QUARTZ

Architect smoky quartz earrings

Quartz is a family of minerals with the same chemical composition and similar physical properties. This one which includes macrocrystalline quartz whose crystals are visible to the naked eye (amethyst, citrine, rock crystal, smoky quartz or pink quartz) and microcrystalline quartz whose crystals are microscopic (chalcedony, agate or jasper ). However, some people mean by quartz only rock crystals, smoky quartz and rose quartz. It is on these varieties that we will focus here.

Where does the name “Quartz” come from?

The origin of the word "quartz" comes from two roots: the Slavic word (perhaps from the Finnish "kova") meaning "hard" in relation to the hardness of the stone, and the mining term "quaderz" designating gangues.

What are the colors of Quartz?

While quartz as a whole can be any color, rock crystals are colorless, smoky quartz ranges from brown to almost black or even smoky gray, while rose quartz is bright pink to pale pink.

What is its symbolism?

Rose quartz awakens tenderness and brings happiness in love; moreover, it would further enhance sensitivity and stimulate artistic creativity by opening the mind to beauty and harmony.

Where does it come from?

If it is possible to find quartz all over the world, the main deposits are in Brazil and Madagascar.

The rock crystals come mainly from these two regions of the world but also from the United States and Europe (Alps); Smoky Quartz can also be found in Brazil and Madagascar but also in the United States, Russia, Switzerland and Ukraine; Finally, rose quartz is more commonly exported from Brazil, the United States and Madagascar.

How do I maintain my jewel set with quartz?

Quartz is certainly one of the hardest and most resistant minerals, but it is still not recommended to clean it with steam or ultrasound. A simple mixture of water and dishwashing liquid on a microfiber cloth will suffice to clean your stone.