Quartz:
Quartz is found in all regions of the world being it is the second most abundant mineral found in the earths crust. The most prominent deposits are found in
Brazil,
Madagascar,
Namibia,
Canada, the
USA, and the French and Swiss Alps.
Quartz is divided into two classifications, dependant on its appearance. These groups are crystallized and microcrystalline. Crystallized Quartz is found in large, well-formed, often colorless crystals. They often appear transparent and gemmy. Many varieties are gemstones, including Amethyst, Citrine, Smoky Quartz and Rose Quartz, depending on the color. Colorless crystals are known as rock crystal. The other form of Quartz is microcrystalline. It is generally respected today as Chalcedony. Chalcedony is microscopically crystallized and translucent to opaque. There are many forms of Chalcedony. A few of these include: Agate, Onyx, Jasper, Aventurine, Tiger’s Eye and Carnelian.
Quartz is a very hard stone that can literally scratch glass. It has a moh’s rating of 7.
§ Rose Quartz is known to be a birthstone for January and is also the zodiac birthstone for Taurus and Libra
§ Clear Quartz is the common birthstone for the month of April in western tradition
§ Rutilated Quartz is a well known zodiac birthstone for Leo
§ Smoky Quartz is associated with Sagittarius, Libra and Capricorn in western astrology and is the national gem of
Scotland
Myths and Therapeutic Properties:
The interest in, as well as the use of Quartz dates back thousands of years. It was originally believed to be fossilized ice and held this belief until the 1600’s. Quartz was used by Roman women to cool their hands in warm weather. It was used during battle to capture sunlight and cauterize wounds. Quartz was one of the most common gems to be buried with the dead, as it was believed that the spirit of the dead will be carried on by the stone. This practice is still used by some Native Americans Indians today. Quartz and its counterparts are one of the most widely used stones for therapeutic purposes. Each variety is believed to have its own set of properties.
Clear Quartz is believed to draw out pain and speed up healing. It has also been used to treat seizures, diarrhea, dizziness, hemorrhages, headaches, and kidney diseases. Clear Quartz is thought to be vital to ones self-esteem. It is known to treat trauma from troubled childhoods by balancing chaotic emotions.
Rose Quartz is often used to maintain and treat cardiovascular health and fertility. It has also been thought to cure headaches, kidney disease, migraines, throat and sinus disorders, and sexual dysfunction. It is a very strong love stone that stimulates the body’s love centers. It is believed to aid in maintaining healthy relationships and marriage by calming hot tempers and preserving fidelity. It can be especially helpful during times of need such as divorce or bereavement by upholding self-love.
Rutilated Quartz has been assumed to have the power to regenerate the body’s tissues by aiding in the absorption of vital nutrients and maintaining the immune system. It has also been used with the elderly by slowing the progression of serious aging diseases. Mentally this powerful stone is believed to provide clarity by uprooting unknown mental set-backs ultimately providing a more conducive, happy lifestyle. It is also believed to ease loneliness and improve communication.
Smoky Quartz is thought to treat conditions within the lower torso such as, conditions of the sexual organs, kidneys, abdomen, and pancreas. Healers have used it to treat STD’s, menstrual cramps, fertility and kidney disease. This stone is respected as having many goal oriented properties. It is said to aid in reaching personal and business goals by bringing about patience and perseverance. It is also known to calm the mind, ease depression and cure addiction.
Go to Quartz Beads