Quartz - description, useful properties, application. Varieties, formula and application of quartz

Quartz is a common natural mineral that is transparent and colorless in its pure form. Single crystals have a hexagonal shape, pointed at the top. Due to impurities, structural features, as well as a wide range of colors and shades, quartz has a large group of minerals.

According to the chemical composition, it is silicon dioxide, which may include impurities of aluminum and iron. Quartz is a hard mineral second only to corundum, diamonds and topaz in this property. Pure quartz () has a high thermal conductivity, due to which it is cool to the touch. It is resistant to chemicals and strong acids, so it only dissolves in alkali or hydrofluoric acid. The melting temperature of quartz is 1700°C.

The history of quartz goes back to ancient times BC. Primitive people made objects of labor and weapons from it, and the age of the first jewelry found during excavations is 7000 years. The properties and features of the mineral are mentioned in the scientific treatises of ancient philosophers.

Varieties of quartz

Quartz is a mineral that has many varieties that are different in structure, color and energy.

Mineral deposits

Given the prevalence of the mineral, and the large number of varieties of quartz, its deposits are concentrated throughout the world. Despite the fact that gem stones are much rarer than ornamental ones, proper samples are mined in Australia, the USA, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Madagascar.

Pink minerals are rich in Karelia and the eastern regions of Ukraine. Deposits of rauchtopaz and morion are found in Volyn, in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine and in the Urals. Rock crystal is mined in the northern part of Ukraine, the Eastern Carpathians, the Pamirs, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Urals and the Pamirs.

The most famous and ancient deposits of amethyst are found in Brazil, Sri Lanka and Uruguay. Today, this mineral is mined in the Caucasus, Kamchatka, the Kola Peninsula, Yakutia and Chukotka. Central Asia is rich in amethyst deposits.

Quartz and its magical properties

Quartz has been famous for its magical properties since ancient times. Balls and lenses were made from it in order to light the sacrificial fire in the temple with their help. Using crystals, the priests predicted the future.

The most popular in magic is rock crystal, which is easily programmed for actions and goals, and is the strongest energy conductor. Milk Quartz is used in meditation, and helps to release thoughts in order to know oneself. Carnelian favors fidelity in feelings, while chrysoprase and amethyst have a calming effect. The smoky mineral directs to making the right decisions in important matters, therefore it is recommended as a talisman for people doing business.

Almost all types of quartz will relieve its owner of anxious thoughts, fear and depression, as well as neutralize negative energy. A talisman with quartz in a silver frame has a powerful force, which attracts good luck and material well-being, and acts as a talisman of love. Jewelry with this unique mineral helps a person develop memory, fantasy, speech, activating brain processes.

Medicinal properties

Quartz minerals are rich in beneficial properties and are used in folk medicine. Lithotherapists and healers actively practice quartz water, which can be prepared at home. To do this, water is insisted on quartz, or it is passed through a filter, which contains a mixture of several types of mineral.

Quartz water has a beneficial effect on the body, it is recommended to use it for respiratory diseases. The rejuvenating effect of water infused with quartz has been seen in cosmetology and dermatology. It cures acne and dermatitis, the skin after washing becomes smooth, elastic and toned. Lotions and compresses with quartz water promote healing of wounds from burns and cuts, and also relieve inflammation in bruises and bruises.

Quartz crystal pendants affect the human immune system, relieve colds, and are recommended for people with a delicate nervous system.

Application of quartz

Quartz is a valuable mineral raw material and is used in many industries. It is used in the manufacture of optical instruments, in radio receivers and telephone equipment and ultrasonic generators. Rock crystal and quartz sand are used in the glass and ceramic industries. The mineral is an indispensable component in the manufacture of silica refractories and quartz glass.

The stone is widely used in jewelry. Depending on the varieties, quartz is used to make beads, bracelets, as inserts in brooches, pendants, earrings and rings. Unusual souvenirs and home interior items are obtained from ornamental stones.

Zodiac signs

A large number of varieties of the mineral, differing from each other in properties and energy, does not allow a clear definition of which of the signs of the zodiac quartz is more favorable to. It is necessary to consider the influence of a particular type of stone on a person, depending on the date of his birth.

Rock crystal is suitable as a personal amulet for Lions, Taurus, Pisces and Libra. To the rest of the signs, the stone is neutral, it will not do harm.

