ROSE QUARTZ

Rose Quartz belongs to the quartz family and has a Mohs hardness ranging between 6-7, with a chemical composition of silicon dioxide, or Si02. It is typically found in pegmatites, but also occurs in hydrothermal veins. Its color is usually a soft pink, ranging from very light to medium saturation intensity. Current research suggests that rose quartz’ characteristic coloration can be attributed to microscopic inclusions of intricately aligned silicate mineral fibers. Further testing has concluded that these fibers are very similar in construction to the mineral development of dumortierite, and until recently it was considered the most likely contributing factor to the coloration. It is speculated that the borosilicate fibers likely crystallized outward as the host gem cooled, and that they are aligned according to the crystal directions of the quartz development process. On rare occurrences, the microscopic pink fibers will tightly arrange themselves enough to produce a fiberoptic phenomenon of light distribution called asterism, in which the material inclusions display a perfect six-rayed star when cut and correctly oriented. Rose Quartz is most commonly discovered in massive form, although exceptionally rare occurrences of crystalline material have been discovered. The finest of these examples are sourced from Brazil, more specifically near a deposit in Galiléia, in the state of Minas Gerais. The very-best crystal specimens are often purchased into private collections or exhibits and will typically command high prices at auction. In 2013, a world-class example of rose quartz crystal, named La Madona Rosa, or “the Pink Madonna”, sold for an incredible $662,500. The La Madona Rosa measures 15.5 x 8 inches, and it features a core of smoky quartz resembling a woman’s form that is surrounded by a glistening halo of transparent and vibrant pink rose quartz crystals. The finest quality and largest quantity of rose quartz is typically exported from Brazil, while other sources for the material include India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the United States.

QUARTZ

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silica (silicon dioxide), it has a Mohs hardness of 7, and it crystalizes in the trigonal crystal structure. It is so abundant, that it makes up about 12 percent of the Earth’s land surface, and about 20 percent of the Earth's crust. As a matter of fact, it is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, behind feldspar. There are many different varieties of quartz, several of which are classified as gemstones. Since antiquity, quartz crystals have been the most commonly used minerals in the making of jewelry and ornament. It is also one of the most varied of all minerals, occurring in numerous forms, habits, and colors. Interestingly, quartz crystals have what is called “piezoelectric properties”; meaning, it has the ability to create an electric charge when applying mechanical pressure and friction. As an experiment, if you rub two pieces of quartz together in a dark room, the crystals will produce an electrical current and glow an orange color. Even more interesting, if you run a copper coil around or through a quartz crystal, and apply a stable electric current, you will receive upwards of 30% measurable energy increase. The ability to maintain a stable electric current makes them extremely useful in the application of keeping precise measurements, such as its uses of keeping time in watches and clocks.

QUARTZ HISTORY AND USES

The Ancient Greeks referred to quartz as krustallos, meaning "icy cold", because of the theory held by many esteemed philosophers that the mineral is a form of supercooled water, or permanently frozen ice. Theophrastus, the Greek philosopher and successor to Aristotle, and also, later, Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, both believed quartz to be water ice that had been permanently frozen after great lengths of time. Pliny the Elder supported this idea by saying that crystals of quartz are found near glaciers in the Alps, but not on volcanic mountains. This idea persisted for roughly 1,600 years, until 17th century observations from Danish scientist, Nicolas Steno, paved the way forward for modern crystallography. He discovered that regardless of a quartz crystal's size, shape, or color, its long prismatic faces always joined together at a perfect 60° angle. This observation paved the way forward for scientists to begin research in crystal formation principles, observations and impact within polarized light, and the inevitable research that revolved around the principles of electrical mechanics.

By the 1930’s, most electrical devices had become dependent on quartz usage, creating a global race for the mineral’s extraction. However, only the purest forms of quartz crystals were able to be used in electrical mechanics, creating a dependency on the finest material being extracted almost exclusively from Brazil. As a result of interrupted supply chains during the second World War, scientists started working on the development of fully synthesized lab grown quartz crystals. A decade later, during the 1950s, hydrothermal synthesis techniques were producing synthetic quartz crystals on an industrial scale. Today, virtually all the quartz crystal used in modern electronics and industry is synthetic, while natural formations of quartz crystal are sought after for private collecting and jewelry making.

ROSE QUARTZ METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, rose quartz is believed to enhance spiritual development and provide positive energy flow. A stone of unconditional Love and peace, it is said that rose quartz helps to activate and align the Heart Chakra, allowing its user to access higher dimensional applications of personal bliss and joy. Because of its relation to the Heart Chakra, it is said to be a great facilitator of heart-healing frequency and vibration. It is said that rose quartz can also help to provide feelings of comfort and promote emotional release and forgiveness, allowing for the opportunity for an open heart to accept Love as a way of life and virtue. Physically, rose quartz is said to reduce muscle tension and fatigue, as well as aid the reproductive system with sexual imbalances. It is also said that rose quartz can aid the body’s heart and circulatory system, as well as providing healing frequencies to the chest, lungs, and kidneys.