Quartz: common, but cool

Quartz, a mineral often called the most common on Earth, may seem boring.

But it’s also varied, dynamic and versatile.

In short, it’s cool.

From velvet rich amethyst and sunny citrine crystals, to soft rose quartz and one of a kind agates and jaspers, there’s no other gemstone quite like quartz.

 

Comprised of a base of oxygen and silicon, often with some extra elements mixed in depending on the variety, quartz is much more than meets the eye.

In fact, quartz minerals can be found in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary type rocks.

If there is a color you love, chances are, quartz has you covered. And then some.

While amethyst, citrine, agate and rose quartz may be well known, other varieties are truly hidden gems. There may also be some gemstones you never realized were quartz.

Gemstones like carnelian, prasiolite and chalcedony are also varieties of quartz.

Agate is classified as having banding of some sort, and this can create incredible patterns of lines or rings. Onyx and sardonyx are also quartz, with banding in certain colors. 

Jasper can be more colors than one could count, and the patterns can imitate sea and sky, mountains and forest, plants and more.

Rutilated quartz is an incredible and unique stone that could command an entire article of its own. These stones often look magical in an unbelievable way, and with no two gems ever looking the same, it’s the perfect choice for one of a kind pieces.

Gems like carnelian and chrysoprase are vivid translucent or opaque orange and green, respectively. 

Even within single colored quartz jewels, the range of hues is staggering.

Citrine can be light to dark yellow, with hints of orange, red or brown. Amethyst can be light lavender or deep, royal purple.

Quartz is one of the oldest gemstones to be used in jewelry, inlays and amulets.

Agate, especially, was often used as amulets of protection from a variety of curses, diseases and dangers. Concentric patterns of banding were especially prized, as they were believed to be natural protection against the “Evil Eye”.

Rock crystal, a colorless form of the mineral, is often considered to be the oldest gem used as talismans. Some objects reportedly date back to approximately 75,000 BC. The Vikings were known to revere rock crystal, possibly believing it was ice that never melted. Objects like lens, carvings and jars have been found with amazing workmanship.

Rose quartz, the gentle glowing pink gemstone, was used in jewelry by the Romans and the Assyrians, with the oldest string of beads found dated to 7000 BC, in what was Mesopotamia. No surprise that today, considering the color, it’s often called the “love stone”. Not only is it said to soften and heal the heart, it’s also said to calm one’s sleep and provide pleasant dreams.

Chrysoprase, mentioned above, is another type of quartz with the finest color sometimes called "apple green". One legend claims that Alexander the Great had a chrysoprase set into his belt.

Can't decide on just one color? Perhaps an Ametrine might be your style. Ametrine is a crystal that grows with both citrine and amethyst, and the finest specimens can have an even split between the colors! Or, if you like a little whimsy, maybe try an ametrine with blended colors for interesting patterns.

 And the newest quartz gem... Aquaprase. This gem made a splash (pardon the pun,) in the twenty-teens as a new type of chalcedony quartz with a blue component to the green color caused by chromium and/or nickel in the crystal structure.

It's a natural stone, with natural color, and is soothing, unique and lovely! It's fast becoming a popular stone in all sections of the jewelry industry, and one look at the color shows why. In fact, to this day, the exact location of mines that produce this amazing quartz are kept a little hush-hush. 

 Quartz is also an extremely important mineral for glassmaking, ceramics and, of course, clocks and watches. It has a special property know as ‘Piezoelectricity’ which makes it well suited for many mechanical purposes.

Prized for this property, quartz is the go-to component for resonators, and since it can ‘keep time’ in watches and clocks, it is also used for a similar reason in computer chips.

 Not only are the colors varied, but the uses for quartz are as well. Whether you need beautifully faceted crystals for fine jewelry, perfectly polished beads for string necklaces, intricate and patterned pieces for carvings, intriguing bright pieces for inlays, or a piece in your new oscillator, quartz has you covered.

With a storied history, a myriad of colors and boundless possibilities, what’s not to love?

 Quartz is a common mineral, but it’s also a pretty cool gemstone.

 ~Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager at Panowicz Jewelers; this article was also featured in an American Gem Society's edition of Spectra!