Libra, Taurus, Cancer and Aquarius need to wear rose quartz beads or a pendant. Being near the heart, the mineral will help increase self-esteem, the appearance of confidence and romantic mood.

Not all signs of the zodiac are suitable for smoky quartz - rauchtopaz. He helps Scorpios to cope with the negative manifestations of their own character, and to reveal their magical abilities. Choosing rauchtopaz as a talisman, Capricorns will be able to know their destiny, and Libra will find peace of mind and balance.

Gemini, Virgo and Libra will bring good luck, sharpen intuition, and also help improve the financial well-being of citrine.

Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone imitation.
Calcite is a mineral of hundreds of forms Moonstone (Adular) and its properties

.
Two main polymorphic crystalline modifications of silicon dioxide: hexagonal β-quartz, stable at a pressure of 1 atm. (or 100 kN / m 2) in the temperature range of 870-573 ° C, and trigonal α-quartz, stable at temperatures below 573 ° C. It is α-quartz that is widespread in nature; this modification, which is stable at low temperatures, is usually called simply quartz. All hexagonal quartz crystals found under normal conditions are paramorphoses of α-quartz after β-quartz. α-quartz crystallizes in the trigonal trapezohedron class of the trigonal system. The crystalline structure is of a frame type, built of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra arranged helically (with a right or left screw stroke) with respect to the main axis of the crystal. Depending on this, right and left structural-morphological forms of quartz crystals are distinguished, externally distinguishable by the symmetry of the arrangement of some faces (for example, a trapezohedron, etc.). The absence of planes and a center of symmetry in α-quartz crystals determines the presence of piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties in it.

• Stishovite (formed at very high pressure and moderate temperature, first discovered at the site of the epicenter of a nuclear explosion)

Morphology

Properties

Luster glassy, ​​in solid masses sometimes greasy. The fracture is uneven or conchoidal. The cleavage is imperfect along the main rhombohedron and pinacoid (001), sometimes separateness is observed. Hardness 7. Density 2.6 - 2.65 g / cm 3

Soluble in hydrofluoric acid. Melting point 171 - 1728°C (due to the high viscosity of the melt, the determination of the melting point is difficult, there are various data). Dielectric (does not conduct electricity). Piezoelectric.

SiO 2 belongs to the group of glass-forming oxides, that is, it is prone to the formation of a supercooled melt - glass.

Varieties of quartz

• Rhinestone- crystals of colorless transparent quartz
• Rauchtopaz(smoky quartz) - light gray or light brown
• Morion- the black
• Amethyst- a precious variety of rock crystal of purple, violet-pink, lilac-red color
• Citrine- lemon yellow
• Aventurine- shimmering due to numerous inclusions of small flakes of mica or hematite (iron mica) quartzite yellowish or brownish red
• Prase- green (due to inclusions of actinolite)
• hairy- rock crystal with inclusions of fine acicular crystals of rutile, tourmaline, goethite or other minerals forming fine acicular crystals
• Chalcedony- cryptocrystalline fine-fiber variety. Translucent or translucent, color from white or gray to honey-yellow. Forms spherulites, spherulitic crusts, pseudostalactites or continuous massive formations
• Agate- layered-banded variety of chalcedony
• Flint- fine-grained cryptocrystalline silica aggregates of variable composition, consisting mainly of quartz and, to a lesser extent, chalcedony, cristobalite, sometimes with the presence of a small amount of opal. Usually found in the form of nodules or pebbles, resulting from their mechanical destruction.
• Eye of the Tiger, Hawkeye, Bulls-eye- substitution products (pseudomorphoses) of various types of asbestos with quartz.
• See also:
  • Opal(amorphous silica)

Conditions of education

Quartz State Diagram

Quartz is formed by various geological processes:
It crystallizes directly from acidic magma. Quartz contains both intrusive (granite, diorite) and effusive (rhyolite, dacite) rocks of acidic and intermediate composition; it can occur in igneous rocks of basic composition (quartz gabbro).
In volcanic rocks of acid composition, it often forms porphyritic phenocrysts.

Quartz crystallizes from fluid-enriched pegmatite magmas and is one of the main minerals in granitic pegmatites. In pegmatites, quartz forms intergrowths with potassium feldspar (pegmatite proper), the inner parts of pegmatite veins are often composed of pure quartz (quartz core). Quartz is the main mineral of apogranitic metasomatites - greisens.

