|
Rock crystal:
Tectosilicates (Silicon dioxide) SiO2 AKA: Quartz |
|
System: Hexagonal; usually prismatic crystals striated crosswise and frequently terminated by double rhombohedrons (like hexagonal pyramids); also granular, disseminated, massive. Appearance: Transparent and colorless; vitreous, greasy luster; streak white. Physical Properties: Hardness: (7.0), Specific gravity: (2.65), Cleavage: Generally none; rarely indistinct rhombohedral parting. Similar species: White and colorless beryl has one poor cleavage, is harder than quartz, and lacks the crosswise striations. Feldspar is softer and has perfect cleavage. Occurrence: Quartz is an important rock-forming mineral and developed in many different environments. It is a constituent of granite and grandodiorite of plutonic rocks, and is usually associated with albite and orthoclase in granite pegmatites. Famous localities of rock crystal include Brazil, Switzerland, Malagasy Republic, Italy, Austria and Japan. Outstanding clusters of transparent crystals up to 20 cm (8") in length have come from quartz veins in Arkansas. Miscellaneous: Collectors of crystals used to believe that transparent, colorless rock crystal was petrified ice. Rock crystal is used for optical and piezoelectric purposes in industry. All minerals with the composition SiO2 are included in the silica group, which includes quartz, chalcedony and opal. Conventional Wisdom:Clear quartz is used extensively in meditation, spiritual development and healing. It helps one to recognize the origin of unease and has been used for this purpose quite extensively by the inhabitants of Atlantis and Lemuria, by the Native American Indians, the African tribal systems, the ancient Egyptian culture the Mayans and Aztecs, the Australian Aborigines, the Romans, Scots, Celts, Tibetan Buddhists, Brahmans and many others during the days of the old ways. It has been used by these cultures in diagnostic healing, in raising the consciousness toward the enlightened state and in communicating with the spirits and with those from other worlds. Belongs to All the Astrological Signs. |