Quartz
The word « quartz » comes from Old German language and its first record in such form is 1530 in the writings of Georgius Agricola.
Quartz is the third most common mineral on the earth`s crust, after ice and feldspar. Of all minerals, it has the greatest number of gem varieties, including prized gems such as amethyst, chalcedony and agate. Quartz comes in two basic forms: crystalline and cryptocrystalline (formed of microscopic crystals).
The abundance and beauty of quartz has implied its use as a gem since the dawn of history. In every age the quack of all kinds has been worshiped and worn as an amulet to protect against bad luck and disease.