Under surface conditions, quartz is stable and accumulates in placers of various genesis (coastal-marine, eolian, alluvial, etc.).

Depending on the different formation conditions, quartz crystallizes in various polymorphic modifications. The figure shows for him P-T - state diagram.

Application

Valuable mineral raw material: used in optical instruments, ultrasound generators, telephone and radio equipment (as a piezoelectric). It is consumed in large quantities by the glass and ceramic industries (rock crystal and pure quartz sand). It is also used in the production of silica refractories and quartz glass. Many varieties are used in jewelry as gemstones.

Quartz (English) QUARTZ) - SiO 2

CLASSIFICATION

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

OPTICAL PROPERTIES

CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES

dot group	3 2 - trapezohedral
space group	P31 2 1
Syngony	Trigonal
Cell Options	a = 4.9133Å, c = 5.4053Å
Attitude	a:c = 1:1.1
Number of formula units (Z)	3
Unit cell volume	V 113.00 ų (calculated from unit cell parameters)
Twinning	According to Dauphine law. Brazilian law. Under Japanese law. Others for beta-quartz... . japan law twin . Dauphine law twin

Bibliography

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• Lemmlein G.G. On the origin of flat quartz with a "white stripe". In: Questions of mineralogy, geochemistry and petrography. M., 1946, p. 98-109.
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• Yurgenson G.A. Typomorphism and ore content of vein quartz. M., 1997.
• Yukhtanov P.P. Twisted quartz crystals. // Prepr. Scientific report / Academy of Sciences of the USSR. URO. Komi scientific. center. - 1989, No. 222, p. 99-104.
• Frondel, Clifford (1962), Dana's System of Mineralogy, 7th Edition: Vol. III.
• Reviews in Mineralogy vol 29 Silica: Physical behavior, geochemistry and materials applications; P.J. Heany and G.V. Gibbs ed. Miineralogical Society of America, 1994, 606pp. Kushiro, I. (1969), The system forsterite-diopside-silica with and without water at high pressures: American Journal of Science: 267: 269-294.
• Rice, S.J. (1969) Quartz family minerals. California Division of Mines and Geology Mineral Information Service: 22:35-38.
• Feigl, F.J. and Anderson, J.H. (1970) Defects in crystalline quartz: electron paramagnetic resonance of E" vacancy centers associated with germanium impurities. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids: 31: 575-596.
• Sprunt, E.S. (1981) Causes of quartz cathodoluminescence colours. scan. Elec. Micros.: 525-535.
• Bohlen, S.R. and Boettcher, A.L. (1982) The quartz-coesite transformation: a precise determination and the effects of other components. Journal of Geophysical Research: 87(B8): 7073-7078.
• Richet, P., Bottinga, Y., Deniélou, L., Petitet, J.P., and Téqui, C. (1982) Thermodynamic properties of quartz, cristobalite, and Amorphous SiO2: drop calorimetry measurements between 1000 and 1800 K and a review from 0 to 2000 K. Geochimica et Cosmochmica Acta: 46: 2639-2658.
• Serebrennikov, A.J., Valter, A.A., Mashkovtsev, R.I., and Scherbakova, M.Ya. (1982) The investigation of defects in shock-metamorphosed quartz. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals: 8: 155-157.
• Scandale, E., Stasi, F., and Zarka, A. (1983) Growth defects in a Quartz Druse. ac Dislocations. Journal of Applied Crystallography: 16: 39-403.
• Weil, J.A. (1984) A review of electron spin resonance and its applications to the study of paramagnetic defects in crystalline quartz. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals: 10: 149-165.
• Scandale, E. and Stasi, F. (1985) Growth defects in Quartz Druses. a Pseudo-basal Dislocations. Journal of Applied Crystallography: 18: 275-278.
• Graziani, G., Lucchesi, S., and Scandale, E. (1988) Growth defects and genetic medium of a quartz druse from Traversella, Italy. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Abhandlungen: 159: 165-179.
• Owen, M.R. (1988) Radiation-damage haloes in quartz. Geology: 16:529-532.
• Ramseyer, K., Baumann, J., Matter, A., and Mullis, J. (1988) Cathodluminescence colors of α-quartz. Mineralogical Magazine: 52: 669-677.
• Scandale, E., Stasi, F., Lucchesi, S., and Graziani, G. (1989) Growth marks and genetic conditions in a quartz druse. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Abhandlungen: 160: 181-192.
• American Mineralogist (1991): 76:1018.
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• Rink, W.J., Rendell, H., Marseglia, E.A., Luff, B.J., and Townsend, P.D. (1993) Thermoluminescence spectra of igneous quartz and hydrothermal vein quartz. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals: 20: 353-361.
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• Carpenter, M.A., Salje, E.K.H., Gaeme-Barber, A., Wruck, B., Dove, M.T., and Knight, K.S. (1998a), Calibration of excess thermodynamic properties and elastic variations associated with the α ↔ β phase transition in quartz. American Mineralogist: 83:2-22.
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Mineral class: Oxides
Chemical formula: SiO2
Hardness: 7
Density: 2.6
Color: colorless, white, dirty watery, colored in varieties
Dash color: white
Luster: glassy to greasy
Transparency.: transparent, translucent
Cleavage: absent
Fracture: conchoidal, uneven
Syngony: trigonal
Is the mineral brittle? Yes
Malleability: No
Reaction to HCl: No
Crystal Pleochroism: Not
Irization: No
Magnetic properties: Not
Light refraction: 1,544-1,553
Luminescence: usually absent
Description:

