Shiva Lingam Stone
Quartz var. Jasper and Cryptocrystalline Silica · Decorative Stone and Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate, massive habit)
Mineral Group
Silicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Sedimentary deposition followed by hydrothermal activity and subsequent weathering and tumbling in a riverbed.
About This Crystal
An ovoid, egg-shaped tumbled stone with a smooth, matte to slightly waxy texture, featuring a distinctive brownish-yellow marking resembling a pattern or cap over a grayish-tan body.
Physical Characteristics
Colors include grayish-white, tan, and brownish-yellow; streak is white; no cleavage; fracture is conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.65; tenacity is brittle; opaque with a dull to waxy luster.
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive microcrystalline aggregate; generally displays no notable pleochroism or special optical phenomena due to its opaque and cryptocrystalline nature.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Narmada River in Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh, India
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; good durability and toughness, making it suitable for handling and decorative use, though resistant to scratching except by harder minerals like quartz or topaz.
Care & Maintenance
Can be cleaned safely with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners; store away from direct sunlight and harder stones to prevent surface scratching.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon as authentic geographic specimens are exclusively sourced from one river in India; value is generally modest and based on size, symmetry, and distinctness of the natural markings.
Special Characteristics
Naturally tumbled and shaped into distinctive ellipsoidal forms by river currents, with unique contrasting mineral banding and iron oxide staining.
Lore & History
Highly revered in Hindu tradition as a sacred representation of Lord Shiva; used in meditation and traditional energy healing practices to symbolize unity, vitality, and the balancing of dual energies, though these are non-scientific cultural beliefs.