Quartz Healing Properties
Quartz is often referred to as Rock Crystal and is the crystal clear transparent variety of crystalline Quartz. Herkimer Diamonds are a form of very clear, doubly terminated quartz crystals.
Mystical Properties: Quartz has a lengthy history with regards to spiritual uses. It has been used throughout the centuries to divine the future and commune with spirits--this belief spans many cultures including Western, Chinese, Medieval European and Celtic.
The stone's ability to align one's psychic self with the cosmos is often ascribed to the stone's piezoelectric properties (becomes electrically charged under pressure). Quartz is not only piezoelectric, but pyroelectric--in that heating quartz also charges the stone electrically. Esoterics believe that in the same way quartz is used in computer chips to transmit information, it can also be used to commune with the spirit world, higher spirits and angel guides. It is often said to "amplify" psychic power.
The Japanese revered rock crystal as the crystallized breath of the White Dragon (dragons represent powers of creation). The purity of the gem impressed them as unattainable, but desirable perfection.
Hindu Astrology assigns Rock Crystal (Quartz) as a secondary gem of Taurus and Libra.
Quartz is an important stone in subduing the 2nd or Sacral Chakra and for opening the 7th or Crown Chakra.
American Indians and Aboriginal Indians believed rituals with quartz crystals could bring rain. Quartz has also had a large part in ritual initiations of Shamans.
An Aztec solid rock crystal skull weighing 475 troy ounces, resides in the British Museum.
The Chinese decorated the entry ways to religious temples with Rock Crystal to allow the light to shine in.
As late as the 1700's many Europeans believed quartz was fossilized ice.
Traditional gift for a 15th Wedding Anniversary.
Said to favor men named "Robert".
Said to be a lucky for Japan and Switzerland, and those of Japanese or Swiss descent.
Healing Properties: Increase the body's natural healing abilities, remove aches and pains. Rutilated Quartz is said to have anti-aging properties.
Scientific Properties: Clear Quartz crystals are composed of Silicon Dioxide with very few impurities. Impurities change crystalline Quartz to Citrine (yellow), Amethyst (purple), Smoky Quartz (gray/brown), green/peach/blue Aventurine, etc.
Doubly terminated quartz crystals are referred to as "Herkimer Diamonds".
Found around the world, known localities include India, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil and Arkansas, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and West Virginia USA.
Hardness: 7.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale