Pendulum with Copper, Quartz and Amethyst

COPPER

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Known since antiquity, copper was one of the first metals ever used.  Its name stems from the Latin Cyprium, literally “metal of Cyprus,” a reference to early copper mines on the island of Cyprus.  Notable collecting localities are found in China, Cyprus, Peru, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United States (Michigan, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Montana).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Copper [native metal, Cu], pronounced KAH-per, crystallizes in the cubic system as scales, plates, irregular masses, branching aggregates, and crystals.  Crystals, usually small dodecahedrons and occasionally cubes and octahedrons, are crudely developed and elongated, flattened, or otherwise distorted.  Copper has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3.0, a specific gravity of 8.9, bright metallic luster on fresh surfaces, and pronounced malleability.  Its color, a copper-red to pinkish-red on clean surfaces and green to greenish-black on tarnished surfaces, is diagnostic.  Native copper is deposited by copper-rich groundwater in fractures and fissures of basaltic rocks; small amounts also occur in hydrothermal replacement deposits.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that copper heals the mind and body, assists in communicating, and helps to project the energies of other minerals.  Wearing copper bracelets is a popular folk remedy to alleviate arthritic pain.  In ancient times, native copper was a primary ore of the metal.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Bright pieces of acid-cleaned native copper, with their bright, distinctive color and unusual shapes, are among the most sought-after of all mineral specimens.

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. 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.