Crystal Quartz, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, Carnelian, Chrysoprase—These all rank among the most loved types of quartz. But which one is for you? Let’s take a deeper dive into these beauties to help you find your favorite.
First off, what is Quartz?
Quartz is the second most common mineral in Earth’s crust after Feldspar (our beloved Moonstones, Amazonite, Labradorite). You can probably go out in your backyard and find some! Quartz is composed of silicon and oxygen, and forms as magma cools. It can withstand chemical and physical weathering, which makes it perfect for jewelry and the reason many people use it as countertops.
Quartz occurs in almost every color, with certain colors receiving an individual name—Amethyst for purple quartz, Citrine for yellow, Rose Quartz for pink, and so on. Yet, when it comes to metaphysical properties, each one has its own meaning and use. Below are the most common and uncommon favorites. Let us know which one you love most!
Clear Quartz
Crystal Quartz, also called Rock Crystal or Clear Quartz, is a clear crystal, often with a milky base. This gem is considered to be the all-purpose, ultimate healing stone. It balances the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of the body, helping the body find balance. This Quartz amplifies the energy or intent given to it, as well as the energies of other crystals placed with it. It clears mental blocks while drawing off negative energy and promoting calm. Associated with all the elements and zodiac signs, it enhances communication with the natural world, while aiding in psychic and healing abilities.
Chakra: All
Astrological: All
Element: All (Fire, Water, Earth, Air)
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz gets its name from its pink color, which can range from near-white to medium-dark pink. It almost always occurs naturally in large chunks, with the finest specimens coming from Brazil. Other sources include Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and India. Please keep in mind, repeat sun exposure can lessen Rose Quartz’s pink color.
Rose Quartz is a stone of love. This crystal raises self-esteem by promoting self-love and confidence, and compassion for others. It is often used to attract new love, a soul mate, and friendship, or to help with overcoming heartbreak. Aiding in forgiveness, this crystal helps to restore trust and harmony in relationships.
Birthstone: January
Astrological: Taurus
Element: Water
Chakra: Heart
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is the light grayish brown to nearly black version of Quartz. It is found all over the world, but the best specimens have come from New England (USA), Africa, and Australia.
Smoky Quartz is a grounding stone believed to help with moving on from difficult or painful experiences. It helps to let go of the past so we can move on toward a better future. Because of its darker color, Smoky Quartz is great for removing negative or unwanted energy. It is also associated with the ancient Greek goddess Hecate, and is the national gem of Scotland.
Astrological: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn
Element: Earth
Chakra: Root
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is an apple-green variety of chalcedony—another microcrystalline quartz (a type of quartz filled with thousands of tiny crystals, giving it a cloudy or milky appearance). It can be found all over the world, including Brazil, the USA, India, Poland, Madagascar, and Australia.
Chrysoprase has been known to bring luck, good fortune, and positive energy to its bearer. It promotes joy and optimism while activating the heart chakra, allowing healing energy to flow into the heart center. It aids one in staying hopeful and supports with heartbreak and anxiety.
Astrological: Libra
Element: Water
Chakra: Heart
Amethyst
Amethyst, the purple variety of Quartz, can range in pale lilac to royal purple, to nearly brown or reddish. Because of its wine-like color, the early Greeks associated it with Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure. The name, Amethyst, comes from the Greek word, amethystos, which means not drunken. Therefore, it was believed to keep its bearer clear-minded and to ward off drunkenness. This crystal was once as valuable as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, but thankfully for us today, it is widely accessible for many.
Amethyst is said to encourage selflessness and spiritual wisdom while improving motivation. It is a meditative gem that aids in providing a sense of calm, balance, and peace, thus often resulting in better sleep and fewer nightmares. Many use Amethyst to aid with sobriety or fight addictive behaviors.
Birthstone: February
Astrological: Aquarius, Pisces
Element: Water
Chakra: Third Eye, Crown
Carnelian
Carnelian is the red-orange variety of Chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz—a type of quartz that’s filled with thousands of tiny crystals, giving it a cloudy or milky appearance. It ranges from pale orange to a deep rusty brown, and can be sourced from India, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States (Oregon and New Jersey).
Carnelian is a high energy and grounding stone often worn to enhance passion, love, and desire. It’s believed to encourage vitality, creativity, and courage, helping one to take action and pursue their goals. It wards against anger, resentment, and envy, whether it’s one’s own or another’s.
Astrological: Leo, Cancer, Aries / Traditional for Virgo
Element: Fire
Chakra: Solar Plexus, Sacral, & Root
