Structure

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The atoms are linked in a continuous framework of SiO₄ silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO₂. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, behind feldspar.

Quartz exists in two forms, the normal α-quartz and the high-temperature β-quartz, both of which are chiral. The transformation from α-quartz to β-quartz takes place abruptly at 573 °C (846 K; 1,063 °F). Since the transformation is accompanied by a significant change in volume, it can easily induce fracturing of ceramics or rocks passing through this temperature threshold.

Quartz belongs to the trigonal crystal system. The ideal crystal shape is a six-sided prism terminating with six-sided pyramids at each end. In nature quartz crystals are often twinned (with twin right-handed and left-handed quartz crystals), distorted, or so intergrown with adjacent crystals of quartz or other minerals as to only show part of this shape, or to lack obvious crystal faces altogether and appear massive. Well-formed crystals typically form in a 'bed' that has unconstrained growth into a void; usually the crystals are attached at the other end to a matrix and only one termination pyramid is present. However, doubly terminated crystals do occur where they develop freely without attachment, for instance within gypsum. A quartz geode is such a situation where the void is approximately spherical in shape, lined with a bed of crystals pointing inward.

α-quartz crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, space group P3₁21 or P3₂21 depending on the chirality. β-quartz belongs to the hexagonal system, space group P6₂22 and P6₄22, respectively. These space groups are truly chiral (they each belong to the 11 enantiomorphous pairs). Both α-quartz and β-quartz are examples of chiral crystal structures composed of achiral building blocks (SiO₄ tetrahedra in the present case). The transformation between α- and β-quartz only involves a comparatively minor rotation of the tetrahedra with respect to one another, without change in the way they are linked.

[en.wikipedia.org]

Reported Benefits

• It is an amplifying crystal that is very useful for purification and healing.
• This stone will protect the possessor while dissipating negativity in all facets of one's life.
• This crystal is the definition of fresh starts and newborn energies.
• Quartz crystal is prized for it's piezoelectric ability to transform heat and mechanical compression into electromagnetic energy; it can also transform it the other way around, this is why it is used in technological devices all around the world.
• It is a great stone for achieving expansion of one's consciousness and cultivating intent.
• This stone is good for the possessor's overall balance and to reduce exhaustion.
• Quartz with copper invokes patience, determination, dedication, and originality.

LORE

• It is a Master Healer crystal that cleanses and decontaminates on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.
• This crystal has been known to help one with maintaining their proper weight and with balancing one's metabolism.
• It has the ability to vibrate all Chakras but is particularly useful in it's ability to arouse the Crown Chakra.
• Quartz with copper is a very powerful stone for meditation as it can help manifest one's intention into reality.
• This stone has been known to aid in spiritual development and to chase away evil energies.
• Communication with spirit guides.
• Used for magical rituals and witchcraft, wands and staffs.
• It vitalizes the immune system and circulatory pathways.

Historical Figures Who Used Quartz Tourmalinated with Copper

• Sir Issac Newton.
• Marquis of Waterford.
• Kundalini, Hindu Goddess of Life Force.
• Gaia, Greek Goddess of Mother Earth.
• Ixcuiname, Mayan Goddess of the Four Ages of Women.