If you translate the word “quartz” from German into Russian, it means “solid.” Blue quartz is one of the varieties of this mineral found in the depths of the earth's crust. Depending on the area and rock composition, other stones often contain quartz inclusions. As a rule, these are various silicates and mixtures.
Blue quartz has been known to people since ancient times. During archaeological excavations, experts to this day find household items, jewelry and even sculptures made from it.
All about blue quartz
Even in ancient times, quartz was used to make dishes, jewelry, and even glasses. Such a thing was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun: scientists quickly investigated the nature of the lenses and determined that they were made of quartz. Products in the form of dishes or vases are also found in China during the reign of emperors.
Now you can find varieties of quartz in countries such as:
- Brazil.
- USA.
- Colombia.
- Madagascar.
- Russia.
- Ukraine.
The cost of a piece depends on the country from which the quartz was brought. By the way, it is in Madagascar that jewelry quartz of a blue hue is found and, accordingly, it is the most expensive.
This is explained by the fact that blue quartz is found in the earth’s crust in the form of silicates with impurities, so most often the specimens need to be heavily processed to get rid of foreign inclusions. They are not always used for decoration.
Inclusions appear during crystal growth and depend on impurities in the soil. These impurities also affect the color. A blue crystal is never transparent, it is always cloudy in nature, and can also have astreisms and outwardly resemble star quartz. The size of the crystal and its external qualities are influenced by geothermal conditions, due to which crystallization of rocks occurs.
Scientists have long found a way to transfer and reproduce this process in the laboratory. Since then, the majority of quartz minerals entering the markets have been perunites. Of course, the stone cannot be called an absolute fake.
The process in the laboratory occurs in the following stages:
- collecting material for making a crystal;
- setting temperature and pressure in thermostats;
- temperature correction over time.
Sometimes craftsmen can tint stones artificially, since most white crystals are grown.
But in general, a blue crystal in nature and in the laboratory has the same physical and chemical characteristics. Of course, natural quartz will always cost more than artificial quartz. But laboratory stone is easy to produce and relatively cheap for industrial use.
The growth time of quartz also plays a significant role. If in nature the process drags on for thousands of years, then in artificial conditions it occurs in a maximum of one month. It is impossible to repeat the process at home, since the technology is patented and kept secret.
Even with the use of new technologies, it becomes difficult to distinguish the two specimens. And if a fake glass can be recognized using a refractometer and the power of refraction of rays, then a different technique is needed here.
If we talk about a quick determination, then you can take a closer look at the stone under a magnifying glass. If there are bubbles on the specimen, the growth process took place in the laboratory. If the structure is completely uniform, there is a chance that the stone was mined naturally.
Stones are rarely counterfeited - it is unprofitable due to the low cost of production. But sometimes on the market you can find rock crystal with blue glue instead of blue quartz.
Before making jewelry, quartz is processed. This process is not difficult because the stone is quite hard and not brittle. The crystals are separated and cut to size. There are several types of cut, the most expensive is considered “type A”. Also, cabochon cutting is often used in relation to quartz.
It is no coincidence that the dishes were made from quartz. The crystal has low thermal conductivity, which allows you to keep drinks cool in the vessel. Therefore, one of the differences between a fake and a natural stone is testing using heat. If the quartz heats up slowly in your hands, then most likely it is real.
Alkalis and acids are dangerous for this stone, especially when heated - keep this in mind when cleaning jewelry yourself. If we talk about the melting point of blue quartz, it is at the level of 1728 degrees Celsius.
In addition, when heated in a conventional oven, the stone may acquire a green tint. This is how prasiolites are made. But if you do this without following the rules, the crystal will become fragile and simply crumble in your hands.
A small drawback of the stone is that the crystal loses its color saturation over time. This occurs due to the action of sunlight. Thus, the blue color may turn into a bluish color, but overnight in a dark place it will regain its hue.
If you do not want this effect, please note that stone products should be stored in a dark and cool place. You can even clean the stone with a brush and soapy water, in which case the risk of scratches will be minimal.
Description
Quartz in its pure form is often colorless or appears white. This gives it internal cracks or defects. However, it may contain impurities of other minerals. In this case, the quartz has a different color.
Blue quartz is the rarest variety of quartz minerals. They are mined in Madagascar, the USA, Brazil, Colombia, as well as Ukraine and Russia.
Such a mineral could sometimes be called “water sapphire,” but this name is not entirely correct. Quartz has nothing in common with this gemstone, but due to its similar blue or blue color, it is compared to the beautiful sapphire. In contrast, quartz is cloudy and does not play. But it has its own merits.
