Himalayan Quartz is my absolute favorite locality of quartz! The clarity, luster, inclusions and story behind this material make it oh so special. Keep reading to find out why.
Background!
Himalayan Quartz is a stunning crystal that’s found in the Himalayan Mountain range in Asia. This range spans across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan which also includes Mount Everest. More specifically, Himalayan Quartz comes from the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India which is referred to as the valley of the Gods. So when was Himalayan Quartz discovered? Well we can’t place a specific discovery date on this material since quartz is something that’s been used for millennia. Quartz formed billions of years ago and dates all the way back to 7000 BC when ancient cultures, such as those in Mesopotamia, used quartz for talismans and beads. We can however place the rise of its popularity which happened in the late 20th and early 21st century.
What is the mining process like?
This crystal can be hard (and expensive) to get a hold of due to its mining process. Most of the Himalayan Quartz is found at very high elevations on very steep mountains. The mining takes place at 10,000 feet and above in an extremely cold environment. This makes it impossible for machinery to be used which means that it all has to be done by hand. Chisels and hammers are commonly used which help the miners chip away at the rock in order to expose the quartz veins. Each crystal has to be hand-extracted and the miners can only do so much at once. All of the tools they need must be brought up with them, usually in backpacks, and it makes for a treacherous hike down. The journey up and down usually takes a few days since the terrain is so rugged. Himalayan Quartz can only be mined for a few months each year which is usually between April and June. This is when the snow and ice begins to melt which makes the mountain more accessible.
What inclusions can be found in Himalayan Quartz?
Himalayan Quartz has many different looks ranging from singular clear quartz points to huge clusters with inclusions. These inclusions are commonly seen as green chlorite, rutile, iron, black tourmaline and dolomite. The Chlorite inclusions give a beautiful, deep and glitter-like look while sometimes displaying phantom points. The rutile inclusions are commonly seen as gold, copper, black and silver. Bonus points if there’s multiple colors in one crystal! The iron inclusions can give the crystals a pink or yellow tone which fall under the names Pink (Samadhi) Himalayan Quartz & Golden Nirvana Quartz. Anatase can also be found in this type of quartz. This is a mineral form of titanium dioxide with a tetragonal crystal structure. It’s truly amazing how many inclusions Himalayan Quartz can have!
This type of quartz is also extremely fragile, as some of the matrix it forms on is fragile enough to break off in your hand. Many pieces are also damaged in the extraction process since everything is done by hand in harsh conditions. I also want to point out that the loss of life is devastating when it comes to this material since the climate is so harsh. As much as we (shops) can work with the miners who are directly involved in the mining process, this isn’t an ethical process with no loss. We’re lucky to have this type of quartz since it’s very dangerous to mine.
Metaphysical Properties!
Himalayan Quartz is a very high-vibrational crystal that helps to connect us with higher guidance. It’s also known as a stone of transformation, promoting spiritual growth and enlightenment. It’s associated with the crown chakra and also helps to boost vitality and aid in the immune system. It’s used by many for manifestation, clarity of thought, and inner peace. In Shamanic practices, these crystals are believed to contain the wisdom and knowledge of holy men and Shamanic leaders who searched for enlightenment in the Himalayan mountains. It is said that the energy and essence of the Himalayas are infused in these crystals, making them powerful tools for spiritual growth and transformation. Himalayan quartz is often referred to as the “light stone” or the “eyes of God” in Shamanic practices.
Fun Facts!
- This is one of the rarest types of quartz due to it’s difficulty to obtain.
- Pieces are cleaned by hand once they’re carried down the mountain.
- Smoky Himalayan Quartz is colored by natural radiation within the Earth.
- These crystals can be found as high as 18,000 feet above sea level, and usually beneath ice caps.
- This crystal can form in various sizes and shapes, including prismatic, tabular and needle-like points.
- Natural etchings are commonly seen on pieces of Himalayan Quartz and the luster of the quartz is the best around.