The quartz family of crystals is large and diverse. It is estimated that quartz makes up about 12% of the volume of the earth's crust and clear quartz crystal is very common throughout the world. Our ancient ancestors were certainly familiar with it, even if they misunderstood its nature. Because of its resemblance to ice crystals, clear quartz was once believed to be perpetually frozen by some incredible cold. Its qualities were thought to be similar to ice and its reputation for purity probably comes from that connection.
Clear quartz crystal is referred to by crystal healers as the 'stone of power'. A clear crystal will enhance any energy field in its surroundings. We are used to thinking of white as the absence of colour, but white light actually contains all the colours of the spectrum. It is, in fact, the sum of all the different colours of light. Clear quartz can be thought of in the same way. It can reflect and amplify any colour projected into it and any thought. Thanks to these characteristics, it has been used throughout history in all kinds of spiritual techniques and practices, religious rituals and healing.
You probably know clear quartz as the material from which crystal balls are made, but even small pieces have many magical associations and uses. Quartz acts as an amplifier of energy, and is good for healing and communication. Quartz's clarity and purity give it magical similarities to water and glass. It can be used to 'wash away' negative energies from your body and environment. In crystal ball gazing, it acts as a window onto other worlds, a portal through which, for instance, the cause of an illness can be revealed.
Bridge between worlds
Quartz is believed to strengthen the link between earth and the heavens, enabling its user to see into other times and places. You can use it to aid psychic travelling and dream journeys, or pursue less celestial aims and use it in your Chakra healing exercises.
Using Quartz in Everyday Life
You are probably using quartz every day already, without being aware of it - its ability to amplify energy makes it an important internal component of electrical equipment. For example, quartz's amplifying abilities made it a vital component in early radios, also known as 'crystal sets'.
Quartz in jewellery
As quartz is used to stimulate your mind, the nest place to wear it in jewellery is close to your head, such as in earrings, nose studs or short pendants.
Using Your Quartz
You quartz crystal is an excellent all-round stone - it directs, focuses and amplifies energy and can dispel negativity in you and your environment.
Aiding Psychic Connection
Quartz's amplifying abilities can help to increase your psychic awareness. To activate your crystal you will need to carry it in your pocket for a week. This attunes the crystal to your body's energy.
When you meditate, try lying down with your piece of quartz at the crown of your head - your 'Crown Chakra'. As you so this, concentrate on your mind opening and your awareness expanding.
Holding your quartz crystal against your Third Eye Chakra - the centre of the forehead - can give you inspiration and insight.
Holding your crystal in your hand before you sleep can help you to remember your dreams.
Quartz can also help you to focus your dreams. Before sleep, hold your quartz crystal in your hand and think about any problems you have. Place the quartz under your pillow while you sleep to help your mind work through the issues.
Collecting Negative Energy
Quartz can also deflect energy away from you. Your crystal can purify your environment by dispelling negative energies from the air. Quartz is peizoelectric. This means it produces an electric charge when compressed, allowing it to disperse negative energy from the air around it.
Keeping quartz close to your body will help to protect you from day-to-day stress.
Healing Powers
Quartz is a strong healing crystal as it can help to focus and channel healthy energy, directing it to the point of sickness. It is the crystal most often used to make healing wands, although you can also use smaller pieces.
Rub the affected area gently with your crystal wand and visualise golden light passing from the earth, up along your spine, through your heart, out along your arms and through the crystal. The crystal will amplify the healing energy as it passes into the affected area.
Passing a quartz crystal over each of your body's energy centres in turn will clear any blockages and help energy to wash through you.
Natural Forms of Quartz
The word quartz comes from the Old Saxon querklufterz which means 'cross-vein ore'. Natural pieces of quartz crystal display characteristic cracks, especially in larger pieces.
Perfectly clear spheres or crystals with no imperfections at all are likely to be ordinary glass rather than quartz crystal. Make sure you have a careful look at the end-of-pier gazer's ball before you cross any palms with silver.