The rainbow quartz semi-precious stone is one of the most striking within the family and varieties of quartz crystals that occur in nature, all because this type of quartz is characterized by presenting a rainbow within the crystal or colors similar to the rainbows on their faces and sides.
Below in this article we briefly present all the properties, characteristics, meaning and uses of this beautiful crystal.
What is rainbow quartz crystal?
The rainbow quartz stone It is a mineral that belongs to the group of silicates, to the class of tectosilicates and specifically it is a crystalline variety of quartz, that is, it is a type of crystalline quartz.
Its importance and rarity is due to the fact that it contains « a rainbow inside the glass » or also on their faces, that is to say that it reflects light in various shades towards the viewer.
Despite this, it is practically similar in properties and characteristics to the purest quartz known as rock crystal.
Why does it have a rainbow inside or on its faces?
This peculiarity is nothing more than a response to how light passes through the glass, however, ad difference to other quartz crystals, this stone has formed in compressive geological settings which causes the crystal lattices in the interior to be deformed by the pressure of the rocks that surround the rainbow quartz.
This crystalline deformation means that when light passes through the crystal, it does not do so in a single direction and forms different shades of color on the inside and on the faces of the stone, similar to a rainbow.
Stone meaning
The meaning of this crystal is very varied in all the cultures in which it has been used, for example in Tibet it has been considered as a crystal that attracts good luck very well and that it is very effective in transcendental events.
Also in Tibetan iconography, many of its representations around this stone denote positivity and good vibes that surround its owner.
Currently, this crystal is associated with joy, strength and enthusiasm. In addition, it has a metaphysical and spiritual meaning that indicates that has the power to activate the 7 chakras in the human being.
Properties and characteristics of rainbow quartz
This maneral is characterized because it preserves all the physical and chemical properties of the natural quartz, where its good resistance to wear and hardness on the Mohs scale of 7 stands out, only below the corundumand the topaz.
In addition, its chemical composition is 100% silica, that is, it has the formula SiO2.
It can also be mentioned that this mineral crystallizes in the hexagonal system, and for this reason it usually appears as well-formed elongated and prismatic crystals in geodes and druses.
All these properties and characteristics make it highly appreciated in the jewelry, costume jewelery and handicrafts industry.
Below is a summary table with the most important properties that serve to correctly identify this stone.
| rainbow quartz | Characteristics and physical properties |
| class, group | Silicate (tectosilicate), type of quartz |
| shine or luster | Vitreous |
| Color | In all the shades of the rainbow |
| Stripe | colorless, white |
| diaphanousness | Transparent to Translucent |
| Solubility | Molten borax and hydrochloric acid |
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Chemical composition | Or (53.26%), Yes (46.74%) |
| Hardness | 7 |
| Density or specific weight | 2.6 to 2.7 g/cm3 |
| cleavage | does not present |
| Fracture | conchoidal |
| crystalline system | trigonal |
| Way of introducing yourself (habit) | Hexagonal prisms, columnar |
| Applications | Precious and semi-precious stone, in artisan jewelry as a gem, healing and metaphysical uses |
Deposits of rainbow quartz crystal
This crystal is quite common to find in Brazil, which is the main exporter worldwide. However, it is also found in the United States and Madagascar.
This mineral is formed mainly in geological environments close to magmatic intrusions in the crust with a high content of hydrothermal fluids and temperatures that exceed 150°C.
Gem Uses
Rainbow quartz in jewelry
Thanks to the fact that different shades of color are present inside the crystal and on the faces of the stone, this mineral is very attractive to be used as a gem or jewel in the jewelry industry, in costume jewelery and in handicrafts that have a price. accessible to consumers of precious and semi-precious stones.
Beautiful accessories are made with this stone such as bracelets, pendants, earrings, charms, cabochons, necklaces and much more. It is very similar to what is done with the white quartz crystal.
Geological applications of rainbow quartz
This mineral generally appears well crystallized in hydrothermal zones that are interesting as they are associated with valuable metals and minerals with Prayed, copper minerals, silver minerals, zinc minerals and many more.
Furthermore, they are indicative of nearby deformation in the earth’s crust.
Metaphysical and esoteric uses
Many people use this crystal because it is believed to have the ability to achieve balance of all chakras, this will make your spirit and soul also reach a positive balance.
It is also thought that with this you will be able to put all your emotions in order and that you will be able to find a better purpose for life.
It is also believed that it is a stone that enhances love between couples and many use it to solve family problems and conflicts.
Ornamental uses of rainbow quartz stone
Finally, it can be mentioned that this crystal very commonly appears forming geodes and druses, which are highly coveted geological formations by collectors who use these stones to decorate their homes and museums, in addition to attracting all the possible benefits of crystal.