The composition of the mineral is quite complex. It includes oxides of manganese, iron, titanium, as well as aluminum and magnesium. Blue crystal is rare in nature, but jewelers know how to tint natural quartz.
Natural nuggets have the form of a random configuration with one-sided edges. Products from it are made using temperature technologies.
When characterizing this mineral, it should be noted that it has not only beauty, but also high hardness. Grinding methods, as well as special acid and alkaline agents, can be used to process stone.
How to distinguish natural blue quartz from a fake?
New technologies make it possible to create unique specimens of the breed that are almost impossible to distinguish visually from the original. However, there is a way to find a few differences. To do this, just examine the stone under a magnifying glass.
Small accumulations of air on the surface in the form of bubbles indicate artificial origin. An ideal, uniform structure is more likely a sign of the naturalness of the mineral.
Fakes of blue quartz are extremely rare. It is simply not profitable to do this. Most often, rock crystal painted with blue glue acts as an imitation.
Physicochemical characteristics
The chemical formula of the gem is SiO2. In addition to the compound of silicon with oxygen, glass-forming crystals contain inclusions of magnesium, aluminum, iron oxide, titanium, and manganese.
The physical and optical properties of blue quartz include:
- color - blue, cyan, violet;
- shine - matte, greasy, glassy;
- imperfect cleavage;
- line color - white;
- hardness on the Mohs scale - 7;
- density - 2.66;
- low optical relief;
- uneven, conchoidal fracture;
- trigonal system.
Processing and properties of the mineral
Blue gems must be cut. Crystals are grouped by size and the appropriate cut is selected. The most expensive type of cut is considered to be “A” or cabochon cut.
The main properties of the crystal include:
- instability to aggressive substances;
- low level of thermal conductivity;
- high melting point - up to 1728 degrees;
- change in color when heated.
Taken together, all these properties influence the expansion of the scope of use of the mineral in the modern world.
Caring for stone and products
Minerals of the quartz group are both hard and beautiful, they lend themselves well to processing, and therefore are actively used in jewelry. Stones are used to make pendants, necklaces, beads, bracelets, and are inserted into earrings and rings. Maintaining the beautiful appearance of such products is not difficult.
It is recommended to wipe the quartz with a flannel cloth. To clean heavily soiled areas, use a soap solution. It is prepared from filtered water and soap with a neutral pH. You need to “arm yourself” with a toothbrush, dip it in a soapy solution, carefully wash the stone, and rinse thoroughly.
A newly purchased product with quartz can be held under running warm water and then dried. For cleaning, the pink variety is placed in kitchen salt and left for several hours. However, it is better to avoid using various aggressive substances for cleansing. Many of them leave stains on the stones. It is recommended to protect colored quartz from direct sunlight.
The fact that a mineral has a fairly high hardness does not mean it is resistant to impact. You should handle jewelry and souvenirs with quartz inserts with care. They may become cracked or break if dropped.
Applications of blue quartz
The stone itself is very durable and strong. Based on these characteristics, it is able to compete even with diamonds. Its characteristic high melting point allows the mineral to be used in various industries without the risk of damage.
Nowadays, the breed is actively mined and synthesized to solve a number of problems, ranging from the beauty industry to the industrial sphere.
Like most natural stones, blue quartz is endowed with a unique ability to influence a person’s condition and mood. The gem has a special energy, with the help of which it has a tangible effect on well-being. It is known that the unusually colored mineral can help in the treatment of a number of diseases even when medicine is powerless.
Ancestors used the stone in magical and ritual actions, and actively used it to create jewelry. The priests of ancient tribes were able to see scenes from the future in blue quartz, believed in its unusual power and believed that the “frozen ice floe” contained the secrets of thousands of years.
In the modern world, even skeptics do not doubt the special properties of the mineral. The breed really influences a person, promotes healing and rejuvenation of the skin. Water is infused onto the stone, which can subsequently not only slow down the aging process, but also improve the functioning of the digestive system.
One course of procedures of this kind is usually enough to solve problems related to the health and appearance of the skin. Regular washes and lotions help restore elasticity, eliminate acne and give a natural, healthy glow.
The blue mineral as a stone for jewelry has a special effect on the owner. It is believed that it promotes the development of imagination, the manifestation of hidden talents, helps improve speech and is generally a source of positive energy.
