Types of Quartz Crystals (and meanings)

Quartz is a popular gemstone that’s not only beautiful but also wallet-friendly. It offers a spectrum of colors to suit any taste, whether you’re a collector or just someone who loves wearing unique jewelry. While many people are aware that quartz has several different types, not everyone knows the sheer range of these varieties.

Quartz is a mineral made of silicon dioxide and is pretty common around the world. You might even stumble upon it during a nature walk near a stream. It’s usually clear or see-through, and it’s sturdy, which makes it a popular choice for jewelry and other trinkets.

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The number of quartz types is a subject of debate. There’s no universally accepted number because people disagree on how different one kind has to be from another to be considered a separate type. But most people agree that there are dozens of varieties out there.

In today’s guide, let’s talk about the different types of quartz crystals.

What are the different types of quartz crystals? (and their meanings)

Actinolite Quartz

Actinolite is a green mineral that sometimes shows up inside quartz crystals. When this happens, the otherwise clear quartz can look like it has a “cat’s eye,” or it might have a striped appearance, almost like blades of grass inside a clear stone.

  • Meaning:  In the metaphysical realm, Actinolite Quartz is often seen as a balancing stone. People believe it can harmonize various aspects of your life, from emotions to spirituality. It’s also considered to be a strong protective stone that shields against negative energies.

Agate

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Agate is a special form of chalcedony known for its layers or patterns in a mix of colors and how clear or opaque it is. It mainly consists of quartz but could have other types mixed in, like carnelian. Usually, agate has white, gray, or colorless segments along with earthy colors like brown, red, or yellow. But if you see agate in unusual colors, be careful—those stones might be dyed to look that way.

  • Meaning:  Agate is often thought of as a grounding and stabilizing stone in metaphysical circles. It’s believed to improve concentration, heal inner anger, and provide a sense of security and safety. Some also see it as a stone that fosters love and courage.

Ajoite Quartz

Ajoite is a bluish-green mineral that can be found inside quartz crystals, creating what’s known as ajoite quartz. This combination is most commonly found in South Africa and has a special look—it’s like the quartz has a blue glow coming from inside it.

  • Meaning:  This particular type of quartz, embedded with ajoite, is considered a high-vibration stone that’s closely associated with emotional healing and spiritual growth. People believe it helps to connect with one’s inner self and divine feminine energies. It’s also often used to foster compassion and unconditional love.

Ametrine

Ametrine is a cool mix of two types of quartz: amethyst and citrine. With purple from the amethyst and yellow from the citrine, these stones have a colorful contrast that really stands out. They are usually cut in a way that shows off these two colors prominently.

  • Meaning:  Ametrine is an intriguing mix of amethyst and citrine, and metaphysically, it’s thought to combine the best of both. It is said to merge the calming, spiritual aspects of amethyst with the energizing qualities of citrine. Thus, it’s often used to balance out emotional energies and stimulate creativity.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple or violet kind of quartz that’s pretty easy to find, which makes it affordable. It’s even the birthstone for February. The color usually ranges from medium to deep purple, but lighter shades exist too. Because it’s a strong, durable stone, it’s great for everyday jewelry, and its royal look makes it even more popular.

  • Meaning:  In the world of metaphysical properties, Amethyst is often considered the go-to stone for spiritual growth and protection. It’s popularly used for meditation and is believed to help open the third eye, enhancing intuition and spiritual wisdom. It’s also thought to have calming properties that help soothe stress and balance mood swings.

Blue Quartz

Blue quartz gets its unique color from specific minerals inside it, usually magnesia-riebeckite or crocidolite, although sometimes tourmaline is involved. The shade of blue can differ, but many look like deep blue denim, making them quite eye-catching.

  • Meaning:  Blue Quartz is usually associated with peace and tranquility. It’s believed to enhance organizational abilities, self-discipline, and help balance the throat chakra, which is associated with communication. In essence, it’s thought to bring a sense of order to all things and help you to more effectively communicate your feelings.

Brandberg Quartz

This type of quartz comes from Namibia and often has a combination of clear, smoky, and purple sections in the same stone. It doesn’t blend the colors but keeps them separate, which is called color-zoning. Sometimes, you might also see red flecks in it, thanks to the presence of other minerals like lepidocrocite or goethite. This quartz is often more clear and shiny than you’d expect.

  • Meaning:  This quartz variety from the Brandberg Mountains in Namibia is considered one of the most versatile healing stones. It’s believed to be incredibly powerful for spiritual transformation, holding both grounding and high-vibration energies. Brandberg Quartz is thought to be especially good for people dealing with trauma or major life changes, offering an array of purported healing and enlightening benefits.

