The Joy of Collecting: Natural Quartz Crystal

 

I started collecting quartz crystals when I was in college.  That was more than 30 years ago.  Can you believe it?  Let me share my collection with you.

A quartz crystal is a semi-precious gem that is composed of silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2) and comes in various kinds.  The variations are differentiated by the colour they possess.  There's the colourless type which is referred to just quartz.  Then there are those that are violet in colour which are called Amethyst; pink which is called Rose Quartz; and yellow that is Citrine.

There are also those that have inclusions.  Inclusions are minerals such as titanium dioxide or other gemstones such as tourmaline that are in needle-like formations within the quartz crystal structure.  These are called "rutiles".

QUARTZ CRYSTAL.

Naturally quartz are formed in a structure with a termination of 6 sides, i.e., hexagonal.  A specimen with the natural hexagonal points and an elongated body is referred to as a wand such as specimens from the picture above.  These wands are usually used as an interior decor or for crystal metaphysical practice as they are believed to possess powers for healing and protection.  The crystals in the above picture are arranged in what is called a crystal matrix.  In neoclassical feng shui and crystal practice, crystal matrix are created in order to protect the household from negative energy and misfortune.  You do not  have to believe this.  Displaying them for their beauty is enough I suppose.

Quartz crystals are also sculpted for jewellery.  Take a look at these pendants that I bought before the turn of the new millennium in Hong Kong.  I frequently use these pendants.  An image of the dragon has been incised in the crystal in one pendant; and the phoenix in the other.  Lovely aren't they?

ROSE QUARTZ.

The pink variety is rose quartz.  Some regard this as the gemstone of love.  These are usually sculpted into hearts, peonies or mandarin ducks, symbols of love and blissful relationships.  I have spheres, a wand and a pendant of the Rose Quartz.  Their price is a bit higher than regular quartz crystal.

I bought the wand from a local merchandizer in 2019.  The spheres and pendant are from Hong Kong.  They are about 25 years now.

AMETHYST.

I love the violet variety of the quartz crystal.  At one point in history, the amethyst is highly valued especially in Europe.  But because several mines across the globe are being discovered the value of Amethyst sharply declined.  Best quality specimen that are used in high jewellery of high-end fashion brands however, cost an arm and a leg.  I have geodes and pendants of the Amethyst.  Can't seem to find a wand.

All of these pendants are from local merchandizers except for the double terminated wand pendant that I bought in Hong Kong several years ago.

CITRINE.

This yellow variety is my favorite.  Nowadays this is the most expensive kind of quartz.  Probably because of its popularity in crystal and neoclassical feng shui practice as we are currently in the Period 8 cycle, 2004 to 2024, an Earth period where the merchant stone, the Citrine, is its elemental gemstone.  On my part I love it because of the color. 

The pendants are bought from jewellery stores except for the one below that is bought in Hong Kong.  Just like the other pieces in the collection, they were bought in different years in a span of 30 years!

RUTILATED QUARTZ.

Availability of good quality rutilated quartz is a bit scarce.  And when you find some they are a bit pricey.  I am fond of the golden rutilated quartz.  Here's my haul over the years:

The pendant with something like "green moss" in it is not a rutilated quartz obviously.  But the inclusion makes it rare and pricey.  I do not know what mineral was included in the quartz but it sure is captivating.  All of these pendants were bought in Hong Kong in different times.

Oh, I wish to inform you that you should not expose your coloured quartz in sunlight.  The colour would surely fade.

Lifestylecheck101:  there is no prescribed time in collecting.  It can even span to decades.  Imagine the joy and happiness over the years!  Precious!