Mystic Quartz Gemstone Information

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Mystic quartz is a semi-precious stone that is quite new to the gemstone world, first seen around 1998. It is natural colorless (white) quartz that has been coated, giving it a unique rainbow color effect. Therefore, it is not a gem type, but is an enhanced clear quartz. The coating technology, known as thin film deposition, was pioneered by a company called Azotic Coating Inc. Mystic quartz may be so-called because its attractive changing colors appear deep, mysterious and unusual. Mystic quartz usually appears to display rainbow colors, with greens, blues and purples being quite prominent. Since the treatment is a coating, it is not a permanent enhancement, but its remarkable appearance makes it an interesting gem in its own right.

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The raw material for mystic quartz is white quartz, sometimes referred to as rock crystal, which is found all over the world. Some of the most important deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States and the Alps. Many deposits have yields rock crystal specimens weighing several tons.

Mystic Quartz Color

As mentioned above, mystic quartz has a very interesting rainbow color, which changes as it is tilted. This is what sets it apart from other stones, since every single color can be seen in one kaleidoscopic and magical stone. The quality of mystic quartz gemstones is dependent on the quality of the raw material; in this case a clear quartz gem. Therefore, quartz gems with high clarity and luster will yield the best results.

Mystic Quartz Clarity and Luster

Only the highest quality, transparent, eye-clean quartz is used to produce mystic quartz gemstones. Mystic quartz exhibits an attractive vitreous (glassy) luster after it has been cut and polished.

Mystic Quartz Cut and Shape

Quartz is a very versatile material. Therefore it can be fashioned into a great variety of shapes, such as square, round, octagon, pear, oval, heart and other fancy shapes. Strongly colored gemstones are usually scissor cut whereas weakly colored stones are generally brilliantly cut. This best shows off the brilliance and clarity of the gems. Since mystic quartz is strongly colored, the clear quartz can be brilliantly cut in preparation for the color enhancement. Mystic quartz should not be re-cut, since this would remove the coating and expose the colorless quartz beneath. Many mystic quartz gems are given interesting cuts, such as concave cuts and diamond-cuts.

Mystic Quartz Treatment

Colorless quartz, the raw material, is always untreated. In order to convert eye clean colorless quartz of fine quality into mystic quartz, a process known as thin film deposition is used. The cut and polished quartz is coated with an extremely thin titanium film that bonds with quartz at the molecular level. This is not a permanent treatment, since it only affects the surface of the stone.

Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemmology-related terms.

Mystic Topaz

Mystic quartz is similar to mystic topaz, which is colorless topaz that is coated in the same way. Mystic quartz is also similar to Azotic quartz and Azotic topaz. "Azotic" is a trade name for a patented process whereby the gemstone is coated to produce rainbow colors. Azotic gemstones usually display more pinkish-yellow tones than mystic gemstones.

Mystic quartz is a type of natural quartz that has been coated to enhance its appearance. As a result, the same beliefs and properties associated with natural quartz also apply to it. Colorless quartz, known for its amplifying qualities, is believed to heighten the emotions and energy of the wearer. It is also considered to be a crystal that uplifts and protects against negativity in various environments.

Additionally, colorless quartz is said to aid in mental clarity and concentration. From a physical standpoint, quartz is believed to provide stability and balance. In traditional Hindu belief systems, quartz is associated with harmonizing the crown chakra, which supports the attainment of higher consciousness..

Mystic quartz can be made into an almost limitless variety of jewelry due to its versatility. It is suitable for both rustic style, simply set or wire-wrapped bullet jewelry, or finely cut and faceted modern jewelry. Mystic quartz can be fashioned into rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants of almost any shape. Mystic quartz is quite hard (7 on the Mohs scale), which gives it durability. However, it should not be re-cut, since this could remove the coating.

Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamonds by weight in comparison.

Although quartz is considered to be relatively hard (7 on the Mohs scale), mystic quartz requires some care. Only mild detergent should be used for cleaning, combined with a gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush at the most. In order to avoid water stains on the coating, the crystal should be dried with a towel or soft cloth.

To clean your quartz gemstones, simply use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove soapy residue. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Always remove any jewelry or gemstones before cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities such as sport. Store quartz gemstones away from other gemstones to avoid scratches. It is best to wrap gemstones in soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.