Candle Quartz (Also Known as Pineapple Quartz)

Candle quartz usually has a white or creamy color with a waxy look. It’s also textured, with hundreds of tiny points across its surface, giving it a unique feel. It can come in other shades like pink or tan as well.

  • Meaning:  Metaphysically, Candle Quartz is considered a light-bringer for the spiritual self. It is believed to possess energies that can bring clarity, aid in spiritual growth, and instill emotional peace. The stone’s unique formations are thought to represent communal unity and consciousness.

Carnelian

Carnelian is another form of chalcedony, and it’s known for its beautiful orange color. The clearer it is, the more valuable it’s considered to be. It also should have a consistent color to be highly regarded. In the past, people associated carnelian with royalty, and it was even used as a sort of secret handshake among the elite to show goodwill.

  • Meaning:  Traditionally associated with courage and vitality, Carnelian is believed to stimulate the root chakra, grounding its user and enabling a sense of joy and creativity. It’s often used to boost energy levels and impart a sense of fearlessness.

Cat’s Eye Quartz

In cat’s eye quartz, you’ll notice an effect that makes it look like you’re staring into someone’s eye. This unique visual feature is called chatoyancy. It happens because of certain thread-like structures or tube-like cavities in the quartz that change how light moves through the stone, creating this eye-like appearance.

  • Meaning:  Due to its unique optical feature called chatoyancy, Cat’s Eye Quartz is often associated with intuition and insight. Many believe that it helps to ward off negative energies and thoughts, thus acting as a protective talisman.

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a blend of quartz and another mineral called moganite. It comes in an impressive range of colors, from white and black to all shades of the rainbow. Depending on its internal makeup, the stone could be anywhere from nearly clear to quite cloudy. It also has a luster that can look either waxy or shiny, like glass.

  • Meaning:  Chalcedony is thought to enhance emotional balance and endurance. Its myriad colors are believed to influence its various metaphysical properties, but in general, it is considered a nurturing stone that fosters goodwill and harmony.

Chlorite Quartz

Chlorite quartz is basically quartz with a covering or inclusions of a mineral called chlorite. This chlorite can be colorless, slightly tinted, or distinctly green. Depending on how it’s formed, it might look like green speckles or even a ghostly shape inside the quartz.

  • Meaning:  Believed to be a healing stone, Chlorite Quartz is thought to cleanse the aura and align the chakras. The presence of chlorite inclusions are said to amplify its healing energies, making it an ideal stone for physical detoxification and emotional release.

Citrine

Citrine is a pretty rare quartz variety that’s naturally yellow, usually resembling the sun or gold. Even though it’s rare in nature, it’s easier to find in stores because heating up other types of quartz like amethyst or smoky quartz can make them turn yellow. Citrine is especially popular because it’s the birthstone for November. It’s often cut into facets but can also be made into rounded shapes or beads, especially if the stone isn’t perfectly clear.

  • Meaning:  Known as the ‘Merchant’s Stone,’ Citrine is associated with abundance and prosperity. It’s also considered an excellent stone for transforming negative energy into positive energy. Many use it to enhance creativity and clarity of thought.

Dumortierite Quartz

When quartz has inclusions of a mineral called dumortierite, you get a quartz type that’s royal blue in color. The blue can sometimes be uneven or blend with other colors like gray or purple, making each stone unique.

  • Meaning:  This stone is often associated with enhanced intellectual abilities and willpower. Many believe that Dumortierite Quartz fosters self-discipline and organizational skills, making it a popular choice among students and professionals.

Elestial Quartz

Elestial quartz, sometimes known as window quartz, is a less common type that has a very specific pattern of pointy ends or “terminations” throughout the crystal. You’ll mostly see this in smoky quartz varieties. There’s a special sub-type of elestial quartz called fenster quartz, which is highly sought after. Both types are big hits with people who collect minerals.

  • Meaning:  Known as the “Crystal of the Angels,” Elestial Quartz is believed to connect individuals to higher realms. Many feel that the stone’s unique internal formations serve as windows into the divine, aiding in spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Faden Quartz

Faden quartz has white lines or threads running through it, almost like the stone has scars. These lines are caused by fractures or breaks that happened while the quartz was forming. Sometimes these lines are filled with gas or liquid, which signifies how the stone healed itself over time.

