# Rock crystal

> Rock crystal is colorless, transparent quartz (7 on Mohs), used since antiquity in beads, carvings and jewels; also imitated with glass.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/rock-crystal/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-03
- Updated: 2026-08-12
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/cristal-de-roca/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Rock crystal is the colorless, transparent variety of quartz. Its Greek name means “ice”. It has been used since prehistory in beads, carvings and jewels.

## Properties

- **Composition:** silicon dioxide.
- **Hardness:** 7 on the Mohs scale.
- **Color:** colorless and transparent, sometimes with rutile inclusions.
- **Origins:** Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps and the USA.
- **Treatments:** not usually treated.

## Uses in jewelry

- Beads, pendants and earrings.
- Faceted cuts and spheres.
- Antique jewelry.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Durable and affordable.
- Transparent and luminous.
- Versatile.

### Limitations

- Sparkles less than diamond or zirconia.
- Mistaken for glass.
- Scratches less than other soft stones.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Tolerates ultrasonic if no fractures.
- Avoid knocks.

## See also

- [Gemstones in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstones-in-jewelry/)
- [Quartz and its varieties](https://www.711grados.com/en/quartz/)
- [Amethyst](https://www.711grados.com/en/amethyst/)