Once upon a time, in what now feels like someone else’s life, I used to sling crystals behind the counter of the “Rock Room” at the local Witchy store prior to it’s closing. Naturally I got asked a lot of questions, many of them reoccurring, but there were certain questions in particular that I was asked all the time, multiple times a day. One of those questions was, if they could only purchase one crystal for whatever reason, what would I recommend? Often this question is couched as a hypothetical question, usually in an effort to get an idea of which crystals offer the most in one little package, which I can understand wanting to know. Budget was often a factor in asking, there are a lot of crystals that aren’t exactly cheap.
Regardless of why they were asking, my answer was/is always the same; Quartz. That’s right lil babies (heard in my head in Linda Belcher’s voice), regular old quartz. Those people that were asking due to budget constraints were usually pretty freaking happy with that answer considering simple clear quartz is generally pretty inexpensive (yes, I said simple quartz, I’ll be getting into that further down). Those people that were interested in the most magically robust crystal were, inevitably, disappointed in my answer.
They were/are usually expecting to hear something like Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, Apophyllite, or even *GASP!* the Great Destroyer, Moldavite! (Don’t even get me started on that one.) How on EARTH could they POSSIBLY be the Grand High Hecate Witch of the Ultra Super Magical Silverthorne Coven adorned in….QUARTZ?!
Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating juuuuuuust a touch but, not by much. Seriously y’all, I have stories.
I get it, don’t get me wrong, I love all those crystals and own every one I just listed. (Yes, I wear Moldavite on the regular and I am still here to tell the tale!) But those crystals have slightly narrower focuses when it comes to the metaphysical attributes associated with them. What “they do” is significantly less broad and all-inclusive than what Quartz “does/can do”.
Obviously, I am not saying those other crystals are not powerful/as powerful as Quartz; clearly, they are or they wouldn’t have the reputation they do. But as far as the areas of magic where Quartz can be utilized, the broad spectrum of associations and energies attached to it, Quartz is going to be the knock out champ every freaking time.
It seemed as if the fact that it is a common crystal, abundant, and easily obtained, also made it…basic, in many people’s eyes (that’s a pretty common phenomenon in the pagan/magical community, though, innit?). It is a common crystal, it’s true. It’s the most abundant mineral in the world and can be found in almost every single mineral environment. And, quite frankly, that’s what makes it so awesome! It’s everywhere and readily available for anyone that is seeking aid from a crystal spirit ally. And, as I mentioned previously, when purchasing simple clear crystal quartz, is very affordable. Why do I refer to it as “simple” crystal quartz? Because Quartz is WAY more than just the clear crystal quartz, or even rose quartz, you might be thinking of.
When I say Quartz is abundant, I mean it is ABUNDANT. The Quartz family includes crystals you might not even realize are, in fact, quartz. Not only do you have your commonly known Quartz’s such as Crystal/Clear, Rose, Smokey, Amethyst, and Citrine, but Quartz also includes Chalcedony (a microcrystalline form of Quartz), all Agates (Agate is just a banded form of Chalcedony), all Jaspers (Jasper is just an opaque from of Chalcedony), Jet (a form of black Chalcedony), Tiger’s Eye (a pseudomorph of Chalcedony and Crocidolite), Geodes, Flint (a cryptocrystalline form of Quartz), and Opal (a combination of Silica and Water). That’s already a lot and I am pretty sure I am forgetting something in this list.
Beyond the crystals that fall under the Quartz category, sand is primarily silica (teensy quartz pebbles) and is one of the main ingredients in making glass and has become a staple in the manufacturing of a lot of our technology. So yeah, the shit is everywhere, but I don’t personally believe that means it is “lesser than” when it comes to the magic it can work. Nor do I believe that the spirit of the crystal is diminished simply because it was transformed into a pane of glass or made into a component for your computer or cell phone, where the hell do you think the ghosts in the machine are coming from, anyway?
Crystal Quartz was my Gateway Crystal (it made me think of Stars that fell to Earth and is the reason I often refer to crystals as “star pieces/fragments”) and it is hands down the most versatile crystal ally you can work with. I often refer to Crystal Quartz as Nature’s Data Stick or the Swiss Army Crystal because it can literally do anything. It can be “programmed” with any intention and it will basically “run” that intention as long as you want it to. Then you cleanse, “wipe”, the crystal and set the next intention. It is aligned with the Crown Chakra and can assist in communication with the Divine/Universe/Spirit Beings, communication with Nature Spirits such as Plant or Animal Spirits, and is often referred to as a Master Healer. Beyond ALL that, Crystal/Clear Quartz is an energy amplifier and will heighten the energy of any crystals it is paired with/set near.
Something being common or easily obtained does not lesson its magic. In fact, I think we should go out of our way to find the enchantment in the “common” things you encounter daily. How else do we survive a world that does not really support a belief in magic?
I fancy myself an animist and, from that perspective, I think it’s fairly obvious as to why Quartz is so pervasive and readily available. The Earth isn’t the type to horde her magic. It’s a gift, really, a readily available means of aiding in connection with Nature/Spirit and serves as a reminder that magic is everywhere. We just don’t always see it, even when it’s right in front of our faces, such as in a pane of glass.
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