  • Meaning:  The thread-like inclusions in Faden Quartz are often considered as metaphors for connectivity and healing. This stone is generally used to improve connections in relationships and foster emotional stability.

Flint

Flint is an interesting type of quartz that’s a bit cloudy and has a very fine-grained structure. Unlike pure quartz, flint also contains various impurities or other minerals mixed in. Because of its makeup, it’s considered a sedimentary rock rather than just a mineral. In the past, people used flint to make arrowheads and tools, but these days it’s mostly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal.

  • Meaning:  Commonly seen as a grounding stone, Flint is believed to be useful in clearing energy blockages. Many consider it as an aid for spiritual rebirth and as a protector against negative energies.

Gwindel Quartz

Gwindel quartz, named after the German word for “twisted,” is a quartz type that forms in a unique way. As the crystal grows, it rotates a bit, giving the final form a twisted look. Most of the time, this quartz is smoky, although some clear rock crystals have also been found with the same twisted shape.

  • Meaning:  Owing to its unique twisted structure, Gwindel Quartz is thought to represent transformation and evolution. It is often used as a tool for spiritual elevation and consciousness expansion

Hematoid Quartz (Also Known as Fire Quartz)

Hematoid quartz, which is sometimes called fire quartz, is an interesting blend of quartz, iron, and a mineral called hematite. These mix together to create a stone that ranges in color from yellow and orange to even some shades of red. The crystal itself is often somewhat see-through and might have stripes or spots in darker brown hues.

  • Meaning:  Known for blending the amplification properties of quartz with the balancing energies of hematite, Hematoid Quartz is believed to be effective for grounding and manifesting intentions. It’s also thought to assist in transforming negative energies into a positive vibration.

Himalayan Quartz

As the name suggests, Himalayan quartz is found in the Himalayan Mountains. This type of quartz is more fragile compared to others and can come in various shapes. While smoky versions are the most common, it can also be light pink or pale yellow. What makes this quartz rare isn’t that it’s hard to find but that it’s challenging to collect because of the high altitudes where it’s located.

  • Meaning:  Himalayan Quartz is considered a stone of enlightenment and is believed to possess high vibrational energies due to its high-altitude origin. Many feel it aids in spiritual development and the realization of one’s highest potential.

Inclusion Quartz

Inclusion quartz contains various things inside it, like what might look like strands of hair, moss, or even tiny spheres. Depending on what’s trapped inside and how it looks, this stone can go by other names like lodalite, shaman quartz, or garden quartz. Sometimes people mistakenly call it phantom quartz.

  • Meaning:  Each type of inclusion lends its own set of metaphysical properties, but overall, Inclusion Quartz is thought to embody the energies of the inclusions within it, making it an effective tool for multiple types of energy work.

Jasper

Jasper is another type of quartz that’s opaque and can either be a solid color or have different patterns. It’s a sturdy stone that can be polished really well, making it great for jewelry. You’ll commonly see it cut into rounded shapes, and it’s found in mostly earthy colors, although some pieces can be surprisingly vibrant.

  • Meaning:  Known for its grounding and stabilizing energies, Jasper is believed to align all the chakras and balance yin-yang energies. It’s often employed to instill a sense of peace and enhance states of meditation.

Lemurian Quartz

Lemurian quartz is a clear variety found in only three areas globally. This crystal is unique for its ladder-like lines on one surface while other sides may be super smooth. The inside is usually very clear, and it’s rare to find any major inclusions in it.

  • Meaning:  Named after the mythical Lemurian civilization, this quartz is thought to be a tool for acquiring ancient wisdom. The unique ladder-like striations are believed to act as ‘bar codes,’ holding the wisdom and teachings of this ancient society.

Lithium Quartz

Lithium quartz primarily comes from Brazil and typically has a soft pink or purple hue. It’s believed that this color comes from lithium-based minerals in the quartz, although this isn’t confirmed. This type can be either somewhat transparent or completely opaque.

  • Meaning:  Primarily associated with emotional peace, stress release, and relaxation, Lithium Quartz is thought to balance the brain and emotional body. Many believe it has a powerful yet soothing energy that can help relieve stress and improve overall well-being.

Milky Quartz (Also Known as Snow Quartz)

Milky quartz, or snow quartz, is the most commonly found type of quartz. Its white swirls and streaks are actually inclusions within a clear quartz base. These inclusions make it less transparent, which means it’s usually not used for industrial purposes. But it’s still quite attractive and generally affordable.