A mineral of the silica family, the main mineral of the group. Class - oxides.

It forms crystals of trigonal syngony, trigonal-trapezohedral symmetry in the form of hexagonal prisms, ending at one or two ends (double-headed) with a three- or hexagonal head. Often, the crystal gradually narrows towards the head. The appearance of crystals can vary from short to long prismatic.

On the faces of the prism, transverse hatching is observed.

In rocks of igneous and metamorphic origin quartz forms irregular isometric grains intergrown with other minerals. In sedimentary rocks, it occurs in the form of small rounded or angular grains of sand, as a result of previous weathering. Such particles often show aggregate fine-grained composition, representing, to varying degrees, rounded fragments of quartzites, chalcedony, jasper, and other rocks.

Distorted crystals and skeletal forms are known.

The color is varied, often due to the finest impurities of other minerals. Quartz varieties are distinguished by color.

most characteristic quartz color- gray or colorless. The milky white color is associated with an abundance of microcracks in the crystal. The color may not spread evenly, often the top and periphery have a more saturated color than the central part.

In placers, rarely, but it can occur in the form of regeneration of detrital quartz, in the form of a partially formed crystal of secondary quartz overgrown on top of a rounded grain of early generation.

Quartz insoluble in acids, except HF. Not electrically conductive, but has pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties.

Varieties of quartz (distinguished only by color):

• Rhinestone(actually quartz) - colorless, watery. Transparent! (opaque, does not apply to rock crystal).
• Amethyst - violet.
• Raukhtop h (smoky quartz).
• Morion- black.
• Citrine- golden, lemon yellow.
• Prase(prasiolite) - green.
• rose quartz- shades of pink.
• hairy- rock crystal with inclusions of fine needle-shaped rutile crystals.
• Sapphire quartz- bluish, coarse-grained aggregate of quartz.
• Cat's eye - white, pinkish, gray quartz with a light sheen effect.
• Hawkeye is a silicified aggregate of bluish-gray amphibole.
• Tiger's eye - similar to hawk's eye, but golden brown in color.

A very common mineral. The origin is igneous, pegmatite, hydrothermal, metasomatic, metamorphic, and also in sedimentary rocks.

Quartz- is an important rock-forming mineral of many rocks. It is isolated to a very large extent in pegmatites, pneumatolithic-hydrothermal and hydrothermal rocks. It is ubiquitous in sediments.

Companion minerals.

In igneous rocks - feldspars, micas, topaz, apatite.

In hydrothermal quartz veins - gold, arsenopyrite, cassiterite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, chlorite.

In metamorphic rocks - feldspars, micas, garnets, disthene, staurolite, chlorite, epidote.

Ural, Ukraine, Transcaucasia, Transbaikalia (Russia); Central Alps (Switzerland, Italy, France); province of Rio Grande (Brazil, Uruguay), and many other deposits. Good crystals were extracted from the pebbles in Ceylon. Japan, Australia.

