Quartz is a type of crystal that is prized for its varying colors and growth patterns. Those who collect rocks often wonder how much their quartz pieces are worth.
With this guide, you will learn about the value of some different types of quartz stones so you can determine how much your collection is worth, should you ever decide to sell.
What Is Quartz and How Is It Formed?
The vast majority of quartz is formed in igneous rock. As magma cools inside igneous rock, the silicon dioxide inside the magma begins to slowly crystalize.
The slower the magma cools, the larger the quartz crystals become.
Quartz also forms in silica-rich waters. Quartz growing in these waters forms in much the same way as in igneous rock.
Because the silica is dissolved in the water, changes in temperature or pressure cause the water to become super-saturated with silica, leading to quartz formation.
Quartz is one of the most common crystals. Some people are surprised to learn this stone does have a value.
Quartz Has Some Surprising Uses
You may not be aware of this fact, but quartz is used in the making of Swiss watches. This rock has electromagnetic properties, enhancing the time-keeping ability of timepieces.
Quartz-made watches have become synonymous with luxury.
Do you know almost all high-end electronics use quartz in the manufacturing process? Quartz is often used a stable semiconductor.
You will find quartz used in the manufacturing of cell phones, receivers, and televisions.
The Value of Raw Quartz
There are many types of quartz, including amethyst, clear quartz, rose quartz, and tiger’s eye, among many others. The value of quartz depends on the type, size, and quality.
Quartz in its raw form is not very valuable, bringing in only around a penny per carat. Beautifully cut clear quartz crystals can bring in $1 to $7 a carat.
The Value of Crystal Quartz
Amethyst is the most valuable type of crystal quartz. The value depends on the richness of the purple color and the cut and clarity.
For instance, faceted amethyst from India may only sell for around $2 per carat because it lacks a deep purple color. Brazilian amethyst, on the other hand, could be valued up to $15 per carat.
Crystal quartz’s value, even amethyst, is directly affected by its color, clarity, size, and uniqueness. Cracks, chips, and other imperfections will cause the value to go down dramatically.
The Value of Clear Quartz
Many people have mistakenly thought they found a diamond when stumbling upon a piece of clear quartz. Unfortunately, clear quartz has very little value compared to some other types.
Because it is clear and has no interesting color or striations, clear quartz generally has a value of only $2 a carat once cut.
Because they so closely resemble diamonds and are highly affordable, clear quartz makes a pleasing alternative to diamonds.
The Value of Milky Quartz
Milky quartz is quite common and considered of very little interest to most collectors. The value of milky quartz hovers around the same as clear varieties.
Some milky quartz has fetched a higher price, depending on its level of perfection, size, and cut. Some collectors will consider buying milky quartz that has exquisite beauty.
The Value of Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is generally more valuable than clear or milky because of its color. On average, rose quartz sells for around $2 to $4 a carat.
If the color is more vivid and uniform, the piece of rose quartz will be more valuable than a stone with a blotched coloration. A smooth cut also increases the value.
The Value of Smokey Quartz
Smokey quartz is also a prized variety because of its unique color, which is a brownish gray. Smokey quartz, like other varieties, vary from almost translucent to opaque.
Despite recently becoming highly popular among jewelry crafters, smokey quartz still has very little value. Depending on the cut, color, and clarity, smokey quartz has a worth of $2 to $4 a carat.
What Is the Value of Clear Quartz in Other Units of Measurement?
Converting carats to grams, ounces, and other measurements can be confusing for some. Below, you will see the value conversions for clear quartz in multiple measurements.
- It is worth around $10 per gram.
- It is worth around $285 per ounce.
- It is worth around $4571 per pound.
Quartz Is Difficult to Work With
One of the reasons quartz has value is because of the intensive labor of gem cutters. Quartz is not the easiest of stones to work with because it is brittle and has conchoidal fractures. This type of fracture creates smooth, wavy lines in the gemstone.
It takes special knowledge and skill to cut quartz correctly. This is why you will most often see novices creating smooth round shapes instead of cut quartz.
Quartz’s Commonality Does Not Detract From Its Beauty
Most people do not collect quartz because of its value but instead because of its beauty. With so many hues and variations, quartz is an intriguing rock to collect, whether you keep it in its raw form or take it to a gem cutter to have it shaped.
How much does quartz weigh?
Not every single piece of quartz will weigh the same. But on average, quartz weighs between 20 and 25 pounds per square foot.