Science & Origin of Quartz Quartz is an igneous rock composed of oxygen and silicon atoms that crystallizes around magma or hydrothermal vents. It is the most abundant mineral on planet earth and can be found in the form of points, masses, grains, prisms, and even threaded. This mineral is also one of the very few on earth that can appear in a twinning structure (Japan Law Quartz). Quartz was first recorded in 300 B.C. by Theophrastus and was given the name κρύσταλλος or kristallos. The origin comes from the word “ice” signifying the ancient belief that Quartz was encapsulated in ice. Nicolas Steno discovered in the 17th century that no matter the size or shape, Quartz will always meet at a 60 degree angle. It can be found in every country on earth with important commercial deposits appearing in Brazil, China, South Africa, Madagascar, Australia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Russia.
