1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Quartz
Buyer’s Guide
Quality, Composition, Colour & Value Explained
Discover how colour, clarity, treatments and cut influence Quartz value, and learn what truly determines quality before choosing your ideal gemstone.
A complete professional Quartz Buyer’s Guide guide to understanding this gemstone’s quality, origin, treatments and value factors before purchasing.
History, Symbolism & Meaning of Quartz
Origins and Historical Use
Quartz is one of the oldest and most widely used minerals in human history. Ancient civilisations across Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome used quartz varieties in jewellery, carvings and tools. Clear quartz, often called “rock crystal”, was particularly valued for its clarity and was believed to be permanently frozen ice by early cultures.
Quartz has been used not only for adornment but also for practical purposes, including early lenses, carvings and ceremonial objects. Its abundance and versatility made it a foundational gemstone throughout history.
Ancient Beliefs and Spiritual Energy
Quartz has long been associated with energy, clarity and amplification. Ancient healers believed it could store, transmit and enhance energy, making it a powerful tool for spiritual and physical healing.
Clear quartz, in particular, is often referred to as the “master healer” in modern metaphysical practices. It is believed to amplify intentions, promote mental clarity and harmonise energy, making it widely used in meditation and spiritual work.
Modern Symbolism and Collectibility
Today quartz remains one of the most popular and versatile gemstone families. It includes a wide range of varieties such as amethyst, citrine, rose quartz and smoky quartz, each with its own unique colour and appeal.
Collectors value quartz for its diversity, availability and affordability, while fine specimens with exceptional clarity, colour or size can still command strong interest. Its durability and wide colour range make quartz a favourite for both everyday jewellery and decorative pieces.
Physical & Optical Properties
EXPLORE QUARTZ’S HARDNESS, LUSTRE, TRANSPARENCY, REFRACTIVE INDEX AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY.
Understanding the gemological properties of Quartz helps determine durability, brilliance and long-term wear suitability.
Colour Range
Quartz occurs in a wide range of colours including: Colourless, Purple, Yellow, Pink, Brown, Grey and Green. The most valuable stones display strong, even colour and good clarity depending on the variety.
Chemical Formula
Quartz has the SiO₂ chemical formula and is composed of Silicon & Oxygen. Trace elements and structural variations create its wide range of colours.
Composition
Silicon & Oxygen – trace elements and irradiation influence colour variations.
Refractive Index
1.544 – 1.553, producing moderate brilliance and good light reflection.
Lustre
Vitreous, giving quartz a clean glass-like shine.
Moh's Hardness & Durability
Quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and suitable for everyday jewellery including rings, bracelets and pendants. It has good toughness but may chip if struck sharply.
Crystal System
Its crystal system is hexagonal, typically forming six-sided prismatic crystals with pointed terminations.
Transparency
Transparent to translucent, depending on the variety and presence of inclusions.
Mineral Family
Quartz belongs to the silicate mineral family.
Specific Gravity
2.65, consistent across most quartz varieties.
Origin, Treatment & Care
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and occurs in a wide variety of geological environments. Its accessibility and durability make it a popular choice for both jewellery and ornamental use. Treatments are common in certain varieties, and proper care ensures long-lasting beauty
Major Origins
Major quartz sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, the United States, South Africa and Namibia. Brazil is one of the largest global producers, supplying a wide range of quartz varieties.
Treatments
Many quartz gemstones are untreated, but some varieties may be heat-treated or irradiated to enhance or change colour (such as citrine or smoky quartz). These treatments are generally stable and widely accepted in the gemstone trade.