The magical and healing properties of the group depend on its specific variety. See separately for each variety.

General properties.

It is believed that quartz jewelry has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Pendants from this mineral can significantly alleviate the course of colds.

Quartz affects the crown and frontal chakras.

It is recommended to use quartz water (water infused with quartz) for cosmetic purposes. It is believed that quartz water has healing properties and has a very beneficial effect on the human body. If you wash your face with quartz water several times a week before going to bed, you can rejuvenate your skin: increase its tone and elasticity, and get rid of acne. Baths with quartz water rejuvenate the skin of the hands.

When wearing quartz as jewelry, a person receives undoubted benefits from a mineral that strengthens memory, develops imagination, makes speech bright and colorful, and promotes active thought processes.

As a talisman, quartz should be set in silver - in combination with this metal, it attracts good luck, success, material well-being, and bestows true love.

Interesting:

For the first time, quartz was discovered in the Alps by the miners of the Ore Mountains. Having found a pure crystal of rock crystal, they thought that this is one of the forms of frozen water and gave this stone the name "crystal", from the Greek - ice.

The name "Quartz" was also used by the miners of the Ore Mountains.

The cost of piezoelectric quartz is many times higher than the cost of jewelry.

See other interesting stories about minerals of the quartz group, each for its own variety.

mineral quartz is one of the most common in the bowels of the Earth's crust. Its chemical formula looks like this SiO2, dioxide. The name of this mineral comes from the German word "Querklufter", which means ore of secant veins.

Chemical characterization of quartz crystals

Silica is the most common form of quartz and has the property of developed polymorphism. There are two main crystalline polymorphic modifications of silicon dioxide: 1) hexagonal α-quartz, well stable at a pressure of 1 atmosphere in the temperature range from 573 to 870°C; 2) trigonal β-quartz, stable at lower temperatures below 573°C.

Pictured are quartz crystals

In nature β-quartz more common than α-quartz. The absence of a center of symmetry and planes β-quartz crystals indicates the presence of pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties.

There are other modifications of polymorphic silica:

Seyfertit

Moganite

Tridymite

Coesite

Cristobalite

Stishovite (formed in the presence of very high pressure, as well as moderate temperature, was first found at the site of a nuclear explosion, at its epicenter)

Seyfertit

Morphology

Pictured green quartz

quartz crystals, are very similar in structure to berlinite crystals. Usually they are formed in the form of a hexagonal prism. From one edge, sometimes from both, crowned with a trihedral or hexagonal head, shaped like a pyramid.

Very often, quartz crystals gradually narrow towards the head, and a characteristic transverse hatching is visible on the flat faces of the crystalline prism.

Quite rarely, quartz crystals have the shape of a pseudohexagonal dipyramid. Externally, quartz crystals are usually regular, but sometimes form complex twin patches.

They arise both during crystal growth and during internal structural formation during mechanical deformations, as well as thermal polymorphic α-β transitions, which are accompanied by strong compression.

In rocks of metamorphic and magmatic origin, quartz forms irregular isometric grains. They are often intergrown with other minerals.

Properties of quartz

Quartz is glassy, ​​sometimes with a greasy sheen. The fracture of its crystals is conchoidal or uneven. Cleavage of quartz imperfect, but equal to 7 by . The density of this mineral is 2.6 - 2.65 g / cm3.

Quartz dissolves well in. The melting point of the mineral is 171 - 1728 ° C. Due to the high viscosity of the solution, it is very difficult to determine the exact melting point. Quartz belongs to the group of forming oxides, in other words, it is prone to the formation of supercooled melt crystals -.

Varieties of quartz

There is a large number varieties of quartz. These include mountain, which is crystals of transparent colorless quartz. or else it is called, has a light gray or light brownish. Another type of quartz is called, has a color.

It is a precious variety of rock crystal, which has a purple, lilac color. The crystals have a lemon color. flickering is inherent due to the large number of small scales or.

Pictured is a gold ring with smoky quartz

Prazem has inclusions of actinolite in its composition, which give it a shade. - this is another kind of rock crystal, it contains inclusions of fine needle crystals, goethite, or other types of minerals that form fine needle-shaped crystals.

Chalcedony is a translucent mineral of a cryptocrystalline fine-fibre variety. It comes in white, gray and honey yellow colors. It forms crystals of spherulites, pseudostalactites or solid large-sized massive formations, as well as spherulitic crusts. Agate is one of the varieties of chalcedony with a layered-striped structure of crystals.

