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Spirit Quartz, (Cactus Quartz), Meaning, Properties and Facts
Quartz · SiO2Mohs 7Trigonal
Spirit quartz, also sold as cactus quartz, is quartz (usually amethyst) whose faces are covered by a second crop of tiny crystals, so one point looks like a sparkling cactus. Below: how it forms, where it comes from, its colors, how to judge one, care, the lore and the piece in this drop.
What is spirit quartz
Spirit quartz is quartz that grew in two stages: first a main crystal, then, after the fluid around it changed, a crop of small crystals that sprouted over its faces. Mineralogists call a crystal's overall shape its crystal habit, and this habit got its trade names from the look: spirit quartz, cactus quartz and, for white pieces, fairy quartz. Most spirit quartz is amethyst, so the same iron and natural radiation that color amethyst color it.
Spirit quartz properties
Spirit quartz properties are standard quartz values, and what sets it apart is the habit, not the chemistry (data on Mindat's quartz page):
| Mineral | Quartz, usually amethyst |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Color cause | Iron and natural radiation (purple); iron staining (yellow to brown) |
| Hardness | 7 on the Mohs scale; the tiny points chip easily |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Luster | Glassy (vitreous) |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
| Main localities | South Africa |
| Water safe | Yes, handled gently |
| Sun safe | No: amethyst color can fade |
Where spirit quartz is found
Spirit quartz is found mainly in South Africa, the source of nearly all pieces sold under the name. Quartz with a similar second growth turns up elsewhere, but the purple and white cactus-shaped points in shops are a South African specialty.
Amethyst spirit quartz and other colors
Amethyst spirit quartz is the classic color, from pale lilac to deep violet. White or colorless pieces are sold as fairy quartz, and smoky pieces turn up too. Yellow to brown pieces are sold as citrine spirit quartz, a color worth asking about, since heated amethyst also turns yellow. Spirit quartz sits next to Super Seven as an amethyst form with its own trade name.
How to tell if spirit quartz is real
How to tell if spirit quartz is real is mostly about the small crystals: on a natural piece each one is a tiny quartz point with its own faces, grown at different angles over the main crystal. Glued-on chips, glitter or paint fail that test under a loupe. Even, neon purple suggests dye, while natural purple is uneven and often paler toward the base.
Spirit quartz care: water and sun
Spirit quartz care is mostly about the tips: the main crystal is hard, but its crowd of tiny points chips if it knocks against anything. Hold it by the base, store it on its own, rinse dust out with plain water and a soft brush, and let it air dry. Skip ultrasonic cleaners, which can shake loose the small crystals. Keep it out of direct sun, because amethyst color can fade.
Spirit quartz price
Spirit quartz price rises with color, size and how complete the coat of small crystals is. Deep purple pieces with every tiny tip intact cost more than pale, chipped or broken points, and a known locality adds confidence in what you are buying.
Spirit quartz meaning and benefits
Spirit quartz meaning and benefits, in crystal lore, come from the shape: many small crystals on one larger one are read as community, family and belonging. That is belief, not chemistry. The geology is a story of a crystal that stopped growing, then got a second coat of crystals when the fluid around it changed.
Spirit quartz for sale
Spirit quartz for sale in the current drop is one piece: a cactus quartz from South Africa, amethyst spirit quartz photographed in daylight exactly as it ships. Browse all quartz for the rest of the drop.
Spirit Quartz FAQ
Is spirit quartz the same as amethyst?
Spirit quartz is the same mineral as amethyst when it is purple: amethyst grown in the cactus habit. White and smoky spirit quartz are not amethyst.
What is cactus quartz?
Cactus quartz is another name for spirit quartz: quartz covered in a second growth of tiny crystals.
Where is spirit quartz found?
Spirit quartz is found mainly in South Africa, the source of nearly all pieces sold under the name.
Can spirit quartz go in water?
Spirit quartz can go in water: rinse it gently, do not scrub the small points, and let it air dry.
Is spirit quartz rare?
Spirit quartz is not rare in shops, but almost all of it comes from South Africa, and large points with every tiny tip intact are hard to find.
Sources
- Druse (geology), Wikipedia
- Crystal habit, Wikipedia
- Quartz, Mindat