There are many different kinds of quartz crystals such as amethyst, citrine, black, smoky, white and clear. Clear quartz is one of the most common, one of the most highly used, and one of the most versatile forms of crystal. What is it, then, that makes quartz crystals so special? Let's start at the beginning…

How Crystals Are Formed

Two years ago, I went to Arkansas to dig crystals for my birthday. Best birthday I ever had! It was a kick digging in the mud for rocks, but while I was there I also learned the process of crystal mining. Crystals have to have the right set of conditions to grow: they need water, heat and pressure. I learned that crystals usually run in sets of two veins parallel to each other some feet apart. Most of the time, the pocket in between the veins is filled with mud, unless it is a cave. The veins can run a few feet across and down in the earth to several feet. Let me tell you, it is a whole lot of work getting those crystals out of the ground!

After the crystals are removed from the earth, they are put through a multi-stepped process of acid baths and rinses to get them clean. This can take weeks. I certainly learned why the cost of crystals is high, and I no longer complain about the prices.

The main function of clear quartz crystals is that of an amplifier. Quartz is very versatile and can be programmed for any purpose -- from healing specific ailments to protection or clearing negativity. Specific types of quartz (determined from the way they are formed) have specific qualities; when these are programmed, that quality enhances their purpose. Of course, being a natural amplifier, when quartz is programmed or added to other stones, it increases the energy of the program or quality of the other stones.

Types of Quartz

To date, I have counted over 60 types of quartz, and I am sure there are more. Some of the more common clear quartz crystals are the cluster, point, shard, double-terminated, rainbow, phantom and the sphere.

The crystal cluster is easy to recognize. It is just as the word describes it -- a bunch of crystals stuck together, some of the clusters still on the matrix. Besides being beautiful, the cluster is good for dispersing energy in many directions at once. This type of quartz formation is excellent for calming as well as magnifying the bonding in family or group situations.

The crystal point is one that has been separated from the cluster. They usually come from the shifting of the earth and earthquakes. While still in the ground, the points break off and end up in the mud pockets between the two veins. Some points also come from breakage in the mining process. There are several different types of crystal points such as record keepers, transmitters, receivers, windows and old souls. (We will explore this vast topic in a future issue.) These precious little gems are very small to about palm size and are good for learning about how to deal with independence due to separation. The quartz point amplifies the energy around it. Its own energy comes out of its termination. Points are great as pocket stones, for jewelry, in medicine bags and placing around your home, work, or in your car.

The shard has basically the same qualities as the crystal point. Shards, however, are larger in size, running from about five to nine inches in length. These are like the ones used in movies such as Dark Crystal or Superman. Shards are often seen used in walking sticks, staffs, or in their natural state as wands.

The double terminated (DT) crystal comes to a termination at both ends. The majority of the DT crystals have grown separate and unattached from a mother rock, although they are in clusters as well. Most people find external energy to be drawn in one end and sent out the other end, making them a good catalyst. Thus, they are great to use in junction with other stones or with your own energy, because when the energy comes out, it is not only amplified, but can also be directed. I have discovered that the DT's own energy is bi-directional. Since its energy comes out of both ends, you can use other stones placed between the terminations to send that force in two directions at once. DT crystals are good for the same things single points are good for, only with a bit more strength.

A rainbow crystal occurs when the natural inclusions within the crystal reflects light, thus causing a rainbow to appear on the inside of the crystal. The internal fractures of these crystals are caused by the shaking and shifting of the earth. This type of crystal is good for bringing more color and happiness into your life. It can help you to see the more positive side of things. One way to imagine the energy of this little beauty is to recall how you feel when you see a rainbow in the sky and the promise that rainbow represents.

Remember that crystals need the right set of conditions to grow? Well, the phantom crystal is an example of when those conditions were not met. When there is not enough water for the crystal to grow, other minerals form on the crystal faces and/or sides, depending on the position of the crystal. When it rains and the water supply becomes plentiful, the crystal begins to grow again, thus encasing the other minerals inside of it -- and sometimes even water gets trapped inside. The most common mineral that forms is chlorite, which can be white, green, brown or red and all the shades in between. Phantoms can help you deal with all that "stuff" inside. They can teach you how to grow despite the setbacks. The chlorite within is good for all-purpose healing and contributes to the healing power of the phantom.

The crystal sphere is not a natural form for quartz; rather, it is shaped that way. I have found people to be quite drawn to the sphere. I believe it has something to do with the fact that its energy is omni-directional. The crystal ball has all the same qualities as the crystal point, except that the energy goes in all directions at once. Therefore, it is good to use whenever you want energy to be evenly distributed. I like to use them in stone grids or to hang in the center of a room to even out the energy. The most popular use for the crystal ball has been for fortune telling.

The definitions I have included here are what I have learned from using the crystals myself. I hope you will use them as basic guidelines to help you learn what these wonderful stones have to say to you.