  • Meaning:  This stone is often associated with innocence and clarity. It is believed to enable deeper states of meditation and relaxation by connecting the individual to their higher consciousness.

Nirvana Quartz

Nirvana quartz is a newer variety discovered in the Himalayas. These crystals often look like wands and are typically soft pink in color.

  • Meaning:  Due to its high-energy vibrational quality, Nirvana Quartz is considered a stone of enlightenment. Many believe it facilitates deep meditative states, encouraging self-acceptance and emotional release.

Onyx

Onyx is a subtype of chalcedony, and it’s famous for its bold black color, although it can also be white. What sets onyx apart is its layers of distinct colors, which make it ideal for detailed carvings like cameos. Most of the time, onyx is either translucent or opaque.

  • Meaning:  Onyx is generally considered a protective stone that absorbs negative energy. Many utilize it to build emotional and physical stamina, especially during times of stress or grief.

Phantom Quartz

Phantom quartz is captivating because it has layered growth. This results in what looks like a smaller crystal trapped within a bigger one, almost like a ghostly figure inside the stone.

  • Meaning:  Phantom Quartz is often associated with universal awareness, offering insights into the bigger picture and aiding spiritual growth. Many believe it helps to connect the past, present, and future, thereby assisting in personal evolution.

Prase (Prasem Quartz)

Prase, also known as prasem quartz, is special for its unique greenish or yellow coloring, often resembling the shade of a leek. People usually cut it into rounded shapes to bring out the color. Although it might look similar to another mineral called chrysoprase, prase typically has darker and less bright colors.

  • Meaning:  Prase is often associated with a deep connection to the Earth and nature. Its greenish hue resonates with growth, renewal, and balance. The stone is believed to bring forth emotional stability and spiritual tranquility.

Prasiolite (Also Known as Green Amethyst or Green Quartz)

Prasiolite is a rare type of green quartz. The green hue comes from iron particles in the crystal. A lot of what’s sold as prasiolite is actually artificially colored, often by heating up amethyst. If you’re looking for the real deal, most genuine prasiolite comes from Brazil, but some pieces have been found in Poland and Canada too.

  • Meaning:  Prasiolite is often linked with spiritual growth and self-love. It’s considered a heart-centered stone that encourages the user to align their physical reality with their spiritual purpose.

Rose Quartz

As you might guess from the name, rose quartz is all about that pink color. Trace amounts of iron, manganese, or titanium usually give it its pink shades, which can range from soft to intense. In some cases, if there are tiny needle-like structures inside, rose quartz can display a unique optical effect called asterism.

  • Meaning:  Rose Quartz is quintessentially the stone of unconditional love and emotional healing. It’s believed to open the heart chakra and enhance all forms of love—self-love, romantic love, and love for humanity.

Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated quartz is fascinating because it has inclusions of black rutile crystals that look like threads or even floating confetti. These inclusions are generally not see-through, which makes them pop out against the transparent quartz background.

  • Meaning:  Rutilated Quartz is said to be an energy amplifier. The rutile inclusions are believed to intensify the power of the Quartz crystal, promoting mental clarity and spiritual awakening.

Scepter Quartz

Scepter quartz has a unique way of growing. It forms in multiple stages, and often the tip of the second stage is much larger than the first one. If it happens the other way around, that’s called a reverse scepter quartz formation.

  • Meaning:  Known as a stone of authority and power, Scepter Quartz is believed to bring balance and stability in leadership roles. It’s often used in spiritual rituals and is said to focus and amplify energy.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz has a translucent to almost opaque look, featuring earthy gray tones. The intensity of its color can differ, ranging from a soft gray to nearly black. The color is due to natural radiation affecting trace amounts of aluminum in the crystal.

  • Meaning:  Smoky Quartz is considered an excellent grounding stone. It’s often used for detoxifying negative emotions and transforming them into positive energies. It’s also known for enhancing survival instincts.

Spirit Quartz (Cactus Amethyst)

Spirit quartz, or cactus amethyst, is known for its unique structure. It has a central crystal covered in tiny pointed tips, almost like a cactus. This particular type is mainly found in South Africa and is a favorite among collectors. The stone usually features amethyst, so you’ll often see some shades of purple, although other versions might have gray, yellow, or tan hues depending on the minerals present.

  • Meaning:  Spirit Quartz is known for its harmonizing qualities, said to align the aura and chakras. It’s believed to foster unity, peace, and a willingness to work together that’s beneficial for families or work environments.

