Serpentine and Clear Quartz, Citrine Tumbled Stone Stretch Bracelet

QUARTZ (var. ROCK CRYSTAL)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Rock crystal, which is common and occurs worldwide, has been collected since prehistory. Notable collecting localities are found in India, Brazil, Germany, Peru, Bolivia, Namibia, Russia, and the United States (Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Connecticut, Virginia).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Rock crystal is the transparent, colorless variety of macrocrystalline quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO2). The word “quartz” is believed to have originated with the Slavic kwardy, meaning “hard,” in allusion to its substantial hardness. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, horizontally striated, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations and distinctive, water-clear transparency. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Rock crystal has since antiquity been one of the most widely collected of all minerals. It has served as a gemstone and ornamental stone in many cultures. Until quartz was synthesized in the 1960s, rock crystal was vital to electronic frequency controls, filters, and timing devices. Modern metaphysical practitioners call rock crystal the “universal crystal” because of its numerous abilities to sharpen insight, enhance spiritual development, improve concentration, refine focus, and energize the mind.
QUARTZ (var. CITRINE)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Citrine is the yellow-to-golden, gem variety of quartz. Its name stems from the French citron, or “lemon,” alluding to its color. Gem quality citrine is rare. Notable localities are found in Brazil, Norway, Canada, Spain, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States (Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, California).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: The physical properties of citrine are the same as those of quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO2], with the exception of its diagnostic yellow-to-golden color, which many mineralogists believe is caused by traces of iron. Citrine crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, horizontally striated, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations and excellent transparency. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: In ancient times, citrine was thought to protect against snake bites and evil thoughts. It has long been considered a “success” stone that assures success and abundance, especially in business and commerce. Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that citrine replaces negative energy with positive energy, promotes general healing, helps one to adjust to life changes, and promotes feelings of confidence and security. Citrine is a popular gemstone and is faceted into gems.