Doctors are confident that quartz should be worn by people with respiratory problems. A necklace, pendant or beads with blue quartz can prevent the development of colds and reduce the risk of tracheitis or bronchitis.
Using the stone for medicinal purposes
The science that studies the effects of natural stones on the human body is called lithotherapy. Lithotherapists especially recommend wearing blue quartz jewelry for people who often suffer from acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and other pathologies of the respiratory system. It is believed that regularly carrying a small quartz crystal with you strengthens the immune system and prevents the occurrence of “seasonal colds” in spring and autumn.
Quartz products that are in the house purify and disinfect the air, making it light and clean. Even small particles of dust can disappear under the influence of the mineral. It is known that quartz is one of the best natural antiseptics. If you put a small pebble in clean water and wash wounds and inflammations on the skin with it, this will promote a speedy recovery. Regularly drinking quartz water helps strengthen the immune system and give you more energy throughout the day.
Quartz also helps with a number of diseases:
- cardiovascular disorders;
- diseases of the gallbladder, intestines, stomach;
- all types of addictions (including alcohol).
Magical properties of the mineral
You don’t have to be a priest, magician or psychic to feel the power of blue quartz. It is believed that the mineral is capable of forming a special protective barrier that protects against negative energy, calms and sets one in a positive mood.
The gem is necessarily used in spiritual practices by active yogis. They believe that the stone helps them enter a state ideal for meditation.
Psychics pay attention to one important property of the stone. They claim that blue quartz teaches you not to overreact to difficult situations and stress. Owners of the stone, in their opinion, find it easier to cope with trials and go through them with their heads held high, a smile and positive energy.
Blue quartz can play a special role in the life of creative individuals. In addition to developing imagination, the mineral will help enhance perception and improve memory. All artists are recommended to have a pebble in the form of a talisman or jewelry.
Stone deposits
Blue quartz is mined in only a few countries:
- Madagascar;
- Brazil;
- Colombia;
- Russia.
Blue quartz deposits are found only in Madagascar. Sapphire gemstone is mined in Austria.
The stone is processed using chemical-thermal methods, as well as by cutting. Blue quartz is cut into diamonds or cabochons.
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Publication from The Magic of Primary Elements (@hozaika_mednyh_gor) February 5, 2019 at 6:01 PST
Blue quartz and zodiac sign: who suits it
Astrologers say that the mineral is especially compatible with the characters and habits of Scorpios and Libra. Representatives of these signs can safely wear jewelry with quartz in plain sight. But blue quartz is not suitable for Virgos or Geminis at all, so it is better for them to refrain from using jewelry or decorative items.
For all other signs, there are no restrictions or special recommendations regarding quartz. They may choose jewelry and amulets simply to please themselves with the unusual beauty of crystal. The only rule for all, except for the above-mentioned signs, is not to show the stone to others because of its special irrepressible energy.
Of all the combinations, the most harmonious is considered to be the composition of blue quartz and silver or platinum. These metals enhance the effect of the gem. Such tandems help to attract good luck, find your soul mate, and achieve success in life. Owners of blue quartz acquire charisma, emitting a special favorable aura, which attracts others.
The mineral is also believed to help cope with nightmares and improve sleep. To do this, just put a pebble under your pillow.
Stone cost
Artificial crystals are much cheaper than natural ones.
- For one synthetic pebble you will have to pay from 100 to 500 rubles.
- Natural crystals, especially those set with precious metal, cost from 10,000 rubles apiece.
Blue quartz is a rare gem that looks great in silver jewelry. Suitable for almost all zodiac signs, normalizes the owner’s state of mind.
Tell us in the comments about your experience using blue quartz. Share interesting information with your friends on social networks.
What does the mineral combine with?
Of all the combinations, the most harmonious is considered to be the composition of blue quartz and silver or platinum. These metals enhance the effect of the gem.
Such tendencies help to attract good luck, find your soul mate, and achieve success in life. Owners of blue quartz acquire charisma, emitting a special favorable aura, which attracts others.
The mineral is also believed to help cope with nightmares and improve sleep. To do this, just put a pebble under your pillow.
Rules of care
The stone is unpretentious, but from time to time it needs to be cleaned from dust. To do this, use a soft cloth slightly moistened with water. The mineral tolerates running water well, but should not be allowed to come into contact with cleaning agents and other detergents. For polishing, use a dry soft cloth, and it is best to store jewelry or amulets in a separate container or box.
Blue quartz is a rare stone, and if you are lucky enough to acquire one, this means very good luck, because there are fewer and fewer natural-colored minerals left.