Strawberry Quartz

Strawberry quartz gets its name from its reddish-pink color, similar to strawberries. The color comes from inclusions of various minerals like hematite or piemontite. Sometimes, these inclusions look like tiny strawberry seeds, which is another reason why it’s called strawberry quartz.

  • Meaning:  Strawberry Quartz is often associated with love and gratitude. It’s believed to amplify feelings of love, generosity, and thankfulness, both for oneself and others.

Tiger’s Eye Quartz

Tiger’s eye quartz has this amazing, wavy shimmer, almost like the eyes of a cat, thanks to a feature called chatoyancy. It usually has golden or warm brown colors, which come from altered amphibole fibers in the quartz.

  • Meaning:  Tiger’s Eye is often considered a protective stone that enhances courage and personal power. It’s associated with the solar plexus chakra and is said to promote an understanding of true self.

Titanium Quartz

Titanium quartz is essentially quartz that’s been given a makeover. Manufacturers bond titanium oxide to the quartz, which gives it a shiny, metallic look. It usually starts off blue, but you might see other colors depending on the angle and lighting conditions.

  • Meaning:  Titanium Quartz is often associated with vitality and vigor. The vibrant color and shine are believed to energize the spirit, help in breaking down barriers, and encourage a zest for life.

Tourmalinated Quartz

Tourmalinated quartz is what you get when quartz and another mineral, tourmaline, decide to grow together. The quartz itself is generally see-through or almost so, and black strands of tourmaline run through it. These strands often look like little pieces of paper or elongated confetti. If you’re into jewelry, you’ll want to know that most of the high-quality pieces come from Brazil, although this quartz is found elsewhere too.

  • Meaning:  Tourmalinated Quartz is believed to combine the properties of both quartz and tourmaline, providing a harmonizing effect. It’s often used for grounding and turning negative energies into positive ones.

What are the rarest quartz types?

Quartz, a mineral abundant in the Earth’s crust, comes in a diverse range of varieties. However, some types of quartz are exceedingly rare, capturing the fascination of collectors, scientists, and enthusiasts alike. The following is an exploration of some of the rarest types of quartz:

Anandalite™ (Also known as Rainbow Quartz)

Anandalite is noteworthy for its iridescent, rainbow-like luster that appears on its naturally-faceted surface. This type is exceedingly rare, found primarily in India.

Nirvana Quartz

Nirvana Quartz is a recently discovered variety, mainly found in the Himalayan Mountains. It often presents itself in unique wand-like shapes and is typically soft pink in color. The difficulty in collecting this quartz due to high altitudes adds to its rarity.

Lemurian Quartz

Lemurian Quartz is found in only three regions globally and is known for its unique “ladder-like” lines on one of its surfaces. This stone is in high demand but is not abundantly available, making it one of the rarer types.

Blue Quartz

Natural blue quartz, distinct from the more common dumortierite quartz, is quite rare. The blue color is typically pale and is due to the presence of inclusions or other minerals, and natural occurrences are limited.

Prasiolite (Green Amethyst)

Authentic, naturally occurring Prasiolite is exceedingly rare, mostly coming from Brazil and a few other locales. Much of the prasiolite available in the market is artificially treated amethyst.

Faden Quartz

Faden Quartz, recognized by the white thread-like lines running through it, is a unique and relatively uncommon type of quartz. These “threads” are often caused by the healing of fractures within the stone.

Spirit Quartz (Cactus Amethyst)

Mainly found in South Africa, Spirit Quartz is a collector’s favorite. It has a central crystal blanketed in tiny crystal points, resembling a cactus. Its limited geographic occurrence makes it relatively rare.

Harlequin Quartz

This type of quartz contains red and silver “specks” or “needles” of lepidocrocite and hematite, providing a unique appearance. True Harlequin Quartz is exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Chlorite Quartz

Though quartz with chlorite inclusions is not exceedingly uncommon, high-quality examples featuring intricate phantoms or well-defined chlorite structures are considered quite rare.

Tibetan Black Quartz

Found in the Himalayan Mountains, this type of quartz is known for its smoky to black color and is often used for spiritual and healing practices. Its rarity is due to the difficulties in mining at high altitudes.

What is the most common crystal type found in quartz?

The most common crystal type found within the broader category of quartz includes several prominent varieties such as clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz. All of these share a hexagonal (trigonal) crystal structure, which lends itself to a variety of metaphysical properties according to crystal healing traditions.

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About Me

Hi! I'm Lauren, and I run Moonlight Gems AZ. I'm an avid crystal collector and would love to share my expertise with you.