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Color:
All colors
Durability:
Excellent
Localities:
World Wide
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Quartz
Silicon
Dioxide
(SiO2)
Quartz is a common variety of silicon dioxide that often crystallizes
into well formed hexagonal prisms. It occurs in many colors,
purple amethyst, yellow citrine,
and a smoky variety, referred to as smoky quartz or Cairngorm.
The colorless, transparent 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 power 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's
blood. Crystal balls were brought to Europe from the Near
East by the Crusaders. They were credited with the ability
to cure diseases. In Scotland and Ireland, farmers used crystal
balls to keep livestock healthy. In modern times quartz has
been credited with the ability to do everything.
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