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Locations: Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique  Colors Found: Various  Family:  Quartz  Hardness:  7.00  Refractive Index:  1.50  Relative Density:  2.60 - 2.65

The Greeks originally named Quartz “krystallos” meaning “ice”, but this term was soon applied to any crystal. In fact, the modern name of Quartz is derived from the Saxon word “querklufterz” meaning “cross-vein-ore”.

Although Quartz of sufficient beauty to be set into jewelry is not available in great abundance, Quartz is found in many geological environments and is a component of almost every rock type. It is also the most varied in terms of varieties, colors and forms. The gem varieties of Quartz have been used as gemstones for thousands of years.



The ancients of India considered Quartz to have special properties as transformers as well as keepers of energy. To this day Quartz crystals are used universally in meditation, as they are believed to possess healing properties and other diverse metaphysical powers.

Folklorists classify Quartz as a receptive gemstone credited with the ability to attract positive energies, such as peace and love. The subtle energy of Quartz is said to balance the emotions, giving inner peace, harmony and enhancing the bonds of relationships. It is also said to calm aggression and increase self-esteem.



Quartz gemstones are commonly separated into two groups based on the size of their individual crystals.

The macrocrystalline Quartz (large crystal) group includes many popular gemstones such as Amethyst, Ametrine, Citrine, Green Amethyst (Prasiolite), Rose Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Smoky Quartz and Tiger’s Eye.
Cryptocrystalline Quartz includes species whose individual crystals are too small to be easily distinguished. Apart from being a variety within the group, Chalcedony is also a catch all term to describe cryptocrystalline Quartz and includes many gems that have been coveted since antiquity such as Agate, Cornelian, Sard, Chrysoprase, Bloodstone and Jasper.

Phenomena sometimes observed in Quartz include asterism (star effect) and chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect).

Amethyst is the queen of the Quartz varieties and in better qualities it is among the most coveted Quartzes.

Ametrine is a bi color variety that is part Amethyst colored and part Citrine colored.

Citrine is a yellow variety of Quartz that takes its name from “citron”, the French word for lemon.

Phantom Quartz (also known as Ghost Crystals, Specter Crystals and Shadow Crystals) is an unusual gemstone that exhibits a phenomenon called a “phantom”. Phantoms can sometimes be seen in the interior of Quartz crystals as a permanent record of earlier stages in the crystal's formation, much like growth rings in a tree.

Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is a confusing gem as it is traded under a variety of names and can easily be mistaken for other gem types.

Rainbow Quartz (including Lavender Quartz, Neptune Quartz, Fuchsia Quartz and Coral Quartz) is visually similar to Mystic Topaz and is produced using the same physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating process. Applied to top quality natural White Quartz, the treatment is permanent with normal wear.

Smoky Quartz is an earth toned transparent Quartz of all shades, including cognac. Also known as “Champagne on Ice”, Smoky Quartz gets it rich warm color from aluminum. A variety of Smoky Quartz is Cairngorm, which owes its name to the legendary source in the Scottish Highlands. Smoky Quartz is the national gem of Scotland, whose national scepter includes a large Smoky Quartz on its top.

Rock Crystal is colorless Quartz.

Rose Quartz is the pink variety of Quartz. Rarely transparent, facet grade gems will usually display a beautiful misty appearance.

Rutile Quartz (also known as Rutilite, Rutilated Quartz, Venus’ Hair or Cupid’s Darts) is a beautiful gemstone produced by large inclusions of golden rutile needles in clear colorless Quartz.

Tiger’s Eye is simply chatoyant Quartz.
Star Quartz is a fascinating gem that clearly displays asterism (star effect) and is colorless, blue, pink or silver. The stars are
six-rayed and roll around the gem as it is moved.