Quartz

		QUARTZ - (clear) Silicon dioxide. The name may be derived from querklufterz an old German word apparently referring to whitish, vein quartz. It is one of the most widely distributed minerals in the earth’s crust, sometimes found as elegant crystals whose luster, hardness (Moh's scale is a 7.0), and watery transparency or, conversely, pleasing colors have long been a source of fascination, causing it to be widely employed as a gem or ornamental material. The most typical form consists of hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal or bipyramidal terminations, which are transparent, colorless, lustrous, and have no cleavage; but quartz may have a smoky appearance or even be black, yellow, brownish yellow, violet, or pink. Massive, white, milky vein quartz is very common. A microcrystalline variety of quartz, found as compact, massive concretions, is called chalcedony. This has separate colors, sometimes with distinct color banding, in which case it is known as agate, sard, cornelian, plasma, etc., depending on the color, a whole series of names having been evolved during its long history as a decorative material. The largest crystals originate from the fluids associated with intrusive magmatic phenomena and is found in pegmatic, pneumatolytic and hydrothermal deposits. Quartz also occurs in sedimentary and metamorphic environments, but as very small crystals. The microcrystalline varieties are often associated with hydrothermal processes, even under the sea. Quartz is extremely widespread, the most famous localities for magnificent, large crystals being the French Alps, the St. Gotthard massif in the Swiss Alps, the United States, Brazil, and Madagascar. Some of the healing qualities that clear quarts has are that it transmits and transduces thoughts and energy, amplifies thoughts and intentions, helps focus energy, activates. Light bearers, magnifiers of psychic and healing energies. Transmitter and intensifier of energy- are receptive to all energies. Can help focus all energies, especially healing energy.
		AMETHYST - The violet, purple to almost pink variety of quartz is called amethyst, and ancient name is derived from the Greek amethystos, meaning not drunken, as it was believed to protect those who wore it from drunkenness. It is the most highly prized variety of quartz. It is composed primarily of silica (SiO2) On the Moh’s scale Amethyst are a 7.0. The violet color is caused by trace amounts of ferric iron. Amethyst crystals are found in vertical, hollow gas tubes that formed in molten basalt. The gas tubes than become filled with silica-bearing solutions. This cased the amethyst to grow very slowly and line the inside walls of the gas tubes. Amethyst is a very popular semi-precious stone and is used for faceting and jewelry making. The typical color is a rich, violet-purple, often distributed in patches or bands. It can also be quiet pale, but is generally the same basic color, without any overtones. It is given both oval and drop mixed cuts, step cuts, and other types of cuts used for colored stones. Specimens of good color but with too many inclusions are cut en cabochon. Stones of 10 or so carats in weight are often found and even larger ones are not rare. Amethyst normally has good luster and transparency. Well-formed, characteristically colored groups of crystals are even used in their natural state as ornaments. The Greeks named the stone amethyst meaning "without drunkenness" also known as the ‘sobriety stone”, it helps break bad habits. The Greeks used it constantly to protect themselves from overindulgence with food and drink, as well as helps with spiritual awareness, dreaming, dispels nightmares, and protection. Occurrence the finest amethysts come (in great quantities) from Brazil and neighboring Uruguay, from the United States, Madagascar, and the Soviet Union, India, Australia, South Africa, and many other countries. The distribution of the color, in striking patches and bands, is characteristic. When the stones contain inclusions, a series of discontinuous, wavy parallel lines, visible with a lens, indicates that they are certainly amethyst. As with nearly all quartzes, the interference figure has a distinctive profile, which usually makes identification immediate. Amethyst can also look vaguely similar to violet cordierite, which also has a strong, distinctive pleochroism. The much rarer violet scapolite may look quiet similar, and its physical characteristics are almost the same as those of quartz. Therefore an expert can only distinguish them. Simulates and synthetics of the amethyst was much imitated by colored glass in the past, when it was more costly. Nowadays, despite the limited