Quartz crystallises in the trigonal system and forms the characteristic six-sided prisms with a pointed termination. Clear quartz develops over very long periods in fissures and cavities where silica-rich solutions slowly crystallise out.
When buying, three things are worth checking: the transparency of the body, the integrity of the termination and the naturalness of the surface. Grown faces show fine growth striations; entirely smooth, glossy faces indicate polishing.
In everyday life clear quartz is often placed where focused work happens — on a desk, in a study, beside a reading chair. As an interior object it carries light into a room without adding colour.
