What is a quartz crystal?
The Ancient Greeks called quartz ‘krystallos’, meaning ‘ice’, a reference to the clarity of the clear transparent crystals we know as quartz crystal. After feldspar, quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust. It consists primarily of silica (SiO2) or silicon dioxide. A specific chemical compound that has a distinctive crystalline hexagonal form is referred to as quartz.
Quartz is found in all forms of rock (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary), but it is formed in igneous rocks. Silicon dioxide dissolves at high temperatures and pressures in magma (underground molten rock). As the magma reaches the surface or cools down for another reason, crystals start to form. The slower the magma cools down, the bigger the crystals.
Quartz is highly resistant to weathering and tends to concentrate in sandstones and other detrital.
Detrital – pertaining to particles of rock derived from the mechanical breakdown of pre-existing rocks by weathering and erosion. Source
The largest quartz crystal was found in Brazil, measuring over 6 meters in length and weighing almost 40 tons! The largest crystal cluster was found in Namibia.
Quartz crystal colors
Quartz is usually clear or white, but can have a variety of colors due to minor impurities. Some are so common that they have their own names. Some well-known ones are:
- Amethyst – translucent purple crystals
- Rose quartz – translucent pink to reddish crystals
- Smoky quartz – translucent grey/brown crystals
- Milky quartz – cloudy white crystals
Likewise, quartz that is composed of microscopic crystals (chert) can also be found in a wide variety of colors. Common chert color varieties include jasper (red to red-brown), flint (dark gray to black), and onyx (mixed white and black).
Another variety of chert that has distinct bands of color is agate, which has many color variations.
The economic importance of quartz
- Sandstone, which is mainly composed of quartz, is an important building stone. When whole, it is used to make whetstones, millstones, and grindstones.
- Quartz sand (also known as silica sand) is used in sandblasting and manufacturing of glass and ceramics, and for foundry molds in metal casting.
- Many quartz varieties are gemstones, like rose quartz, citrine, amethyst, and smoky quartz.
- Crushed quartz is used as an abrasive in sandpaper.
- Silica glass (also called fused quartz) is used in optics to transmit ultraviolet light and has important laboratory applications. Quartz fibers are used for extremely sensitive weighing devices.
- A quartz plate can be used as a pressure gauge, as in depth-sounding apparatus, due to its piezoelectric properties.
Piezoelectric – electricity or electric polarity due to pressure, especially in a crystalline substance (such as quartz). Source
Quartz crystals for healing
Because of the properties mentioned above, quartz is a high-vibration crystal. It is the most powerful and versatile healing stone. When it comes to health and wellness, quartz can be used by itself or with other crystals to bring alignment, order, harmony, and clarity to any situation. Quartz crystal amplifies energy, which makes it a very powerful channel in manifestation. It aligns all the chakras, heals, grounds, and protects.
Optimal health is ensured by aligning the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies with the etheric body.
As quartz has all these amazing properties, it is widely used to amplify energy. A quartz crystal cluster in a room will amplify that room’s energy. Likewise, even carrying an unpolished, unworked quartz stone in your pocket will amplify your energy fields. Being found around the world in large quantities, quartz is popular and worked into many shapes.
Common quartz crystal shapes
Natural forms are clusters and geodes. Other common clear quartz shapes found are:
Wands
If a quartz crystal is left to grow naturally, it grows in pointed shapes. If the natural conditions are ideal, they will continue to grow. The largest crystals ever found were in a cave in Mexico. See the giant crystals video. Natural crystal wands are very sought after, even if misshaped, as their crystalline structure is intact and they are naturally shaped.
Milled or worked crystal wands are polished and shaped into an obelisk shape. They are usually long and a bit wider at the base than the tip, which has small facets (sides) The wand is usually pointed at an area to be healed or worked on (like a crystal grid). Our post on How to make a crystal grid explains this.
Rock Paradise has a great selection of wands.
Balls/spheres
Due to their unique shape, crystal balls emit energy from their center outwards. They stimulate conscious expansion from within. They are often used to scry and therefore are popular among readers, mediums, and clairvoyants.
Scry – to see what will happen in the future, especially by looking into an object such as a mirror or glass ball. Source.
A wide selection can be found at Rock Paradise.
Eggs
Similar to crystal balls in that they are machined or carved into these shapes, their energy however is directed at the small end. They should be positioned with the pointed end facing upwards to radiate above.
Egg shapes are universally representative of new beginnings, rebirth, and breaking old habits to start anew. Rock Paradise has a good selection.
Skulls
These can be animal or even alien skulls, but are usually carved as human skulls. They symbolize things to do with the mind, such as human consciousness and intellect. Placed in a room, they promote human thought evolution and awareness. They are also good for healing and keeping you safe from unwanted energies. They are also suggestive of past lives from those before.
At Rock Paradise, you can choose one you love.
Hearts
Heart-shaped crystals work with gentle energy dealing with the heart chakra. They will attract loving energy, peace, harmony, and things to do with emotions and feelings. They not only work with attracting love for a partner, but for any loving relationships, whether friends, family, or partners.
Magic Crystals have a wide selection of hearts.
Pyramids
The energy of a crystal pyramid is amplified and directed through the point. Use them to amplify positive vibes in your home and encourage harmony and well-being to flow throughout your space. They also act as an energetic charger and cleanser, restoring energy.
For an interesting selection of pyramids, look at Magic Crystals.
There are many other shaped crystals you may want to try out. Different shapes will have different energies. Like any crystal work, it’ll be a personal choice and one shape may work better for you than another. You may also be drawn to a crystal you may not have even thought about before.
Preparing your quartz crystals
When working with crystals for any kind of healing or clearing work, it is advisable to first clear them. Depending on the work you are doing with your crystals, you may also want to program your intention into them. As quartz is an amplifying crystal, this is particularly recommended. To find out how to prepare your quartz crystals, read our article 14 ways to cleanse crystals. Most cleansing methods are quick and easy.
FAQS
Wands are more powerful, especially if they are naturally shaped and their crystalline structure is intact. Sometimes, when shapes are created, the shapes go against the grain, so to speak (the edges or faces may go through the crystalline structure, and not with it).
No, the colors are irrelevant. It’s a personal choice.
Yes, they contain many points and the energy is more concentrated.
Pingback: Program Crystals To Boost Your Intentions In 5 Easy Steps