The word crystal comes from krystallos, the Greek word for “ice,” because it was believed that quartz crystal was ice that had permanently frozen. According to another variant, the Greeks believed that quartz was an ice formed by the gods, and that kyrstallos was the name given to the earthly palace of the gods that was built of ice that even the sun couldn’t destroy.
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust, and of all the different types of quartz, rock crystal is the most widely distributed. Clear quartz crystals range from completely transparent to “occupied” – that is quartz that contains phantoms or inclusions of other minerals (such as rutile) or even bubbles of liquid or gas. Although there are many varieties of quartz, including citrine, amethyst, aventurine, and rose quartz, rock crystal is the purest. Quartz veins usually occur when the hot silica-rich fluids reach beds of host rock such as sandstone, shale, and pegmatites. The finest quartz crystals are found in rock cavities or open veins, where the crystals had enough space to fully form.

Astrology: Connected with Capricorn and Leo
Chakra: All
Metaphysically, clear quartz is known to be one of the master healers, a stone that amplifies almost any energy. It’s said to be able to clear all chakras, strengthen clarity and psychic abilities, including the ability to communicate with minerals, plants, and animals. It’s considered a stone that connects this realm to others and connects one’s spirit to the stars. Quartz crystals are also believed to store information, much like computers. Record-keeper crystals, which show tiny pyramids engraved on their facets, are said to hold the memories of our ancestors. Clear quartz is often placed on the crown chakra in simple healing layouts.

An inexpensive cousin of clear quartz, these glass beads substitute perfectly for the gem and put less strain on your purse. Clear quartz glass beads not only go with everything, but they lighten any piece. For crystalline evening sophistication, bead clear quartz glass beads with black onyx and white pearls. If you’re in a “quartz” mood, string a necklace that uses amethyst, citrine, ametrine, carnelian, aventurine, chrysoprase, and lemon, cherry, rose, smoky, and cognac quartz —all the forms of quartz!—and use these beautiful, sparkling beads as accents. Or, for moonlit nights, try stringing a bracelet that uses clear quartz glass to highlight the mysterious, opalescent gems like moonstone, labradorite, and opal. One more simple and perfect combo: clear quartz glass beads alternating with tourmalated and rutilated quartz.

Color: Colorless
Chemical composition: SiO2 silicon dioxide
Mohs’ Hardness: 7
Transparency: Transparent
Luster: Vitreous
Fracture: Conchoidal, very brittle
Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal) with hexagonal prisms
Cleavage: None
Specific gravity: 2.65
Streak: White
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Dispersion: 0.013
Pleochroism: None
Fluorescence: None
Occurrence: Worldwide