Girasol Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

Girasol quartz is known by many names depending on the appearance of the variety, such as milky quartz, opal quartz, moon quartz, and more.

To no surprise, most people who are new to the stone do not understand what it is, or how it is different from other varieties of quartz.

In this article, you’ll learn more about girasol quartz, so that you’ll be prepared to purchase it when you are ready to add it to your collection.

Girasol Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

What Is Girasol Quartz?

Girasol quartz is a transparent to translucent variety of quartz that contains inclusions of other minerals (or even metals), which produce a silky sheen known as “girasol.”

Commercially, you are are most likely to find clear girasol quartz, milky girasol quartz or pink girasol quartz for sale.

The name is derived from the Latin word “girare,” meaning “to turn” or “to twist,” and the Greek word for “sol,” meaning “sun.”

Girasol actually refers to the appearance of many different kinds of materials, the ones that display what is called adularescence.

Adularescence is the name of an optical effect, the way light reflects off of a surface.

The light appears to float underneath the surface, rather than reflect off the exterior of the stone.

There are many “girasol” stones, that may have the ‘name’ girasol’ or not (such as moonstone, which displays adularescence).

What Is The Difference Between Girasol Quartz and Clear Quartz?

The main difference between girasol quartz and clear quartz is that girasol quartz contains inclusions of other minerals that produces adularescence, while clear quartz does not.

Clear quartz is transparent and does not have the opalescent sheen that is characteristic of girasol quartz.

Girasol Quartz vs Rose Quartz: What’s The Difference?

Rose quartz is a translucent to opaque variety of quartz that contains inclusions of other minerals, which produce a pink color.

Again, like with clear quartz, main difference between rose quartz and girasol quartz (aside from the inclusions that give the stones their colors) is that girasol quartz (of any color) displays the opalescent sheen.

Is Girasol Quartz Natural?

Yes, girasol quartz is a natural stone. It is not man-made or enhanced.

However, we have no doubt that there is synthetic/man-made girasol quartz out there on the market, or other kinds of stones being marketed as girasol quartz.

It may be difficult to observe the optical effect on pieces of raw quartz.

How Is Girasol Quartz Formed?

Girasol quartz is formed when hot water (or other fluids) containing silica and other minerals seeps into fractures or cavities in rocks.

Over time, the water cools and evaporates, leaving behind deposits of quartz and other minerals.

The inclusions in the quartz cause the adularescence, or opalescent sheen.

What Are The Properties of Girasol Quartz?

The most important physical properties of girasol quartz include:

– hardness (7 on the Mohs scale)

– refractive index (1.544-1.553)

– specific gravity (2.65)

-Chemical composition: SiO2 (silicon dioxide)

– cleavage (none)

– fracture (conchoidal)

– luster (vitreous)

Is Girasol Quartz Rare?

Girasol quartz is not a rare stone, but it is not as common as other varieties of quartz.

Is Girasol Quartz Valuable?

The value of girasol quartz depends on the size and quality of the stone. Smaller, lower quality stones are less valuable than larger, higher quality stones.

What Is The Meaning Of Girasol Quartz?

Girasol quartz is said to be a stone of calm and peace. It is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

The stone is also said to be helpful for those who are struggling with addiction, as it is said to promote self-control and sobriety.

Metaphysically , girasol quartz is said to be helpful for opening and balancing the chakras.

It is also said to be helpful for amplifying the energies of other stones.

How Do You Care For Girasol Quartz?

Girasol quartz is a durable stone, and it does not require any special care.

You can clean it with warm, soapy water, or use a commercial jewelry cleaner.

Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the polished surface of the stone.

We do recommend against lengthy water soaks or baths, as extended contact with water can do damage to the brilliant surface of some stones (including quartz).

What Is Girasol Quartz Good For?

The primary way people use girasol quartz is for jewelry/decoration.

Others who believe in crystal healing or the metaphysical powers of stones use it for those purposes.

It is not generally used for much beyond that.

Is Girasol Clear Quartz?

Technically, not, girasol stones (even clear ones) are not clear quartz.

The difference is the adularescence.

That being said, it seems likely that most people new to looking for the girasol effect would miss it, and identify any kind of clear looking stone as clear quartz.

Is Girasol an Opal?

It might be. It depends on the chemical composition of the stone.

“Girasol” refers to the appearance of the stone, not the identity of the stone.

There are many kinds of stones that are given the name ‘girasol.’