In the photo, a variety of quartz hairy

It forms cryptocrystalline fine-grained silica aggregates of variable composition, which are formed mainly from quartz and to a lesser extent from cristobalite, chalcedony, in rare cases with the presence of a small amount of crystals.

They are most often found in the form of pebbles or nodules, which occur when they are destroyed by a mechanical nature. , , - all of them are pseudomorphoses, that is, products of substitution of quartz for various varieties of asbestos.

Quartz formation

Quartz crystals are formed during various geological changes. Quartz crystallizes directly from acidic magmas, as well as from fluid-rich pegmatite magmas. In rocks of volcanic origin with the presence of an acidic composition, porphyritic inclusions are often formed.

Quartz is one of the main minerals of the granitic pegmatite family, in which quartz forms intergrowths with field potassium. Quartz crystals are also the main minerals of metasomatic apogranites - greisens. Under outdoor conditions, quartz is well stable; it accumulates and forms in placers of various genesis.

Application of quartz

This mineral is a valuable mineral raw material. It is used in the manufacture of optical instruments, in radio and telephone equipment, and in ultrasonic generators.

It is used in large quantities by the ceramic and glass industries (pure quartz sand and rock crystal). Also, this mineral is used for the production of quartz glass and the manufacture of silica refractories. In jewelry, it is used as inserts in jewelry or as.

the most important property of quartz crystals is the piezoelectric effect. It was discovered in 1880 by French scientists, brothers Paul and Pierre Curie, on quartz crystals. Apply the phenomenon of the piezoelectric effect was first proposed by Paul Langevin, he was also a Frenchman.

This discovery took place during the First World War. The essence of Paul Langevin's proposal was to use ultrasound to detect enemy submarines, but to obtain this ultrasound, it was supposed to use the piezoelectric effect.

Flat, parallel, smooth, polished quartz plate with a holder and electrodes was a piezoelectric resonator, in other words, it was an oscillatory circuit with a certain frequency of resonant oscillations. The resonant frequency directly depends on the direction of the cut and on the thickness of the plate itself.

Pictured is rose quartz

Quartz resonators are used as filters with high selectivity, as well as for standardization and frequency stabilization in generators. One of the main and most important requirements for quartz resonators is the temperature regime of the resonant frequency.

Piezoquartz, until recently, was used exclusively for military purposes. In modern times, various piezoelectric elements are used as good sources, as well as in various industrial, medical, research and even sometimes household appliances, such as piezo lighters, devices for ultrasonic rodent control. The operation of this device for several days causes them an uncomfortable state and a desire to quickly leave the premises.

Quartz is the most common mineral on our planet, represented by a huge variety of shapes and colors. Most often it is used as an ornamental material, however, precious and semi-precious stones are found among quartz. Attitude to the signs of the Zodiac, the magical and healing properties of quartz and its use - in this article.

History reference

Quartz is the most common mineral found in the earth's crust, familiar to mankind since ancient times. In almost every culture there is a description of its origin, healing and mystical properties, and a name. The well-established modern “quartz”, according to scientists, is of German, or rather Saxon origin, where “querklufterz” translates approximately as “transversely located veins”. It is less widely believed that the word "quartz" was formed from the Old Cornish name for the mineral "cross-course-spor", which, by the way, means the same thing.

There are many well-known historical figures who had a passion for this gem:

• Emperor Nero (Ancient Rome) adored rock crystal. Two amazing table cups, made to his order, can be seen today in the exposition of the national treasures of the Republic of France, and their numerous photos can be found in specialized books and on the Internet.
• Peter the Great had a samovar (!) made of rock crystal, now kept among other handicraft masterpieces in the Armory.
• In the tomb of the famous Tutankhamun, prototypes of modern sunglasses with bronze temples, made of transparent marion, were discovered.

It is impossible to say exactly when the first scientific description of the mineral was made, since most of its varieties were discovered at different times, and sometimes they were confused with each other.

