crystal, linked to the crown chakra, is known as the master amplifier—clarifying thought, heightening spiritual awareness and helping energy flow freely. Like light through crystal, it’s said to illuminate the path to healing, balance and insight.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) - Purple
- Location: top of the head or above the head entirely
- Represents: state of pure consciousness
- Emotional issues: spirituality; psychic abilities; inner and outer beauty; bliss
- Spiritual issues: connection to the universe; spiritual rebirth
- Physical issues: overall well-being
- Gemstones: amethyst, crystal quartz, white topaz
What is Quartz Crystal Made From?
Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms in a continuous framework of SiO4 silicon—oxygen tetrahedra—with each oxygen atom being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO2 .
Quartz crystal is found all over the world, but most notably Brazil and Arkansas, USA.
- Mineral Information: Macrocrystalline quartz
- Chemical Composition: SiO2
- Color: Colorless
- Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
How Do You Clean Quartz Crystal?
Clean quartz crystal using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Although it has a high hardness, quartz crystal can still be scratched or damaged by gemstones with a higher hardness, as well as other materials. Avoid using household chemicals when cleaning quartz crystal beads, components or jewelry. Store quartz crystal inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth.
Quartz Crystal FAQ
Q: What is the difference between quartz crystal and glass?
A: Quartz crystal and glass are both composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), but the crystalline shape of quartz crystal forms naturally, whereas glass is not a pure silica, and its shape is formed by melting. Since glass does not have a natural crystal structure, it is more brittle than quartz crystal as well as being softer—5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale compared to quartz crystal’s 7.
Q: How do you tell if quartz crystal is real?
A: Several characteristics can help determine if quartz crystal is genuine. Real quartz often contains natural inclusions, internal fractures or cloudy areas, while imitation quartz (typically glass) tends to appear perfectly smooth and clear. Quartz also feels noticeably cool to the touch and is slightly heavier than glass. As a final test, genuine quartz can scratch glass due to its greater hardness—but use caution, as this can damage both the quartz and the glass!
Q: Is quartz crystal durable enough for jewelry?
A: Quartz crystal is highly durable and well-suited for everyday jewelry. With a Mohs hardness of 7, it resists scratches and wear, making it a reliable choice for frequently worn pieces. Though it can chip under sharp impact, quartz has been prized in jewelry for centuries thanks to its beauty, resilience and versatility.
Q: Can I wire wrap quartz crystal?
A: Quartz crystal is an excellent choice for wire wrapping. In fact, some of the designs in the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Gallery of Designs feature wire-wrapped quartz crystal!
Designing with Quartz Crystal
This breathtaking stone combines well with other stones, sparkling like drops in a waterfall cascading down a mountain. String a variety of these beautiful beads into a single, dramatic strand or twist them in multiple strands so they seem to tumble together. Pair with pearls for a sparkling statement or black gemstones and gold-colored components for a dramatic look.
Shop for Quartz Crystal
**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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