Gem Notes: Gemstone Information
Lemon Quartz Meaning and Properties
Also known as Oro Verde Quartz, lemon quartz is created by heating amethyst, yellow quartz and iron together at extremely high temperatures. This heating process is what gives lemon quartz its brilliant, yellow color. The radiant beauty of lemon quartz is truly dazzling, particularly when light catches the facets and it truly comes to life.
Quartz is said to help structure, focus and amplify thoughts and information. It is also thought to transmit energy. Because the color yellow is associated with clarity, communication and happiness, lemon quartz is believed to help balance and strengthen these aspects.
Used in meditation, lemon quartz is believed to filter out distractions, aid concentration and open memory. It is also believed to reduce anxiety, bring in money or assistance in times of need, and decrease negativity. Advocates recommend it be used with the third eye and crown chakras.
For those who use crystals for healing, lemon quartz eases food and nicotine cravings, helps with diabetes and encourages healthy recovery after illness or surgery.
The amethyst and yellow quartz mined to create lemon quartz primarily come from Brazil, although deposits of heatable amethyst have also been found in Arizona. Although it is rare, lemon quartz has been found to display cat’s eye chatoyancy and asterism.
Quartz is the best-known piezoelectric gem--that is, it is able to carry an electrical charge when exposed to an applied voltage, in response to pressure or in response to mechanical stressors. Quartz is also a pyroelectric gem--able to generate an electric charge through rapid states of temperature change. These are the scientific qualities behind reliable and accurate quartz movements in watches (regardless of weather). The same properties mean it is ideal for use in microphones, speakers, filters--even sonar!
|
Mineral Information
|
Silicon Dioxide
|
|
Chemical Composition
|
SiO2
|
|
Color
|
Bright yellow to pale green; translucent
|
|
Hardness
|
7 (Mohs)
|
|
Specific Gravity
|
2.65
|
|
Refractive Index
|
1.54 - 1.55
|
|
Cause of Color
|
Heat and iron
|
Lemon quartz is fairly hard so it can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. Avoid heat with most forms of colorful quartzes to prevent hue shift. Store lemon quartz out of direct sunlight to preserve its color.
To learn more about lemon quartz and other lemon quartzes, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Many designers like to complement lemon quartz with amethyst, or contrast it with black onyx. A favorite among designer artists is to alternate lemon quartz with hand-carved, oval carnelian. The deep, reddish-orange of carnelian balances the translucent, sparkly yellow of the lemon quartz, offering unique and inviting combinations. Accent with sterling spacers or Hill Tribes beads of like or varying sizes. This stone is ideal for dressing up everyday wear because of its durability and neutral tone.
Why limit this gem to jewelry?
Lemon quartz, because of its natural sparkle and shine, brightens up lampshades and window treatments of all styles. String lemon quartz with faceted Czech fire-polished glass beads--or lemon quartzes of your choice--and dangle Swarovski teardrop crystals for a dramatic, shimmering effect. Pin the wire strands 2 to 3 inches apart along the bottom of the shade or window treatment. One of the "fringe" benefits of pinning the wire is that it provides a secure hold that can still be removed for cleaning, or interchanging with other lemon quartz creations for endless decorating possibilities.
View design inspirations featuring lemon quartz within the Gallery of Designs
**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.
How did you like this resource? Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most.
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
