Quartz is a versatile and abundant mineral widely used in jewellery for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and diverse variety of colours and textures. Its unique properties, such as the ability to form large crystals and its role as a host for fascinating inclusions, make it a popular choice for both fine and costume jewellery. A deeper knowledge of quartz terminology can enhance design choices and craftsmanship.
Amethyst
A purple variety of quartz is valued for its vivid colour, ranging from light lavender to deep violet. It forms due to the presence of iron and natural irradiation during formation.
Ametrine
A rare quartz variety displaying a natural blend of amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow), created by differing oxidation states of iron within the same crystal.
Chalcedony
A microcrystalline form of quartz that appears in a range of colours, often translucent to opaque, used in cabochon settings.
Citrine
A yellow-to-orange variety of quartz, often created by heat-treating amethyst or smoky quartz. It symbolises warmth and energy in jewellery design.
Crystal Habit
The external shape of quartz crystals, typically forms hexagonal prisms with pointed terminations.
Drusy Quartz
Quartz with a sparkling layer of minute crystals covering a base rock is used decoratively in jewellery for its textured appearance.
Inclusion
Minerals or other materials are trapped inside quartz during its formation. Common inclusions include rutile (producing rutile quartz) and liquid or gas bubbles.
Milky Quartz
An opaque white variety of quartz is caused by the presence of microscopic fluid inclusions. It is often used for ornamental pieces.
Mohs Hardness
The hardness of quartz is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for everyday jewellery wear.
Quartz Cat’s Eye
A variety of quartz exhibiting chatoyancy, or a cat’s-eye effect, caused by parallel inclusions of fibrous materials such as asbestos or rutile.
Quartz Vein
A deposit of quartz within a host rock, often mined for its gem-quality crystals or as an indicator of valuable minerals.
Rock Crystal
The pure, colourless variety of quartz is prized for its clarity and is often used as a substitute for diamonds in budget jewellery.
Rose Quartz
A pink variety of quartz, often milky or translucent, with its colour attributed to trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese.
Rutilated Quartz
Quartz with needle-like inclusions of rutile creates a striking visual effect that is sought after for unique jewellery designs.
Smoky Quartz
A grey to brown or black variety of quartz formed by natural irradiation. It is popular for its earthy and mysterious tones.
Synthetic Quartz
Lab-grown quartz was created to replicate the natural mineral, often used in watches and other precision instruments as well as jewellery.
Tiger’s Eye
A golden-brown, chatoyant variety of quartz that forms from crocidolite, later replaced by quartz while retaining the fibrous structure.
Tourmalinated Quartz
Clear quartz with needle-like inclusions of black or green tourmaline, often set to highlight the striking internal patterns.
Varietal Quartz
A term encompassing the many distinct varieties of quartz, each defined by colour, inclusions, or formation process.
Zoning
The natural variation in colour or clarity within a single quartz crystal, is often seen in amethyst or smoky quartz.
