Quartz

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Quartz
Chemical composition SiO2 Silicon dioxide
Crystal system Trigonal
Habit Prismatic
Cleavage Poor
Fracture Conchoidal
Hardness 7
Optic nature Uniaxial +
Refractive index 1.544 - 1.553
Birefringence 0.009
Dispersion 0.013
Specific gravity 2.65
Lustre Vitreous
Pleochroism None
Quartz crystal cluster specimen
Sinai, Egypt

Quartz is a common variety of silicon dioxide that often crystallizes into well-formed hexagonal prisms. It occurs in many colors, including purple amethyst, yellow citrine, and a smoky variety, referred to as smoky quartz or cairngorm. Colorless, transparent quartz crystals represent the modern concept of "crystal".

Crystal balls with a truly mystic significance are always made from quartz. Quartz crystals are among the earliest talismans. Examples of rock crystal objects date back to 75,000BC. Every culture on the planet has attributed magical powers to quartz crystals.
The Japanese considered it "the perfect jewel", symbolizing patience and perseverance, the infinity of space and purity. Native Americans used quartz crystals as a hunting talisman and "fed" them with deer blood. Crystal balls, credited with the ability to cure diseases, were brought to Europe from the Near East by the Crusaders. In Scotland and Ireland, farmers used crystal balls to keep livestock healthy.

Diagnostics

Polariscope

Only two minerals that are commonly used as gemstones have a uniaxial character with a positive optic sign, quartz and zircon.
In addition, crystalline quartz will always show a "bull's-eye" due to enantiomorphism. When one encounters a conoscopic interference figure with a bull's-eye, it can be nothing else than quartz.

With the addition of a quarter wave plate one can observe if the specimen is left or right-handed quartz, or both. The double Airy Sprirals will either spiral to the left or to the right, indicating left or right-handedness. Or in the case of quartz with Brazil twinning (as amethyst) it will show quadrupal Airy Spirals when a quarter wave plate is applied.

External links