Lithium Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

Lithium quartz is a member of the commonly collected quartz family.

But it has its own unique properties worth investigating.

In this article, you’ll learn about lithium quartz, appearance, characteristics, meaning, and uses of this beautiful stone.

Lithium Quartz (Properties, Identification, Meaning)

Lithium Quartz Properties

What Is Lithium Quartz?

Lithium quartz is a variety of quartz that contains lithium.

The amount of lithium in lithium quartz is not enough to be considered a gemstone or mineral on its own.

However, it does give the stone its color.

Lithium quartz can be palest of pink, and it can also be mauve.

The stone can transparent, as well as opaque.

As a quartz, lithium quartz is a hard stone, rating a 6-7 on the Moh’s scale.

It also possesses the other physical characteristics of quartz (not brittle, not water soluble, etc).

What Is Lithium?

Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that is part of the alkali metal group.

It’s the lightest metal on Earth and has the lowest density of all metals.

The name “lithium” comes from the Greek word “lithos,” which means “stone.”

The chemical symbol for lithium is Li.

Lithium quartz contains a small amount of lithium, which is what gives it its name.

How Does Lithium Quartz Form?

Lithium quartz is found in areas where there are lithium-rich clays.

These clays can be weathered and eroded over time, which results in the lithium being deposited in other rocks and minerals.

Lithium-rich clays are found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, China, and the United States.

What Is The History of Lithium Quartz?

Lithium quartz has been used for centuries by many different cultures.

The first recorded use of lithium quartz is by the Ancient Egyptians.

They used the stone in jewelry and amulets.

The Ancient Greeks also used lithium quartz in their jewelry.

In the Middle Ages, lithium quartz was used in carvings and amulets.

The stone was also used in the Victorian era to make mourning jewelry.

What Is Lithium Quartz Currently Used For?

Lithium quartz is most commonly used in jewelry.

The stone is made into rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.

Lithium quartz is also used by those who believe in crystal healing.

Lithium Quartz Meaning

Lithium quartz is said to be a stone of peace and calm.

It is thought to help ease anxiety and stress.

Lithium quartz is also said to promote healing and balance.

The stone is thought to be helpful for those who are recovering from addiction.

Lithium quartz is also said to be a stone of love and relationships (probably due to it’s pink-ish color).

Lithium quartz represents the element of water and the astrological sign of Cancer.

How to Care for Lithium Quartz

Lithium quartz is a durable stone, but it should still be treated with care.

Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

Store lithium quartz away from other hard stones, as it can scratch them.

The best way to clean lithium quartz is with warm, soapy water.

Be sure to rinse the stone well to remove any soap residue.

Is Lithium Quartz Rare?

Lithium quartz is not a rare stone, but it can be difficult to find in some areas.

The best place to find lithium quartz is at gem shows or rock shops.

You can also find the stone online, but be sure to purchase from a reputable dealer.

How Much Does Lithium Quartz Cost?

The cost of lithium quartz varies depending on the size and quality of the stone.

Smaller, lower quality stones can be purchased for around $20-$30 per carat.

Higher quality, larger stones can cost $50-$100 per carat.

How To Identify Lithium Quartz?

Lithium quartz can be identified by its color.

The stone is usually a pale pink or mauve, but it can also be transparent or opaque.

It is generally paler than rose quartz, and more translucent than opaque.

It may be cloudy, but most positively confirmed pieces of lithium quartz seem to lack significant cloudiness.

It can also be identified by its hardness (6-7 on the Moh’s scale) and other physical characteristics of quartz.

You can discern it from rose quartz by its lower specific gravity and higher refractive index. You can also confirm it’s identity by doing a scientific test to confirm the presence of lithium.

However, in the absence of a scientific test, you may struggle to confirm the identities of different kinds of pink quartz.

Conclusion

Whether you are drawn to lithium quartz for its beauty, its history, or its meaning, this is a stone that is sure to add color to your collection.