Clear Quartz
Quartz var. Rock Crystal · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal, with a hexagonal prismatic habit and terminal pyramid faces, highly polished and cut into a multi-faceted obelisk tower form.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Hydrothermal and magmatic processes, crystallizing from silica-rich solutions at varying temperatures and pressures within cavities, fissures, and pegmatite pockets.
About This Crystal
The specimen is a highly transparent, colorless, six-sided obelisk or tower with precisely cut and polished facets. It exhibits extreme clarity with minimal internal inclusions, a brilliant vitreous luster, and sharp geometric edges that refract ambient light into visible spectral rainbows.
Physical Characteristics
Colorless body color with a white streak. Crystal habit is artificially faceted into a prismatic tower. It possesses no true cleavage, exhibits a distinct conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of approximately 2.65, brittle tenacity, and demonstrates piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.
Optical Properties
Singly and doubly refractive with a low birefringence of 0.009. Refractive index ranges from 1.544 to 1.553. Exhibits strong dispersion, often producing vivid fire and spectral dispersion effects when light passes through its precision-cut facets.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally with major commercial sources in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States (Arkansas), and the Alps. Forms in diverse geological environments including pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary rocks.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable for daily handling. It has fair to good toughness, though sharp points and edges can chip upon impact. Stable against most common chemicals and heat, though thermal shock can cause fracturing.
Care & Maintenance
Can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone contains internal fractures or liquid inclusions. Store away from harder gemstones to prevent surface scratching.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely abundant worldwide. Value is determined by clarity, size, perfection of cut, and ethical sourcing. Prices range from very affordable for mass-market decorative pieces to higher valuations for large, flawless natural master crystals.
Special Characteristics
Displays prominent dispersion and optical prismatic effects due to precision faceting, creating strong rainbow refractions. Natural quartz also exhibits piezoelectricity, generating an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Lore & History
Historically revered across ancient civilizations including the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Indigenous American cultures as a powerful stone of light, purity, and spiritual amplification. In modern metaphysical practices, Clear Quartz is considered the 'Master Healer' and is traditionally associated with the Crown Chakra, believed to amplify the energy of other stones and focus intent.