Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
Composed of one part silicon and two parts oxygen (silicon dioxide), Clear Quartz (from the Greek “krystallos,” or “ice”) was once thought to be made from water frozen too hard to ever melt.
Quartz cluster, thanks to http://www.soulfulcrystals.co.uk
The most abundant mineral on Earth’s surface, Quartz is found in all varieties of rock and at all temperatures. A 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), Quartz is used in the making of glass, as an abrasive, as foundry sand, and in hydraulic fracturing. Quartz crystals make oscillators for watches, TVs, electronic games, computers, cell phones, and GPS equipment.
Nearly every civilization, from Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs, and Scots, to African tribes and Native American Indians, has revered Quartz, using it for everything from healing and meditation to religious objects and magical enchantments.
There are many colors of Quartz — rose, smoky, blue, green, yellow, and so forth — but for our purposes here, we’ll be talking about the clear, or white, version often referred to as Rock Crystal.
Tumbled Quartz crystals, thanks to http://www.healingcrystals.com
Just as white contains all the other colors, Quartz is called the “master healing crystal” and is used to treat nearly any condition, be it emotional or physical. From easing headaches and improving energy to speeding healing of wounds and stimulating the immune system, Quartz offers versatile help.
Take advantage of the power of Quartz by wearing jewelry made from Quartz gemstones, carrying a tumbled Quartz stone in your pocket, soaking in a bathtub with clear Quartz elixir added, or meditating while holding some Quartz.
Feng Shui practitioners believe that clear Quartz crystals should be placed in a window to disperse the sun’s energy throughout a room.
Clean your Quartz by soaking it in warm, soapy water; “program” it by leaving it awhile in natural sunlight or meditating with it.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
I have some lovely clear quartz crystals from Arkansas. The area I visited last year is known for crystal mining. I didn’t do any mining myself, but it would be fun. One use for the stone you didn’t mention is as a grave marker. I found one in Magnet Cove, Arkansas that stood about 18″ tall and had a pretty large girth. I’ve got a photo of it I’m going to use one of these days — it’s an impressive thing. It’s more white than clear, but still: it’s one of the most unusual markers I’ve seen.
Linda, I’ve never heard of Quartz being used as a grave marker, but I imagine the stone you found is quite magnificent. I’m looking forward to seeing it when you decide to use it in a post.
I learned a lot from the research into this gemstone. I know some people have an affinity for crystals, and I see several hanging from the rearview mirrors of cars, but I never knew they were supposedly so helpful. They’re so pretty, too!
“Clear Quartz (from the Greek “krystallos,” or “ice”) was once thought to be made from water frozen too hard to ever melt.”
Debbie, I never knew that bit of history about Clear Quartz, but I love it because that’s exactly how it appears to have been made, by frozen water!
I love that second photograph you used of the Tumbled Quartz – they look like uncut diamonds.
“…soaking in a bathtub with clear Quartz elixir added…”
Ironic you mentioned that because back in the late 80’s early 90’s, when I first was introduced to the study of gemstones, I used to place four Clear Quartz crystals on each corner of my bathroom shower for the purpose of balancing my energy, both in the morning and at night, as I showered. And it always seemed to work!
Another great gemstone post, my friend. I always learn something I never knew, so thank you!
Have a FAB Sunday!
Thank you, Ron, for giving my posts an air of authenticity! It’s nice to have my information validated by your personal research or use. Do you still set crystals around the shower??
I like the second picture of the tumbled Quartz, but I find myself more drawn to the first one, the cluster. To me, that looks very much like a chunk of frozen water!
Hope your weekend is going well and you have an outstanding week ahead. Golly, Thanksgiving is right around the corner! xo
I love Quartz and wish I had a big chunk of it now.
I do, too, John. I can envision one sitting beside my laptop and catching the sun’s rays!
Do they act like a prism like glass?
I believe they do, especially if they’re found in a prism-like form (such as the first photo). Good question.
Thanks, Debbie.
I love all the coloured quartz but truthfully I’m not a fan of the clear stuff. I’m also not a huge fan of diamonds for the same reason – I love coloured precious gems better too. That top pic really does make it look like frozen water though, doesn’t it?
Isn’t it interesting that some people are more attracted to the colored stones than the clear ones? I can surely appreciate that, FF. In its clear form, Quartz kind of reminds me of glass, and I’m way more interested in stained glass than the clear stuff, ha!
A beautiful suggestion, Debbie. Nicely written, as well.
Thank you, Poetess. I appreciate your reading it, and I’m glad I wasn’t the only one learning something new through it!
I know many who are interested in them, but I haven’t taken the time to study.
It really is a wonderful Gem. I place quartz in our “sunny windows” and it makes me happy to see how the light catches it. However, I didn’t know it had so many healing properties. I think I will toss a few in the bathtub next time! Thanks!
Great idea! I think putting one in a sunny window — especially during the low-lying winter sun — is a wonderful suggestion. Perhaps we all need to do that!
Clear Quartz is so lovely, Debbie. I think that infused elixir bath sounds heavenly!
It does, doesn’t it? Thanks for dropping in, Lana — hope your weekend is wonderful!