Quartz is a powerful stone that can be found in many varieties, ranging from clear to smokey, rose-colored, and everything in between.
Whether you are new to crystals or consider yourself experienced, chances are that you have heard of quartz crystals. Quartz is a very popular stone that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned crystal lovers. Many cultures throughout history believed that quartz held great powers and would often use it in their rituals or ceremonial practices. When working with quartz, you can use this stone by itself or pair it with other powerful crystals. When paired with other stones, it is thought to amplify the energies of those around it. Quartz can be found in a variety of shades and makes up the base for many other crystals. The most common type of quartz is clear quartz and is what we will mostly be focusing on today.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on earth, making it extremely popular. It is made up of a substance called silica which is a mixture of silicon and oxygen. Most quartz is formed in rockbeds that once contained lava or environments where geothermal water is found. When formed in a rockbed, the magma that covered that area will cool down and the silicon dioxide that is left behind crystallizes. As the silicon dioxide crystallizes, it forms the point of the crystal that you often see. If the cooling phase happens at a slower pace, bigger crystal points are formed. Whereas if the cooling happens at a rapid pace, the points tend to be smaller. Quartz that is formed in water happens when the silicon dioxide dissolves in the water, which then becomes saturated with the mineral, and as the water dissolves the crystal is formed. For this process to happen, the water and silica mixture must occur at a high temperature and with a lot of surrounding pressure.
Throughout history, many cultures have acknowledged quartz and used its properties in their practices. The ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures thought that quartz contained magical powers and would make powerful talismans from the stone. They often referred to quartz as “eternal ice” and believed that it was sent from the gods. Ancient Japanese cultures thought that quartz was formed from the breath of a white dragon, and believed the stone was the embodiment of perfection.
People work with quartz for the many spiritual properties it holds. Quartz is one of the best crystals to use while meditating because it is thought to enhance emotional stability while encouraging mental clarity, meaning that it can help to open your third eye while also keeping you grounded, allowing you to work through what it is you are trying to. It is also believed that quartz can help protect, as well as cleanse, your energy. By working with this crystal, you can help clear out any stagnant vibrations and protect your space from them returning. Another way to incorporate quartz into your practice is by using it to manifest and channel healing energy. Since quartz is clear, it can embody what you need at that moment. It corresponds to all four of the elements, the seven chakras, both the sun and the moon, as well as the twelve zodiac signs. As you can see it is an extremely versatile, yet powerful crystal.
Quartz can be clear or be found with a hint of color. It is also the base mineral that makes up many other common crystals.
Different varieties of quartz include: Clear quartz, Rose quartz, Blue quartz, Milky quartz, Smokey quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, Aventurine, Agate, and Tiger’s eye