value of the natural stone, fair quantities of synthetic amethyst are produced, using the knowledge acquired in the production of synthetic quartz for technological purposes. The cost of the synthetic product is not much less than that of the natural gemstone. Amethyst is a spiritual stone and a transmitter of all energies. It helps repel negativity and provides some protection. It also breaks up old emotional thought processes and assists psychic opening in a grounding manner. Works on head chakras for intuitive and spiritual insight. Amethyst is the stone of peace and alliviates mental stress. Amethyst Moderation Devotion Insomnia, Addictions, Neuralgia, Acne One of the most favored gemstones, it imparts peace and tranquility and ‘softens’ any negative feelings. Also reduces electrical energies and ideal to place near computers, TVs, Kitchen and other appliances. Amethyst Trivia In the Middle Ages amethyst was thought to emcourage celibocy, and as a result became important in the ornamentation of churches. Amethyst according to Leonardo Da Vinci, is able to increase intelligence and dissolve evil thoughts. Catherine the Great was very fond of amethyst. They adorn the British Crown Jewels and were coveted by Egyptian royalty. Rosaries in Tibet are often made from amethyst a gemstone considered to be sacred to Buddha. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst would protect against drunkenness ("amethystos" is a greek word maning "not drunken") and therefore carved wine goblets from it. Amethyst is beleived to purify the mind, increase tranquility and alleviate anxiety.
		AMETRINE- (blending of purple and yellow) Combination of amethyst and citrine. This is an exceptionally spiritual stone. Higher mental opening for meditation and inspiration which can be utilized here on the earth plane to bring more stability and order into your life.  Works well with the crown chakra and solar plexus chakra. It is good to relieve headaches and depression. AMETRINE Resolution Teaching, Teeth, Metabolism
		CITRINE - (translucent yellow-orange) Provides a sense of stability, practical application of ideas, adds energy and emotional balance rational approach towards things, grounding to the here and now. Self-esteem, joy, dear thinking, activates solar plexus, “merchant’s stone” brings more cash to cash drawer. Opens solar chakra by breaking up old patterns of thoughts and habits. Promotes intuition mental clarity. Enhances creative and abundance and helps elimination of toxins from the body. CITRINE Renewal Cleansing Skin, Diabetes, Circulation. The positive influences and vitality of this stone helps with anxieties, depression and stomach tension. It helps those who are mentally ‘lost’ and seek a new purpose and direction. Leaving it under the pillow at night gives pleasant dreams. Citrine is actually amethyst that has been heated either through Earth’s heat and pressure or man made. Also see Ametrine.
		CLEAR QUARTZ Purification Refinement General, Vertigo, Dizziness Perhaps the most popular of all stones, it is used by healers for all purposes. It purifies the air and the body, cleansing the system and clearing the mind. Favoured by mystics throughout the centuries.
		PHANTOM QUARTZ - Universal awareness, past lives, emotional healing.
		ROSE QUARTZ Love Forgiveness Migraine, Headache, Wounds The stone of peace and goodwill. It is closely associated with Venus, giving joy and happiness in friendship and love. The wearer also ‘feels good’ and radiates forgiveness and rapport.
		RUTILATED QUARTZ - (clear with ribbons of silver and or gold hairs) Rutile, TiO2, is also known as titanium oxide. IT is an important commercial ore of titanium. Rutile crystals are most often long, prismatic, and striated and sometimes have a golden color or a black color. Sometime rutile crystals can be found in inclusions in quartz. As this quartz crystal was growing it enveloped the rutile crystals, forming rutilated quartz. The appearance of rutilated quartz has caused it to also be called “maiden hair” or Venus hairstone.” The origin or where this stone can be found is Brazil.  Silver and gold colored threads work like pathways which magnetically lead you in a direction of balance.  Use when you need positive direction in life. Some of the healing qualities of the rutilated quartz are….. Illuminator, energizer alchemically and electrically in the physical. Helps restructure cells. Integrates life forces into the body, detoxification and cleansing arteries. Activating, energizes, joy, helps one take action, stabilizes relationships, mental processes, dispels interference. Good for depression, tiredness and low energy levels. RUTILE Intellect Awareness Skin, Hair