What is clear quartz?
Clear quartz is the pure, colourless form of quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2), one of the most common and most useful minerals on earth. It is colourless precisely because it contains little or none of the trace elements that colour its relatives: iron makes amethyst purple and citrine yellow, while pure quartz with no significant impurities stays clear. At Mohs hardness 7 it is durable, transparent and takes a bright polish, which is why it is used in everything from jewellery to precision electronics.
The name has a nice history: the word "crystal" comes from the ancient Greek krystallos, meaning ice, because the Greeks believed rock crystal was water frozen so hard it would never melt. This guide covers what clear quartz is, its varieties, how to tell genuine quartz from glass, and how to choose and care for it.
Physical properties at a glance
- Mineral: Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2), the colourless variety
- Colour: Colourless and transparent to milky white
- Mohs hardness: 7, scratch-resistant and suitable for all jewellery
- Lustre: Vitreous (glassy)
- Crystal system: Trigonal, often forming six-sided points
- Cleavage: None, fractures conchoidally, durable in wear
- Main sources: Brazil, Madagascar, the USA (Arkansas), the Alps and many others
- Light: Colourless, so it does not fade in sunlight the way amethyst and rose quartz can
Varieties and related stones
- Rock crystal: the traditional name for the clearest, most transparent quartz, used for carving and fine beads.
- Milky quartz: cloudy white quartz, the cloudiness caused by microscopic fluid or gas inclusions.
- Rutilated quartz: clear quartz with golden or red needles of rutile inside, prized for the natural pattern.
- Tourmalinated quartz: clear quartz threaded with fine black tourmaline needles.
- Included or "garden" quartz (lodolite): quartz with mineral inclusions that look like tiny landscapes.
- Herkimer "diamonds": small, naturally double-terminated, very clear quartz crystals from New York, not actual diamonds.
What clear quartz is used for
Clear quartz is unusual among popular crystals because it is genuinely useful well beyond decoration:
- Jewellery and beads: colourless and bright, it suits any setting and pairs with every other stone.
- Carving and decor: rock crystal has been carved into ornaments, seals, lenses and crystal balls for thousands of years, from Roman times onward.
- Timekeeping and electronics: quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it vibrates at a precise frequency when an electric current is applied. This is what keeps "quartz" watches and clocks accurate, and quartz is used in radios, computers and other electronics. Most quartz used in technology today is lab-grown (cultured) for purity.
- Glassmaking and industry: quartz sand is a primary raw material for glass and many industrial processes.
How to tell real clear quartz from glass
Clear quartz is one of the most imitated stones, because cheap glass looks similar. A few simple checks help:
Note that lab-grown (cultured) quartz is also real quartz, chemically identical to natural, and is widely used. The thing to watch for is glass sold as natural stone. Reputable sellers describe what a piece actually is.
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Clear quartz points, tumbled stones and jewellery, handmade in the UK with free delivery on orders over £30.
Shop clear quartz All crystal jewelleryHow to choose clear quartz
Think about how you want to use it:
- Points and towers: popular display pieces; look for good transparency and a clean termination.
- Tumbled stones: smooth, affordable and pocket-friendly, the easiest way to start.
- Jewellery: clear quartz beads and pendants suit any outfit and pair with coloured stones.
- Included varieties: if you like a natural pattern, rutilated or garden quartz makes a more characterful piece.
For wearable pieces, browse our crystal jewellery collection.
Clear quartz in jewellery and pairings
At Mohs 7 with no cleavage, clear quartz is durable enough for daily-wear rings and bracelets. Because it is colourless and bright, it works as a neutral that lets coloured stones stand out, which is why it appears in so many multi-stone designs. It pairs naturally with amethyst, rose quartz, citrine and smoky quartz (all Mohs 7, so they wear and store well together).
How to care for clear quartz
- Water: clear quartz (Mohs 7) is safe for a brief rinse in cool water, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged soaking, especially for pieces with natural fractures or metal settings.
- Sunlight: being colourless, clear quartz does not fade in sunlight, so it is one of the easier stones to display.
- Heat: avoid sudden strong heat (for example steam cleaners), which can stress the stone.
- Storage: store separately from softer stones it could scratch, and clean with a soft cloth.
For which stones tolerate water, see our water-safe crystals guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is clear quartz made of?
Clear quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2), the same mineral as amethyst and citrine but without the trace elements that give those stones their colour. It is colourless, transparent and has a Mohs hardness of 7.
How do I know if my clear quartz is real or glass?
Natural quartz feels cool, warms slowly, and often has tiny natural veils or inclusions. Glass warms quickly, frequently contains small round bubbles, looks too flawless, and may show a faint mould seam. Quartz is also hard enough (Mohs 7) to scratch glass.
Can clear quartz go in water?
Yes, briefly. Clear quartz is Mohs 7 and tolerates a quick rinse in cool water, then drying. Avoid prolonged soaking and salt water, and take care with cracked pieces or metal settings.
Does clear quartz fade in sunlight?
No. Because it has no colour to lose, clear quartz does not fade in sunlight, unlike amethyst or rose quartz. It is a good choice for a sunny windowsill display.
What is rutilated quartz?
Rutilated quartz is clear quartz with fine golden or reddish needles of the mineral rutile inside it, creating a striking natural pattern. It is the same hardness and care as plain clear quartz.
Is clear quartz the same as a diamond?
No. Clear quartz is silicon dioxide at Mohs 7, while diamond is carbon at Mohs 10 and far harder, rarer and more brilliant. Clear quartz is sometimes used as an affordable colourless stone, but it is not a diamond substitute in durability.
Where does clear quartz come from?
Quartz is found worldwide. Notable sources of fine clear quartz include Brazil, Madagascar, Arkansas in the USA, and the Alps.
Related reading
- Amethyst: colour, properties, meaning and jewellery
- Crystal Jewellery Guide: types, meaning and how to choose
- Water-Safe Crystals: what can go in water and what to avoid
Shop & downloads
- Clear Quartz Crystals and Crystal Jewellery
- Crystal Bracelets and Crystal Necklaces
- Crystal Gifts and New Arrivals
- Free Crystal Care Checklist (PDF) and Water-Safe Crystals Quick Chart (PDF)
Our crystals are sold as decorative natural stones, jewellery and gifts. We make no medical, therapeutic, spiritual or supernatural claims about them. If you have a health concern, please consult a qualified medical professional.
