Clear quartz is one of the most well-known and purest crystals in the quartz group. Its clear and transparent appearance makes it extremely popular for jewelry, home decor, and as collector's stones.

Clear quartz is especially known for its meanings related to clarity, balanced energy, and versatility, but it is also an interesting stone due to its gemological properties.

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What is clear quartz?

Clear quartz belongs to the quartz group, and its chemical composition is silicon dioxide, or SiO₂. The same mineral family also includes, for example, amethyst, smoky quartz, and citrine.

Clear quartz is the colorless and transparent form of quartz. Its clear appearance comes from the fact that the crystal usually does not contain strong coloring minerals.

Read more about the meaning of clear quartz

Hardness of clear quartz

The hardness of clear quartz on the Mohs scale is 7, which makes it a relatively durable crystal for everyday use and jewelry.

The Mohs hardness scale measures the scratch resistance of minerals. For comparison:

• fingernail hardness is about 2.5
• steel hardness is about 5–6
• diamond hardness is 10

Clear quartz withstands normal use well, but it should still be handled carefully to keep its surface clear and tidy.

Does clear quartz fluoresce?

Clear quartz generally does not fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet light. However, some specimens may show a very faint glow depending on the crystal's impurities and inclusions.

Fluorescence means that a mineral reacts to UV light by glowing visibly.

Structure and appearance of clear quartz

Clear quartz often forms as hexagonal crystals, which grow in clusters or as individual crystal points.

The crystal can be:

• completely transparent
• translucent
• raw
• polished
• in the shape of a crystal point

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Where is clear quartz found?

Clear quartz is found in several different countries around the world. The most well-known deposits include:

• Brazil
• Madagascar
• United States
• Switzerland
• India

Clear quartz often occurs in geodes, mineral veins, and as large natural crystals.

Can the color of clear quartz change?

Clear quartz is a relatively stable mineral, and its color usually does not change in the same way as, for example, amethyst.

However, the crystal's surface may get scratches or become dull if stored carelessly among other stones.

Use of clear quartz in jewelry and home decor

Thanks to its good hardness, clear quartz is well suited for:

• jewelry
• decorative stones
• collecting
• pocket stones
• bedrooms and workspaces

Clear quartz is also popular for combining with other crystals, as its clear appearance suits almost all types of decor.

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How to care for clear quartz?

Clear quartz should be cleaned with a soft cloth and stored in a place where it will not constantly bump against other stones.

Although clear quartz is a fairly durable crystal, sharp crystal points can chip from strong impacts.

Frequently asked questions about the properties of clear quartz

What is the hardness of clear quartz?

The hardness of clear quartz on the Mohs scale is 7.

Does clear quartz fluoresce under UV light?

Clear quartz generally does not fluoresce strongly under UV light.

Why is clear quartz transparent?

Clear quartz is the colorless form of quartz, which usually does not contain strong coloring minerals.

Is clear quartz true quartz?

Yes. Clear quartz belongs to the quartz group, and its chemical composition is SiO₂.

Summary

Clear quartz is a colorless crystal belonging to the quartz group, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its clear appearance, good durability, and hexagonal crystal structure.

The properties of clear quartz include good transparency, durable structure, and generally very little fluorescence under UV light.

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