Care and Cleaning
Quartz is relatively easy to care for. Clean using warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or strong sunlight, which may affect colour in certain varieties. Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
How Quartz Quality & Value Are Determined
Understanding how Quartz is graded helps you compare gemstones confidently and recognise genuine quality. While quartz is generally more affordable than precious gemstones, value is still influenced by four primary factors: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Colour
Colour is the most important value factor in quartz, especially within individual varieties. High-quality quartz typically shows:
- Strong, well-defined colour
- Even colour distribution
- Good saturation without appearing too dark or too pale
- Minimal zoning or patchiness
Each quartz variety has its own ideal colour range. For example, amethyst is valued for deep purple tones, while citrine is prized for warm golden hues.
Clarity
Quartz is often expected to have good clarity, particularly in transparent varieties. High-value stones are:
- Eye-clean or near eye-clean
- Free from major inclusions or fractures
- Bright and transparent
Some quartz types, such as rutilated quartz, are valued specifically for their inclusions, but in most cases, excessive cloudiness or fractures reduce value.
Cut
Cut enhances the beauty and brilliance of quartz. A well-cut gemstone should display:
- Good symmetry
- Proper proportions
- Smooth facet alignment
- High-quality polish
Quartz is commonly cut into a wide range of shapes, including round, oval, cushion and fancy cuts. Cabochon cuts are also popular for translucent varieties.
Carat Weight
Quartz is widely available in large sizes, so carat weight has less impact on value compared to rarer gemstones. However:
- Larger stones with high clarity and strong colour are still more valuable
- Fine-quality large specimens are less common
- Size must be balanced with overall quality
Collectors often seek larger quartz stones with exceptional clarity or unique visual characteristics.
The Balance of the Four Factors
True value is determined by how colour, clarity, cut and carat weight work together.
A high-quality quartz gemstone should display:
- Good clarity and brightness
- Well-executed, symmetrical cutting
- Strong, even colour appropriate to its variety
- Balanced size with visual appeal
When these factors align, quartz offers excellent beauty, durability and value across a wide range of gemstone types.
International Pricing Trends – per carat
Quartz remains one of the most affordable gemstone families due to its abundance. However, prices vary depending on the specific variety, colour intensity and clarity. Fine specimens with exceptional colour or rare characteristics can command higher prices. The price-per-carat table below reflects typical international ranges for good-quality quartz gemstones.
Estimated Average International Quartz Prices (Good Quality) – Per Carat
| Weight | ZAR | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | AUD | CAD | CHF | CNY | HKD | NZD | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 carat | Small quartz gemstones | |||||||||||
| 1 - 2 carats | Slight price increase | |||||||||||
| 2 - 3 carats | Stronger demand | |||||||||||
| 3 - 4 carats | Larger more desirable | |||||||||||
| 4 - 6 carats | Clarity drive pricing | |||||||||||
| 6 - 8 carats | Command premium prices |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz a real gemstone?
Yes. Quartz is a natural mineral and one of the most widely used gemstone families, including popular varieties such as amethyst, citrine and rose quartz.
Is quartz valuable?
Most quartz is affordable due to its abundance, but high-quality stones with exceptional colour or clarity can still hold good value.
Are quartz gemstones treated?
Some quartz varieties are heat-treated or irradiated to enhance colour. These treatments are common and generally stable.
Can quartz be worn every day?
Yes. With a Mohs hardness of 7, quartz is durable enough for everyday jewellery, provided it is not exposed to hard impacts.
What colours does quartz come in?
Quartz occurs in many colours including clear, purple, yellow, pink, brown, grey and green.
What affects the value of quartz?
Colour, clarity, cut and carat weight all influence value, with colour being the most important factor.
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Ready to own the beauty of
QUARTZ?
Now that you understand the history, symbolism and quality factors behind quartz, the natural next step is to secure your own gemstone. Known for its incredible variety, durability and accessibility, quartz offers something for every style and budget.
Whether you prefer the deep tones of amethyst or the soft hues of rose quartz, this versatile gemstone family delivers both beauty and practicality. Combining strength, diversity and excellent value, quartz is an essential addition to any gemstone collection.
Versatile Beauty
Everyday Durability
Natural Variety
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
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Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite