Rock crystal quartz, the most common gem variety of quartz crystal, is, like all quartz, formed from the two most abundant elements in the earth's crust: silicon and oxygen. For centuries early civilizations believed that these pinhead size to nearly a meter in diameter rock crystals were permanently frozen ice. Quartz's high thermo-conductivity, which makes it feel cool to the touch, may have added to this belief. Regardless of what early people may have believed, historical records show the use of rock crystal for decoration and jewelry for at least 4,000 years. Tools and weapons were made from rock crystal long before it was used for decoration and jewelry.

During the late 1980's and early 1990's, metaphysical uses and applications of rock crystal resulted in an increase in its production and processing. The metaphysical market used raw crystal in jewelry, person power and healing devices, and as charms. Additionally, spheres, sculls, pyramids, and other metaphysical objects were made from rock crystal. During the height of the trend, these uses accounted for 40% or more of the rock crystal consumed in the United States and also resulted in price increases for most of the crystals. Today, the metaphysical market has declined from its peak and appears to have stabilized at about 15% to 20% of total rock crystal consumption.

Rock crystal from Arkansas.

The market for rock crystal carvings, objects of art, and spheres is still strong. One piece of evidence of the demand for quality rock crystal for these types of uses is the level of sales of high quality quartz crystals from the National Defense Stockpile (NDS). During fiscal year 1994, sales of quartz crystals from the NDS totaled 313.1 metric tons valued at about $6.3 million, of this total, 96.8 metric tons valued at $3.21 million were sold during 6 days of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in February. During fiscal year 1993, NDS sold 176.8 metric tons of quartz valued at $1.64 million.....