Quartz gemstone beads and pendants from Rings & Things include clear rock crystal quartz, multicolor rutilated quartz, rose quartz, smoky quartz, tourmalated quartz, druzy quartz and more. To quickly jump to your favorite type of quartz, use the "GEMSTONE NAME" filter. Members of this semiprecious gemstone family share the same chemical composition (silicon dioxide) and similar physical properties. All semiprecious beads described here are types of macrocrystalline quartz (crystals recognizable with the naked eye), just like citrine and amethyst. True quartz can be distinguished from glass by its birefringence (double refraction), hardness, and an absence of minute air bubbles (often contained in glass).
The use of quartz dates back to at least ancient Rome. Since the Middle Ages, quartz crystal balls have been used to predict the future. Quartz is said to be the universal healing stone, and quartz crystals are believed to promote hope, happiness, and optimism while awakening us to the beauty of nature. Some of quartz's metaphysical properties go hand-in-hand with its scientific physical properties: Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it can produce an electrical reaction. This electrical reaction can be created by applying a charge, physical stress, or heat. Quartz is also capable of triboluminescence, or the ability to create light under pressure! With these properties, it's no surprise that for countless centuries, quartz gemstones have been valued for their metaphysical aspects. Clear rock crystal quartz is one of April's most popular birthstones. Learn more about Quartz in our Gemstone Index.