Description

Quartz belongs to silicates (silicon oxide), in theory its chemical composition corresponds to the formula SiO2. In its pure form, it is rarely found, since in nature quartz contains a different amount of impurities: other minerals, metals and other elements. Silicon dioxide in its pure form is called rock crystal - this stone is absolutely transparent and colorless, in the photo it is easy to confuse it with ice. Thanks to some of them, the stone becomes colorless and transparent and can be painted in a variety of colors. This diversity is so great that the mineralogical characterization defines quartz only as a rock, which, in turn, is divided into a large number of species. According to the structure of the structure, they are divided into two large groups:

1. Crystalline: rock crystal, hairy, prase (green), citrine (lemon yellow and gold), ametrine (yellow and purple lilac), morion (black), amethyst (purple), rauchtopaz (brown), rose quartz, cat's eye (pink and grey).
2. Cryptocrystalline: chalcedony (honey-yellow and white), agate, carnelian (red-pink), onyx (brownish), sapphirine (bluish), chrysolite (yellow and green).

In order to present all the variety of colors and shapes of quartz, more than one hundred photos are needed, since each stone from the list also has several varieties.

Deposits and properties

Quartz has a variety of origins, no other mineral is found more often in the earth's crust, which consists of 65% of it. It is found in the composition of igneous and metamorphic rocks, pegmatites. Quite often there are hydrothermal veins consisting of it.

Physical and chemical properties of quartz:

• chemical formula: SiO2;
• hardness: 7 units on the Mohs scale;
• gloss: greasy, glassy;
• density: 2.6 to 2.65 g/cm3;
• cleavage: absent;
• fracture: uneven;
• crystallization: in the form of a hexagonal prism;
  syngony: trigonal.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on our planet. According to this indicator, it is second only to diamonds, corundum and topaz. The stone is resistant to chemicals and most acids, dissolving only in hydrofluoric acid and alkalis.

As already mentioned, the earth's crust consists of two-thirds of quartz, therefore, on the territory of each state engaged in the mining industry, there is at least one of its deposits. Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, the USA and Sri Lanka have the largest production volumes today.

On the territory of the post-Soviet space, there are also many deposits of quartz of various types. Rauchtopazes and morions, which are valuable for jewelry, are mined in the Urals and in the Zhytomyr region, and rose quartz is mined in Karelia and in the east of Ukraine. Among the valuable stones in our country, rock crystal is the most common, it is also found in the already indicated areas, as well as in the Caucasus, the Pamirs, Siberia, northern Ukraine and the Carpathians.

The most expensive variety of quartz is amethyst, its unique appearance and properties are of great importance to the best jewelry makers and collectors. This gem is also mined in Russia - in Kamchatka and Yakutia. However, the main world exports come from Sri Lanka, Central Asia and South America.

How to find real quartz

Despite such a large distribution of quartz on the planet, it is quite often faked. The fact is that some of its varieties can reach several thousand dollars per carat. In such a situation, there will always be someone who wants to pass off a cheaper stone for amethyst or rock crystal. However, rock crystal is often counterfeited with glass. In order to distinguish the authenticity of a stone, you only need:

1. Check its strength. Take the steel knife and scratch the crystal. Not a single defect will remain on natural stone.
2. But scratching glass with this stone will work out very well - quartz is more than 2 times harder.
3. When examining the simulation with a magnifying glass, you can see a lot of randomly arranged bubbles. In a real mineral, they are quartz, they are located exclusively in nutrient flows and intergrowth zones.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of quartz have been used by healers and healers of various nations since ancient times. Its healing effect on the body is associated with the ability to fill the body with vital energy, thus bringing it into physical and psycho-emotional tone:

• it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieving chronic fatigue, depression, melancholy;
• restores sleep and wakefulness, relieves insomnia and nightmares;
• strengthens memory and maintains concentration;
• effectively relaxes while relaxing.

Modern lithotherapy confirms that this stone has strong healing properties, however, it is recommended to use quartz water for an enhanced effect. It is easy to prepare at home:

1. Place the mineral in purified water and put the vessel away for a couple of days in a dark place.
2. Remove the stone and strain the water through a filter with several different types of quartz crystals.

Practicing this remedy, experts say that it is suitable for any medical procedures: ingestion, rubbing, compresses. This contributes to:

• treatment of diseases of internal organs;
• acceleration of recovery in inflammatory processes;
• normalization of metabolism and the work of the endocrine system;
• improvement of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalization of the work of the heart, strengthening of blood vessels and equalization of pressure;
• relief of the condition in diseases of the respiratory tract and organs;
• stimulation of immune functions in infectious diseases.

