What is Mystic Quartz?

Used widely in designer jewelry, from necklaces to rings, this unique gem is known for its radiant rainbow coloring. But what exactly is mystic quartz?

Keyword(s): mystic quartz

Mystic quartz is hard to miss with its dazzling and unique rainbow coloration. But how much do you actually know about this beautiful gemstone?

If the answer is "not a lot," you're not alone. This type of quartz jewelry is actually pretty new on the scene. But when it comes to this owning this brilliant gem, knowledge and proper care are crucial.

Read on to learn about this mystical gemstone and for some care tips that will make your jewelry last a lifetime.

What Is This Mystical Quartz?

So, what is this gemstone exactly, and what gives it that intriguing name? Let's break it down.

How It All Began

Although it has the look of a classic gem, mystic quartz is a modern addition to jewelry everywhere.

Considering that human beings started wearing jewelry around 25,000 years ago, this is a very young gemstone indeed!

In fact, we only began to see it used in jewelry around the year 1998.

How It's Made

In its raw form, this jewelry is made from white quartz, which is found all over the world.

The United States, Russia, Uruguay, The Alps, Madagascar, and Brazil have some of the world's more prominent deposits. Quartz (which is actually a form of silicon dioxide) is chemically and physically resistant to weathering.

Quartz can be found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock forms. But you won't find the finished product of this mystic variety in nature. It is, in fact, an enhanced gemstone.

So, how can you create the stunning rainbow effect which we see in mystic quartz?

First, the raw and natural white quartz is cleaned, cut, and then coated with a very thin layer of metallic titanium. This titanium is bonded with the quartz on a molecular level.

What Makes It Mystic

Mystic quartz is named so because of its brilliant and mystifying coloration. It can capture almost every color of the rainbow at once. Purples, blues, and greens are often the most noticeable colors in this gem.

People often describe the visual effect of this type of quartz as "kaleidoscopic" or like "oil on water."

Cut and Color

The options and varieties for cut and color are endless! Here are the details.

Luster and Clarity

As we know, this mystical gem boasts a prismatic color effect that appears to be ever-changing.

It is important that only the highest quality raw white quartz should be used in the production of this gemstone. The quality of the clarity and luster of the gem itself, not the coating, will yield the most glorious results.

Shape and Cut

This type of quartz jewelry can be fashioned into any shape or size.

This quartz is seen in emerald cuts, opal cuts, square cuts, pear cuts, heart cuts, and pretty much any other cut you can imagine. We even see this gem in diamond and concave cuts. These are quite unique and show off the stone's uncommon attributes.

Types of Jewelry

Whether it be rings, statement necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, mystic quartz knows no boundaries. Big or small, you can place a mystic quartz stone in any type of jewelry you desire!

Similar Gemstones

Mystic topaz, also known as "Azotic topaz," is sometimes confused with mystic quartz.

Mystic topaz is made from a colorless topaz that is coated using the same process and therefore has a similar visual effect.

This topaz jewelry usually has a pinkish, yellowish color.

How to Care for Mystic Quartz Jewelry

Without proper care, mystic quartz's titanium coating could sustain damage and lose its luster. Here's how to prevent that from happening.

Because the titanium layer atop the white quartz is deposited only in one thin layer, gentleness is necessary when handling and cleaning this gem.

What to Avoid

Stay away from these things when wearing or handling mystic quartz:

-Abrasive materials

Even if these materials don't remove the film, they may scratch the surface of your gem, affecting the clarity and brilliance.

-Ultrasonic cleaners

These cleaners may use a pickling solution that will damage the surface of the stone.

-Acids

These will damage the surface of your quartz as well.

-Heat

High temperatures may dull the intensity of the color in your gemstone.

-Physical activity

Whether you're swimming or doing chores around the house, it's best to put your jewelry in a safe place during times of activity to avoid damage.

-Chlorine or bleach

Using these to clean your quartz will dull its shine.

How to Clean Your Mystic Gem

If it's safe for pearls or opals, then it's safe for your mystic jewelry.

If you don't have a specific jewelry cleaner, you can use a mixture of mild soap and water to rinse over the stone. Windex is also safe to use with a lint-free cloth.

Proper Storage

How you store these jewelry pieces is an important part of prolonging their life and luster.

These quartz pieces should be kept in a soft cloth bag, or a jewelry box that is lined with fabric. Make sure that these pieces don't bump against others, as scratching and damage could occur.

How Long It Will Last

Because this type of jewelry is enhanced with a coating, it might seem like the hues and intensity are but a fleeting beauty.

This is not the case!

As we already know, quartz is very durable. If you follow the tips in this article and clean your quartz gently, you will have no need to replace these jewelry pieces.