The name Quartz refers to a large group of minerals with the same chemical composition and similar physical properties. The term derives from the Saxon word “querklufterz”, which means “mineral with a transversal vein”, while according to another possible etymology it comes from the Slavic word for “hardness” (to find out, consult the section: History of Quartz).
The Quartz are composed of silicon oxide and are divided into two broad categories: macrocrystalline quartz, such as Amethyst, Hawkeye, White Quartz etc. , which have large unique crystals, recognizable to the naked eye, and microcrystalline quartz, such as Agate, Jade or Carnelian, which instead have small crystals.
The Quarzo has always accompanied the history of man. Worked as a gem or used as a tool because of its hardness (on the Mohs scale it measures 7, while the Diamond 9), Quartz probably derives its name from the Slavic word for “hard”, but still today there are different interpretations about the its etymology. It is therefore no coincidence that Quarzo is also used in the manufacture of knives, arrowheads or flint stones. Besides a practical use, quartzes have been used for thousands of years in jewelry, mainly worked with cabochon cut. The different uses of this mineral can be explained by the Silicon Oxide from which it is composed, which is the second most abundant element after the Feldspar which constitutes the earth’s crust. Finally, we must remember the alleged magical action attributed to Quartz during history: already in the Neolithic period White Quartz amulets were worn, as well as the use of the famous crystal balls attested in history.
The Quartz group contains Amethyst, Ametrine, Bicolor Quartz, Blue Moon Quartz, Chalcedony, Citrine, Cognac Quartz, Feather Quartz, Green Amethyst, Lemon Citrine , Olive Quartz, Rainbow Quartz, Rose Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Tiger’s Eye, White Quartz, Banana Quartz, Estrelita Quartz, Blueberry Quartz, Dendritic Quartz, Lavender Quartz, Medusa Quartz , Mutuca Rutilated Quartz, Green Ouro Quartz, Strawberry Quartz and Tourmaline Quartz .
• How to care for jewelry with Quarzo
The Quartz can be subjected to steam cleaning, but not ultrasonic.
