Aura Quartz is a stunning and unique gemstone that captivates with its iridescent sheen and transformative energy. Whether you're a crystal enthusiast, jewelry lover, or simply curious about this fascinating stone, here are seven key facts about Aura Quartz:
1. Composition and Hardness
Aura Quartz is made by bonding natural quartz crystals with precious metals such as platinum, gold, silver, or titanium. This process involves placing the quartz in a vacuum chamber and infusing it with vaporized metal at high temperatures, resulting in a durable and radiant surface. The underlying quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various uses, including jewelry.
2. Color and Appearance
Aura Quartz is known for its vibrant, iridescent colors, which can range from electric blue and vivid purple to soft pink and golden yellow, depending on the metals used in the treatment process. The bonding process creates a stunning, rainbow-like sheen that changes colors when viewed from different angles, giving each piece a unique and magical appearance.
3. Creation Process
The creation of Aura Quartz involves a high-tech process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Natural quartz crystals are placed in a vacuum chamber and exposed to vaporized metals. The metal atoms fuse to the crystal's surface, creating a permanent bond that results in the stone's characteristic iridescence. This process enhances the natural beauty of the quartz and adds an extra layer of visual appeal.
4. Global Occurrence
The raw quartz used to create Aura Quartz is sourced from various locations around the world, including Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar. The enhancement process itself is often carried out by specialized labs and artisans who have perfected the technique to produce consistent and high-quality Aura Quartz stones.
5. Historical Uses
While the modern process to create Aura Quartz is relatively recent, quartz crystals have been used throughout history for various purposes. Ancient cultures prized quartz for its clarity and believed it to be a powerful healing stone. Aura Quartz, with its enhanced beauty, continues this legacy, often used in contemporary jewelry and decorative items.
6. Metaphysical Uses
In metaphysical practices, Aura Quartz is often regarded as a high-vibration stone that is believed to enhance one's spiritual energy. It is thought to cleanse the aura, balance chakras, and promote overall spiritual wellness. Practitioners use it for meditation, energy healing, and to stimulate creativity and intuition. The different types of Aura Quartz, such as Angel Aura Quartz and Aqua Aura Quartz, each have specific metaphysical properties associated with the metals used in their creation.
7. Value and Market
Aura Quartz is generally considered an affordable gemstone, though its value can vary based on factors such as color intensity, size, and the quality of the metal coating. While it is not as expensive as some naturally occurring gemstones, high-quality Aura Quartz pieces can still command a higher price, especially when used in fine jewelry or intricate ornamental designs. Its affordability, combined with its stunning appearance and metaphysical properties, makes it a popular choice for collectors and jewelry makers.
Whether you're drawn to Aura Quartz for its beauty, historical significance, or metaphysical properties, this enchanting gemstone has much to offer. Its unique combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and spiritual energy makes it a cherished addition to any collection.