What is Quartz?
The most recognized natural gemstone in the world is Quartz crystal! A natural silicon dioxide, Quartz takes on macrocrystalline forms (showing visible grains or crystal points), massive forms (large, chunky crystallites without crystal faces), as well as cryptocrystalline (microcrystalline) forms (compact, dense microscopic crystals as found in Chert and Chalcedony). It comes in many different forms and is a component in many other gem types! In fact, Quartz crystal is so prolific that its varieties have numerous common names to help differentiate between the various colors and growth forms.
What is Quartz Used For?
The metaphysical properties of Quartz crystal make it a wonderful team player with other gemstones, especially for spiritual healing, crystal grids, or spell jars. Known as a stone for focus and amplification, Quartz is used in tandem with other gems to make their energies more intense, but that doesn't mean you can't work work Quartz all on its own. Clear Quartz and Milky Quartz are both magnificent meditation stones associated with mental clarity and soothing away negative energy. As a Crown Chakra crystal, Quartz is also used by those who are seeking the path to self actualization and spiritual growth. Because of its soothing energies, Quartz crystal is one of the world's favorite healing stones and can be found on altar tables across the planet. Quartz crystal towers are used when directing energy during crystal healing, and Quartz crystal jewelry is worn as a focal item for reducing stress and maintaining concentration.
Types of Quartz
Quartz crystal is a natural gemstone found all over the world in various forms, so it's no surprise that these different types of Quartz have a wide variety of names. Some Quartz crystals are named for their growth structure, such as Skeletal Quartz, Elestial Quartz, Scepter Quartz, Artichoke Quartz, Faden Quartz, Girasol Quartz, Cactus Quartz, Spirit Quartz, or Pineapple Quartz. Other types of Quartz stone are named for their color, like Rose Quartz, Citrine, Gold Quartz, Strawberry Quartz, Milky Quartz, Fire Quartz, Blue Quartz, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Golden Healer Hematoid Quartz, or Prasiolite Green Quartz. Still others are named for the inclusions found encapsulated within the Quartz crystal! Famous types of Included Quartz are: Amphibole Quartz (aka Angel Phantom Quartz), Green Phantom Quartz, Lithium Quartz, Chlorite Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz, Fuchsite Quartz, Graphite Quartz, and Sulfur Quartz, among many others.
Aura Quartz Types
Rainbow Quartz and Aura Quartz crystals are a special subset of Quartz crystal, since they feature a natural Quartz base, but are then treated with titanium dioxide and other materials to create an iridescent shine. These aura coated Quartz crystals can only shine in this way because of human creativity, and they do not occur naturally, so you will never find Rainbow Aura Quartz growing in the earth. Despite this, Aura Quartz crystals are popular with collectors because of their beauty, and are used by many in their spiritual practices. Popular types of Aura Quartz include: Angel Aura Quartz, Aqua Aura Quartz, Pink Aura Quartz, Tangerine Aura Quartz, Gold Aura Quartz, Titanium Aura Quartz, Rainbow Aura Quartz, Sunset Aura Quartz, Flame Aura Quartz, Golden Aura Quartz, Indigo Aura Quartz, Apple Aura Quartz, Sunshine Aura Quartz, Lavender Aura Quartz, Green Aura Quartz, Blue Aura Quartz, Black Aura Quartz, and Cobalt Aura Quartz.