Drusy Quartz

Gemstone: Drusy Quartz Birthstone Month: Drusy Quartz is not associated with any particular birthstone month. Zodiac: Drusy Quartz is not associated with any particular zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol: SiO2 Chemical Make-up: Quartz is a Silicon Dioxide. History & Lore: There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Quartz, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Quartz is derived from the Greek 'krystallos', meaning “ice”, or the German 'quarz'. Some of the earliest primitive tools fashioned by man some 2.5 million years ago, and discovered in the Omo valley in Ethiopia were made of Quartz. It is believed that Quartz was used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness that made the fashioning of the tools relatively easy. Chipped flint projectile points used for fire-making have been found on Mousterian sites in western Europe that date back around 40,000 years. In addition to its use in tool-making, certain varieties of Quartz were used for divination. Spherical Quartz rock crystals were often shaped into crystal balls and used for disease diagnosis and awareness of events occurring in distant places. More recently there was major production of synthetic Quartz during World War II. This synthetic Quartz was used to supply crystals for radios.

Today, Quartz is not only used for gemstone purposes, but also as a raw chemical ingredient in the manufacturing of abrasives, cements, concrete, porcelain, glass, and many other industrial materials. Because of its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, Quartz is commonly used in the production of watches, clocks, computers, and radios. Drusy Quartz is believed to energize and stabilize both your body and aura well promoting creativity. Availability: Quartz is one of the most abundant single minerals on earth - it makes up close to 12% of the earth's crust, and occurs in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. By far the most commonly found Drusy is Quartz, though top quality Drusy's are relatively rare, especially in non-Quartz species. Sources: Drusy is found within the interior of Quartz geodes. Evaluation: Drusy Quartz is rated at 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and is best suited for pendants, brooches, and earrings rather then rings and bracelets because of the concern of the Drusy being detached. Drusy's are gemstones with a natural surface texture much like fine sugar crystals that formed on the Quartz by the phenomena of micro-crystalline facets millions of years ago. Drusy crystals went unnoticed in the jewelry world until recently, when they began appearing in the work of noted carvers and jewelry designers. The appeal is now starting to grow for Drusy Quartz jewelry as it displays a multitude of tiny crystals with a reflective surface reminiscent of sugar or snow. The size and evenness of the crystal coverage are both important value factors when determining the quality and worth of Drusy Quartz items. Common Cuts: The shape/cut will depend on the variety of Quartz that the Drusy has formed on. Routine Enhancements: Drusy Quartz is often dyed to enhance its beauty and overall appearance. In addition to this, some varieties are coated with titanium which creates spectacular iridescent finishes. Care & Cleaning: Drusy Quartz can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Drusy Quartz should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat as this can cause damage or permanent changes to its appearance. Drusy Quartz should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid damage / scratching.