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Quartz

SiO₂ - Silicon Dioxide

Quartz - rock crystal , the most common gem variety of quartz crystal, is, like all quartz, formed from the two most abundant elements in the earth's crust: silicon and oxygen. Quartz is colorless and transparent. It is also known as "Rock Crystal". Other colors of quartz have special names such as: Rose Quartz, Citrine, and Amethyst. Quartz is a simple clear stone often worn as a crystal pendant. It is the very popular in new age stores and alternative healing shops.

Specimens vary according to color, shade, transparency, size of crystals and crystal form. There are hundreds of unique quartz varieties. Various kinds of quartz have been adopted by Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama (star blue quartz), South Dakota (rose quartz), and New Hampshire (smoky quartz). Quartz gems also include rutilated quartz, citrine, ametrine, onyx, and chrysoprase. More on...

Alabama Symbol - Gemstone adopted in 1990

The Star Blue Quartz became the state gemstone in 1990 by Act no. 90-203.

Source:
Acts of Alabama, March 29, 1990

Arkansas Symbol - Mineral adopted in 1967

Quartz crystals are mined in the Ouachita Mountains and are used in computers and sold to visitors to our state. Sometimes called "Arkansas diamonds", quartz crystals are not true diamonds.

Most quartz is a souvenir of volcanoes, which melt silica, which is then carried by water into crevices, where it crystallizes. Such quartz often includes traces of other minerals picked up by water flowing underground.

But a different process is thought to have created the fabulous quartz crystals of Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains. As the mountains rose, millions of years ago, enormous forces were created. Trapped sea water, buried perhaps tens of thousands of feet underground, was squeezed out and heated to perhaps 500 degrees Farenheit. The ancient sea water contained less dissolved minerals than rock melted by igneous (volcanic) sources.

Quartz crystals from Brazil and Chile (formed in association with volcanoes) can be well-formed. But Arkansas quartz is purer and clearer. In fact, the finer crystals are pure enough to manufacture synthetic quartz components in computers. Sometimes called “Arkansas diamonds” or “Hot Springs diamonds,” Arkansas quartz crystals are also sold to mineral collectors, tourists, and museums around the world.

Clear quartz crystal from Arkansas' Old Coleman Mine (Arkansas' oldest quartz mine, and one of the largest) is recognized as some of the purest in the world. The National Bureau of Standards uses samples from this mine to judge the chemical purity of quartz worldwide.

Georgia Symbol - Gemstone adopted in 1976

Georgia named quartz its state gem and staurolite its state mineral in 1976. Quartz is found throughout Georgia's Mountains. Additionally, rockhounders can usually find colored quartz: Citrine and Amethyst.

New Hampshire Symbol - Gemstone adopted in 1985

Crowned smoky quartz—also known as cairngorm—beryl, and granite the state gem, mineral and rock in 1985. Smoky Quartz is a common mineral also found in many types of rocks, including granite. Sometimes incorrectly called smoky topaz, this brown transparent quartz is sometimes used for unusual faceted cuts.
 

South Dakota Symbol - Mineral adopted in 1966

Adopted rose quartz as its official mineral in 1966. Pinkish quartz is called rose quartz. It ranges from transparent to translucent. Translucent rose quartz is much more common and is used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and architectural purposes.

Rose quartz, mined in the southern Black Hills, is the state mineral. It was discovered near Custer in the late 1880s. It is used primarily for ornaments and jewelry.

Care and Treatment

Quartz will chip and crack rather easily.

Brown quartz is often referred to as Smokey Quartz. Smokey Quartz is often irradiated clear quartz. Smokey Quartz will fade in the sun.

Hardness

Quartz has a hardness of 7.

Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 2.66

Healing

General: Transmitter & amplifier of healing energy & clarity; balancer, channeler of universal energy & unconditional love; all purpose healer; programmable.
Smoky Quartz: Stimulates Kundalini energy; cleanses & protects the astral field; draws out distortion on all levels; good for hyperactivity & excess energy; grounding.

Birthstone Months

• March: Other Birthstone Stone

• April: Other Birthstone Stone

Star Stone Months

• Quartz is not an star stone

Anniversary Gemstone

Quartz is not an anniversary gemstone

 
Mystical Properties

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Quartz is used for balance and to increase energy.

 
Lore

Clear quartz formed into crystal balls have been used to predict the future since the middle ages.

The name "quartz" comes from the Greek word krustallos, meaning ice, because it was thought that quartz was ice formed by the gods.

Quartz is the US State Gemstone of Georgia. Quartz is the US State Mineral of Arkansas.