Quartz water has also found wide application in the cosmetic field. Today it is used to rejuvenate and heal the skin, get rid of acne and blackheads. With systematic use, it makes the skin supple and smooth, according to some reviews - reduces the number of wrinkles.

Water infused with quartz minerals is also well suited for treating open wounds: for burns, bruises, cuts and other injuries, lotions and compresses should be applied to the skin. This allows you to reduce inflammation, reduce pain and accelerate tissue healing.

It is also worth remembering that a stone can be more useful for some systems, and not affect the work of others, because what particular stone you use is of great importance. Amethyst, for example, does an excellent job of protecting you - it curbs alcohol addiction and reduces hunger so that it does not go to harm. And morion is best for those who need to improve the functioning of the circulatory system - it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, restores heart rhythm and cleanses the blood.

Quartz in magic

The magical properties of quartz have been a subject of human interest since the moment of acquaintance with this beautiful mineral. Already in the days of ancient civilizations, a lot of ritual and magical accessories were made from them - transparent crystal balls used in visionary and extrasensory practices, lenses for setting fire to the sacred fire in temples.

• The greatest value for magicians and sorcerers of all sorts is rock crystal, since it is considered a very strong conductor of energy. If you get a talisman or jewelry with this stone, and soon notice your ability to make random predictions, think about it - perhaps this is a sign that a great power is hidden in you that just needs to be revealed.
• Milky and white quartz can be closely associated with the inner world. This stone is perfect for those who practice meditation - it allows you to easily discard all thoughts and completely immerse yourself in self-knowledge.
• Carnelian is a symbol of feelings and passion. Such a mineral is useful to those who want to meet the love of their life and live a long and happy life with this person. The owner of this stone becomes an open and sociable person, reveals his femininity (or masculinity) and sexuality. It is noteworthy that the changes occur imperceptibly for the owner of the gem, so he remains sincere and unconstrained.
• Amethyst and chrysoprase have a calming effect on their owner. These stones are suitable for violent, emotional and explosive personalities, who can be hurt by their emotionality at times. Keeping the head in the cold and the heart on fire, the stone brings the necessary prudence to the character and actions of a person, which has a positive effect not only on business, but also on personal relationships.
• The smoky mineral is the talisman of entrepreneurs, politicians and leaders. This stone warns against major mistakes, strengthens business acumen and endows with the gift of persuasion. In addition, he draws the attention of his master to the signs of fate, and luck, as you know, can sometimes play a big role in business.

Looking at the big picture, one can note the influence of almost all varieties of quartz on certain traits of character and behavior:

• they stimulate mental activity and memory;
• reveal creative potential, develop abstract thinking and fantasy;
• endow a person with enviable oratorical abilities;
• attract business success, life luck, material well-being;
• help to find and keep true love;
• relieve anxiety and irritability, remove depression and apathy.

Astrological Compatibility

In general terms, it is difficult to describe the influence of quartz on a particular sign of the Zodiac - the question again rests on the diversity of its types. The fact is that some of them have the exact opposite astrological characteristic, and may relate differently to the same signs.
Zodiac.

Pure and flawless rock crystal is perfect for Pisces, Leo, Taurus and Libra. He helps these signs to establish a connection with their own inner world and find spiritual harmony.

If your zodiac sign is Libra, Cancer, Aquarius or Taurus, pay attention to rose quartz. A small pendant or beads with this stone will have a positive effect on self-esteem. The gem will help to stir up shy and modest people who are unsure of their abilities and those who are afraid to make a mistake.

Such a zodiac sign as Scorpio interacts well with rauchtopaz, which has a calming effect on the personality, holding back negative character traits. This leads to positive changes in the personal and business sphere. For Libra and Capricorn, the alliance with rauchtopaz also brings great benefits. The first ones become balanced and reasonable, which helps a lot in making decisions, and the second one discovers their purpose, the stone helps to find their way in life.

As we can see, almost all varieties of quartz have a special arrangement for Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius and Sagittarius. Perhaps people born under these constellations can try on any kind of quartz.

But such a sign as Gemini, according to astrologers, should be careful about wearing quartz. Perhaps avoid it altogether. Also, this stone is contraindicated for Virgos. In both cases, the mineral has a negative effect on the emotional state.