Spirit Quartz
I think the very first time that I ever laid eyes on a Spirit Quartz was when I decided that it was my favorite crystal of all time. I am a massive fan of amethyst (being a February baby and all) and the first Spirit Quartz crystal I ever saw was that of the amethyst variation. I've always subscribed to the notion that I could "never have enough Amethyst." Yes, there are some fairly generic looking Amethyst specimens out there- but when I see one that has something special to it; something that really makes it stand out...well, you try telling me no.
The feeling is mutual with Spirit Quartz. In fact, even stronger so. However, though there are Amethyst Spirit Quartz, their being of the Amethyst variety isn't an exclusive requirement for entry in to our crystal collection. Citrine, "Sunshine", iron included, clear quartz Spirit Quartz, Smoky- there's a place for everyone. The same remains for their need to have "something special" though, even if they're only special to me...
Location & Formations
Spirit Quartz is exclusively found in South Africa. The first major pockets found by miners were reported in the early 2000's. It's also most commonly referred to as "Cactus Quartz" and sometimes as "Cactus Amethyst" or "Pineapple Quartz."The first reports of Spirit Quartz discoveries
The "Quartz" part of its name is quite literal as it is indeed part of the quartz silicate family. (It's chemical makeup is SiO2)
What identifies Spirit Quartz and sets them apart from other more standard and well known quartz formations is their multiple terminations: a "main" termination (which is usually the largest) surrounded by many much smaller terminations cascading around its core.
As with many other claims where productive mining takes place, the specific locale of where Spirit Quartz is found varies based on who you're talking to if you catch my drift. Supposedly the credible locale for Spirit Quartz is Boekenhout Mpumalanga, however there are also those claiming it comes from The Magaliesberg Mountains.
The classically sought after formation by collectors is cylindrical "finger" looking formations. This has becoming increasingly harder to come by, as formations regarded as exemplary or high quality are often mined first and are inherently not as abundant in the mines. (Rarity tends to breed desire in the crystal world!) We've heard conflicting things coming out of South Africa- "it's mined in excess", "it's not"...it's really hard to say.
What seems to be more easily assessed is the depletion of dark Amethyst Spirit Quartz coming out of the mines. Over the years, it has become harder and harder to get your hands on the darker Amethyst Spirit Quartz variety- and in terms of quality, in the collecting world of Spirit Quartz, the darker the better. However, occasionally new pockets of dark Amethyst are found while mining. This is a rare treat, and we're told quite exciting even for the miners being that it is an infrequent occurence.
Being a quartz, it can form in many different and unique ways (clusters, singularly on matrix, etc.) including one way in particular is quite whimsical. The crystallizations surrounding the core are understandably, comparatively smaller to the main (almost always largest) termination. In some cases, the surrounding crystallizations are even tinier, a sprinkled sugar sort of look- known as druzy quartz. When this formation occurs, it is called "Fairy Quartz" by the metaphysical crystal community, but is from the same mines and indeed Spirit Quartz as well- just a bit of a finer druzy sparkle.
Varieties
There are many different Spirit Quartz varieties on the color spectrum, and in the crystal market. Some are naturally occurring, and some have had their colors altered due to human treatment known as Aura process. We compiled a quick little guide with corresponding photos. |
| High quality deep dark Amethyst Spirit Quartz. Spirit Quartz with this deep purple pigment are becoming considered quite rare over the past few years, although occasionally pockets are found during mining. |
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| Light lavender Amethyst Spirit Quartz Lightly pigmented lavender Amethyst is considered fairly common to rare depending on its color/formation quality. Clusters of lavender Amethyst Spirit Quartz are increasingly harder to find. |
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| "Fairy Quartz" smaller crystallizations also known as "druzy" Fairy Quartz can come in any of the "color" variants of Spirit Quartz from light/dark Amethyst , Citrine, as well as commonly seen white. We commonly also see white Fairy Quartz with inclusions such as red Hematite, Iron, and on occasion even Chlorite. Fairy Quartz is fairly common, however larger pieces/desirable "finger" formations are going to be harder to find. |
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| Ametrine Spirit Quartz- presence of both Amethyst and Citrine Commonly, Ametrine Spirit Quarts will be light lavender Amethyst and Citrine within the same structure, however the darker pigmented Amethyst and Citrine also form- but due to the darker pigmentation are going to be inherently more rare due to the darker color. |
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| Iron Included Spirit Quartz, can be either on the interior or exterior of the crystalline structure. When the Iron is on the exterior of the crystal, the coloring will change if it comes in to contact with water as Iron is water soluble. Also known as "Golden Healer" Spirit Quartz in the metaphysical community. This variation of Spirit Quartz is slightly more available than the others, but again larger pieces with nice formations are always going to be in higher demand and subsequently harder to find. |
