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Chemical Composition and Formation Process

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth’s surface. It appears in various types of bedrock, including metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks. Its chemical composition is primarily silicon dioxide (SiO₂), containing silicon and oxygen atoms. Also present in natural sand and gravel, it forms in a crystal structure, which can vary from small grains (like individual sand particles) to large crystals.

Names and Alternative Names

The name comes from the German word “Quarz.” It has many names depending on its variety and color, including Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz or “rock crystal,” which is the purest form of this mineral. Its colorless and transparent appearance resembles ice or glass.

Mythology and Legends

In Greek mythology, the story involves Adonis, the god of plants and rebirth, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Adonis and Aphrodite were deeply in love, but fate kept them apart. After Adonis was killed, Zeus transformed his blood into the beautiful Rose Quartz. This gemstone became a symbol of love shared, lost, and then renewed. The mineral symbolized their love and reconciliation. It became a stone associated with healing emotional wounds and promoting love and compassion.

Pliny the Elder believed it was ice permanently frozen after long exposure to freezing temperatures.
In some traditions, it is called the “Witch’s mirror” and the “Star Stone.” It has been associated with mystical properties and divination.

In parts of Asia, the crystal is pure dragon essence. Dragons are revered creatures associated with power, wisdom, and transformation. Its clarity and energy align with the mythical qualities attributed to dragons

Quartz is a versatile tool in magickal practices. It enhances the power of spells and rituals while cleansing and purifying energies. Clear quartz absorbs energy from the Sun, trees, and plant life. It stores this energy and releases it as needed, raising the vibrational level of its surroundings.

Electric Cosmology

Quartz has a unique electrical property called piezoelectricity. When mechanical pressure is applied to quartz crystals, they generate an electric charge. Conversely, applying an electric field causes them to vibrate.
This property is widely used in electronics, such as in radios, microphones, timers, clocks, and watches.

A crystal (typically vibrating 32,768 times per second) generates regular electric pulses, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Other electronic components, like microphones and buzzers, rely on these crystals.

Mining, Production and Use

Quartz has a global natural presence, with significant deposits in Brazil, the United States, and Madagascar. It enjoys use in the jewelry industry, for ornamental carvings, and in industrial applications such as electronics and watches due to its piezoelectric properties.

The crystals play a crucial role in electronic devices. They provide stable and precise timekeeping. Watches and clocks use the oscillations of a quartz crystal (typically vibrating 32,768 times per second) to generate regular electric pulses, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

Sand containing quartz is the base material for most types of glass. Quartz glass (fused quartz) is preferred in high-temperature environments due to its excellent heat resistance. Fused quartz is also used to make special lenses and glass, allowing UV rays to pass through easily.