Quartz is a crystalline mineral composed of bonded silicon oxygen atoms that form in a tetrahedra framework. These pyramidal atomic structures form in patterns that belong to the trigonal crystal family. A perfect chemical structure of Quartz forms in a six-sided prism terminating in a hexagonal 6 sided termination at each end. when Quartz crystalizes into this form it is called ‘twinned’ or double-termination.  It is the second most abundant mineral in Earth’s continental crust after feldspar. Pure Quartz is completely colorless and transparent.

The majority of crystal quartz was formed in hot watery solutions called hydrothermal environments, often under very high pressure. Quartz generally forms in three different environments. 1.) In silica-rich molten rock during the cooling and solidification stage 2) in pegmatites during and after the pneumatolytic process 3) In watery solutions of silica under many different conditions. The crystals form by adding molecules to their surface slowly over time, layer by layer.

The Ancient Greeks called quartz ‘Krustallos’, meaning “icy cold”, as it was believed that the mineral was a form of deep frozen ice. ‘Krustallos’ is also the origin of the word ‘crystal’. The name ‘Quartz’ originates from the German word “Quarz”, which in turn, was derived from an older Slavic dialect for the word “hard”.

There are several different varieties of quartz, several of which are classified as semi-precious gemstones. Amongst these varieties, there are hundreds of important localities which produce distinct variations with specific qualities making them unique.

Quartz often form along with other mineral species, sometimes crystallizing in clusters together, and sometimes with mineral inclusions that grow within their crystal structures. Some of these minerals are Fluorite, hematite, rutile, calcite, garnet, feldspar, and many others.

Some famous localities for high quality clear Quartz crystals include Arkansas; Herkimer, New York; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Madagascar, the Alps of France, Germany Austria, Italy and Switzerland; Northern India and many more. Fine quality clear Quartz crystals have been found in nearly every country on the planet!

Clear Quartz crystals have been used by all ancient cultures throughout human history as tools of healing and guidance. Aboriginal peoples of Australia called the spirit energy contained in Quartz crystals “maban” which was a magical divine power. Their sky spirit was depicted with Quartz crystals, and they were thought to be a direct connection the Spirits above as well as a tool to explore their “Dreamtime”.

In ancient burial mounds found throughout Europe, Quartz crystals have been discovered in abundance. In megalithic tombs discovered in Spain, a large collection of crystal-clear arrowheads and a perfectly crafted clear Quartz Dagger were discovered. The quality of the crystal tools and scarcity of large clear Quartz in the area led archeologists to theorize that these tools were ritualistic and meant for only important members of the tribe.

In Ancient Egypt quartz crystals have been found placed upon the forehead of the buried dead. They used these crystals as  tools to guide the journey into the afterlife. The Egyptians mined Quartz systematically since the predynastic period.   

The Ancient Greeks called Quartz “krystallos” meaning ‘ice-cold’ and it was believed that they were a form of eternally frozen ice which would never melt. The early craftsmen of Rome imported huge crystals from the Swiss Alps and Madagascar suitable for large carvings.

New discoveries indicate that our ancestors were crafting ‘telescopes’ to study the stars with lenses crafted from flawless clear Quartz long before its invention! Thousands of clay tables were recovered from Nineveh, an ancient Assyrian city, with detailed astronomical information that could have only been observed with the help of magnification.

Prehistoric Native American tribes used Quartz crystals in abundance for everything from arrow tips and scrapers to sacred elements for spiritual rituals. In Arkansas clear Quartz artifacts have been found dating  back to ~14,000 years ago. Archeologists in Chile have uncovered evidence that over a 1300 year period during the Pleistocene age (~12,000 years ago) high quality clear Quartz was mined in abundance by local peoples.

In China Quartz tools and clear Quartz fragments were found with the remains of ‘Peking Man’ dating back to ~500,000 B.C. Of the 10,000 stone artifacts found, 90% were made from Quartz crystal.