Pendulum with Amethyst, Quartz, and Rose Quartz

QUARTZ (var. AMETHYST)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES:  Amethyst has served as a gemstone since ancient times.  Its name stems from the Greek amethystos, meaning “remedy against drunkenness,” alluding to its purported power to prevent inebriation.  Important amethyst localities are found in Brazil, Uruguay, Pakistan, Russia, Namibia, and the United States (Arizona, Colorado).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Amethyst, pronounced AHH-ma-thist, is the transparent, purple, gem variety of macrocrystalline quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂).  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with a distinctive and diagnostic purple or lilac color that is caused by traces of iron.  It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, excellent transparency, conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Over the centuries, many cultures have endowed amethyst with supernatural powers that bring good luck, ensure constancy, and protect against homesickness, magical spells, and drunkenness.  Amethyst is the most highly valued member of the quartz-gemstone group and is faceted into gems that can weigh 10 or more carats.  Massive amethyst or stones of lesser quality are tumbled into beads, fashioned into cabochons, or cut into decorative items.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Amethyst is widely collected for its range of purple-lilac colors, excellent crystal development, and frequent occurrence on large crystal plates and geodes that make eye-catching display pieces.

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.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Rock crystal is widely collected for its brilliant transparency, superb hexagonal crystal development, and frequent occurrence on large plates and in geodes to make interesting display pieces.

QUARTZ (var. ROSE)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Rose quartz, which has been known since antiquity, is the common, pale-pink to rose-red variety of massive quartz.  Its name alludes to its color.  Rose quartz is collected in Brazil, Madagascar, India, Germany, South Africa, Namibia, Russia, and the United States (Maine, North Carolina, South Dakota, Colorado).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: The physical properties of rose quartz are the same as those of quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂], with the exception of its diagnostic, pale-pink to rose-red colors, which are caused by traces of titanium, and also traces of iron and manganese.  Rose quartz, which occurs only in massive form and does not form crystals, is found primarily in the cores of granite pegmatites.  It is usually translucent and sometimes contains microscopic, fiber-like inclusions of rutile and borosilicate minerals that impart a chatoyancy and asterism effect to create cat’s-eye and star gemstones.  Rose quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and a specific gravity of 2.65.  Massive rose quartz must not be confused with crystalline pink quartz.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: According to metaphysical beliefs, rose quartz is a stone of love that helps in all matters related to love, raises self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, relieves stress, and promotes inner peace.  Rose quartz is fashioned into inexpensive cabochons and decorative objects.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Collectors value rose quartz for its soft translucency and pleasing pale-pink to rose-red colors.