GemeBlog Video: Quartz (Part 1) – Rock Crystal, Milky, Rutilated & Tourmalinated Quartz
GemeBlog Video: Quartz (Part 1) – Rock Crystal, Milky, Rutilated & Tourmalinated Quartz
Quartz is a silicon dioxide mineral (SiO2), also known as silica. It is the second most common mineral on earth after feldspar, making up around 12% of the earth’s crust. It also has the most varieties and colors among minerals, over 40, some of which are considered gemstone-quality. Among its main gem varieties are Amethyst, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Milky Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz, Rose and Pink Quartz, Smoky Quartz and Aventurine.
Two of its most prominent members, amethyst and citrine, hold a place of honor among the group of birthstones. Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the gemstone for the fourth and sixth wedding anniversaries, whereas Citrine is the birthstone for the month of November and the gemstone representing the 13th wedding anniversary.
Throughout the ages, quartz has been the most common mineral used in jewelry and carvings.
In this part 1 video, the varieties Rock Crystal, Milky Quartz, Rutilated Quartz and Tourmalinated Quartz of the Quartz species are presented. Part 2 of this series presents the varieties Rose Quartz, Pink Quartz, Smoky Quartz and Aventurine. Amethyst and Citrine are each presented in other videos, which can be found in our video library in Facebook or YouTube under Gemewizard.
Did you know that the ancients believed clear quartz to be a form of supercooled ice or permanently frozen water? Or that The Alps are a notable source for Rock Crystal and Milky Quartz? And that rutilated and tourmalinated quartz are prized among gem lovers, as well as psychics, the prior because of the beautiful, unique patterns formed by the rutile and tourmaline needle-like inclusions, respectively, and the latter, because they believe them to be very potent stones?
Find out more on these amazing gems’ colors, their sources and physical properties in this GemeBlog video.
Enjoy!!!
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