Blue Quartz
Quartz var. Blue Quartz · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal, appearing here as a tumbled and polished pebble with massive habit
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Forms through igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes where microscopic inclusions (such as dumortierite, riebeckite, or crocidolite) impart a blue color to the quartz matrix
About This Crystal
A tumbled, smooth, oval-shaped pebble of opaque to translucent blue-grey quartz, displaying a vitreous to waxy polished luster with minor light-colored flecks or inclusions on the surface
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from soft blue to greyish-blue; white streak; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity around 2.65; brittle tenacity; displays piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive depending on crystallographic orientation, uniaxial positive with a refractive index of approximately 1.544 to 1.553, typically non-pleochroic
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally; notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, and the United States
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and suitable for daily jewelry wear with good resistance to scratching, though care should be taken against heavy impacts
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to preserve surface polish; store separately to prevent scratching softer stones
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon depending on the intensity of the blue color and inclusion type; inexpensive to moderately priced for tumbled specimens; generally untreated
Special Characteristics
Color is typically caused by Rayleigh scattering from sub-microscopic mineral inclusions rather than elemental impurities within the crystal lattice
Lore & History
Often associated with the throat chakra in crystal healing traditions, believed to promote calm, clear communication, and emotional balance, though these are traditional cultural beliefs rather than scientifically validated claims