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| Citrine Spirit Quartz Citrine Spirit Quartz with decent color quality is fairly rare. What separates this from the Iron included Spirit Quartz is the coloring will be entirely on the interior of the crystalline structure. As with any natural Citrine, color can vary to a very light honey color to a deep almost orange as shown in this specimen. |
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| "Sunshine" Spirit Quartz. Natural bright yellow coloration (and in rare cases, natural iridescence such as the one pictured bottom right) due to the presence of Iron and Goethite. Sunshine Spirit Quartz is fairly rare and considered extremely rare if it possesses the iridescence, which can vary in intensity. Obviously, the more apparent the iridescence, the more rare the specimen will be considered. |
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| White Spirit Quartz One of the most common colors of Spirit Quartz that is currently readily being pulled out of the mines. The clarity of the clear quartz, or the formations will determine if it is considered a higher quality specimen. |
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| "Red" Spirit Quartz (due to the presence of Hematite) VERY rare, especially if entire piece is densely saturated with red such as these two specimens. |
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| "Smoky" Spirit Quartz Essentially, Smoky Quartz Spirit Quartz. It is considered extremely rare, and we ourselves have only ever seen a handful of pieces. Deeply pigment color will increase the rarity of the specimen- as with all other Spirit Quartz it seems the more darkly pigmented, the better! |
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| "Aqua Aura" Spirit Quartz. Blue color through "Aura" bonding process of crystal being infused with precious metals in a high pressure specialized vacuum chamber. (Spirit Quartz itself is natural, but its blue iridescent color is obtained through a process that is man created.) |
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| "Titanium Aura" Spirit Quartz. Dark hued rainbow color obtained through "Aura" bonding process of crystal being infused with precious metals in a high pressure specialized vacuum chamber. (Spirit Quartz itself is natural, but its rainbow color is obtained through a process that is man created.) |
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| "Angel Aura" Spirit Quartz. Light hued rainbow color obtained through "Aura" bonding process of crystal being infused with precious metals in a high pressure specialized vacuum chamber. (Spirit Quartz itself is natural, but its rainbow iridescent color is obtained through a process that is man created.)
**There is also other Aura variations on the market currently due to the ever expanding color offerings as companies patent and develop new variations. Aura Spirit Quartz quality is based on the quality of the Aura processing itself (there is "correct" and "incorrect" processing of Aura, but that's for another time...) as well as the formation of the Spirit Quartz being processed. Since it is a process done by man, the saturation of the aura throughout the entire may not be consistent, and this also affects its value.
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Energy
Energetically speaking in the metaphysical world, Spirit Quartz is regarded highly by energetic healing practitioners and novice crystal energy enthusiasts alike.Since Spirit Quartz is embodies multiple crystallizations within one structure, it is known as a crystal to symbolize family or community.
Associated with the crown chakra (particularly the ones on the purple color spectrum) Spirit Quartz is said to align one's chakra system. It also aids in balancing yin and yang energies- that is to say one's masculine and feminine energies. Spirit Quartz is also said to promote self love and connect one with the universal vibration of love and oneness- it is a crystal of harmony.
Being of the quartz family, it is "programmable" with intentions. Quartz is highly programmable in the scientific sense, which carries over in to the metaphysical belief that quartz can be programmed-but instead in the realm of personal intentions instead of data.
Renowned crystal healer and author Naisha Ahsian describes Spirit Quartz in "The Book Of Stones" (co-authored by Rober Simmons) as:
"a hundred-voice choir singing in harmony." Its resonance is spiritually uplifting, radiating high-vibrational energy in all directions, and is a perfect ally in aligning the aura, chakras, meridians and the physical body, as well as carrying the gifts of Spirit out into the world.
In energetic summary, if one had to describe Spirit Quartz in two words, they would be alignment and harmony.
Shopping For Spirit Quartz
You can shop our natural Spirit Quartz specimen selection in our Etsy shop click here.
& you can shop our Aura Spirit Quartz selection from our Etsy shop in our "Aura Quartz" section click here.
If you aren't seeing a specific piece of Spirit Quartz that is catching your fancy, you're looking for a particular variation, or a particular size/formation of Spirit Quartz, or would like assistance in choosing a particular Spirit Quartz- you can message us through our Etsy shop, send us an email @ etherealcandyco@gmail.com or leave us a comment here!
We also immensely enjoy working with Spirit Quartz in the realm of creating crystal jewelry. If you are interested in commissioning a custom pendant, or would like to see available Spirit Quartz jewelry- you can use any of the above contact options to get in touch with us regarding so.
If you choose to purchase a Spirit Quartz through our Etsy shop, use code "SPIRITQUARTZBLOG" for 15% off your order.
**All pictures used in this blog post are the property of Jules and Jay of Ethereal Candy. Feel free to repost, however we ask that you give credit either to our blog or tag us @etherealcandy.
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