Quartz can be found in millions of devices ranging from clocks and GPS receivers, cell phones, computers and more. Due to its unique piezoelectric properties and healing powers, quartz is also widely recognized.
Quartz crystals come in many different configurations and colors, each imparting its own set of energies – some more beneficial than others.
Clear quartz
Clear quartz is known for promoting mental clarity and emotional stability, and as an invaluable ally during manifestation practices as it amplifies intentions to help them manifest more quickly.
Hold a piece of clear quartz near your chest or heart during meditation to amplify your intent of connecting with your Higher Self, or place it under your pillow to promote lucid dreaming.
Feng shui uses clear quartz crystal in the center of homes or offices to energize Tai Qi, the energy connected to overall well-being. Furthermore, this crystal has also been said to foster collaboration and cooperation in work environments.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a form of quartz that comes in numerous hues and varieties. It can be found in geodes and mineral veins; depending on its chemistry of formation, its color or texture could change considerably over time.
Some types of chalcedony exhibit inclusions that resemble drops of blood, earning it alternative names such as heliotrope or bloodstone. Others feature yellow spots commonly referred to as plasma.
Balance stone. Helpful when dealing with emotional turbulence; may encourage speaking your truth more openly and boldly. Helps create healthy boundaries by helping one recognize when giving and receiving love is appropriate.
Amethyst
Amethyst is an elegant form of purple quartz and has long been prized in history. Ancient people believed wearing or possessing this striking gemstone would keep them from succumbing to drunkenness; its name comes from Greek words amethystos, meaning “not intoxicating”, from a combination of “a” (for not) and methusko / methysko (intoxicate).
Today, amethyst quartz is widely recognized for its spiritual associations and increased intuition. It opens the Third Eye and Crown chakra, encouraging intuitive growth and expanding higher consciousness. Amethyst has also become a popular choice in meditation practices for its ability to help calm the mind while deepen spiritual connections. Consider including amethyst into your home or office environment for greater serenity.
Smoky quartz
Smoky quartz crystal is an increasingly popular choice for spiritual healing, believed to help clear negative energy from mind, body and home; release old behaviors, beliefs emotions memories; as well as provide stability, grounding and balance.
Smoky quartz gets its signature hue from being exposed to radiation during its formation, either naturally or artificially by irradiating white quartz and selling it as “smoky quartz.”
As one way of verifying its authenticity, consider looking at its coloration – it should be consistent throughout and should feature various shades without becoming overly dark or intense. Furthermore, use a jeweler’s loupe to look out for inclusions which will further prove its legitimacy.
Black quartz
Black quartz crystal is one of the most fascinating and powerful varieties of crystal, carrying various healing powers and associated with multiple zodiac signs. Additionally, this stone serves as both protective and grounding piece which can aid with increasing wealth accumulation while strengthening leadership qualities.
As with other quartz gemstones, black quartz is composed of silicon dioxide. Its colors range from translucent (light gray) smoky quartz to completely opaque deep brown to black morion quartz – its unique hue being caused by natural irradiation of its crystal.
Coon Tail Quartz, an unusual variety of black quartz, features a banded pattern resembling that of a raccoon’s tail created by variations in intensity and distribution of aluminum-bearing color centers caused by natural or heat-induced exposure during crystal growth.