Aura Quartz is a special variety of quartz known for its vibrant iridescent coloring. It’s found under many names and varieties, like rainbow quartz and angel aura quartz, depending on its coloring. These quartzes can be somewhat controversial among crystal collectors due to how they get their iridescent coloring. But I own several of them because they’re beautiful. Even more so in person!
What is Aura Quartz?
Aura Quartz is a natural quartz crystal with manmade modifications to create its signature iridescent appearance. This “aura coating” is created by fusing precious metal particles like gold or platinum to the surface of the crystal in a high-heat vacuum chamber.
Some believe this enhances the quartz’s metaphysical benefits, while others prefer pure unaltered crystals. It can be a hot topic in the crystal community! I love any and all crystals, so there’s nothing bad about these in my book.
You can see more of my aura quartz collection in the short video above, where we also provide a quick overview of this colorful crystal.
Aura Quartz Meaning
Aura quartz is often considered to have many of the same metaphysical or spiritual healing benefits as quartz itself. Quartz is sometimes called a “Universal Crystal” because of its multipurpose uses and all of the lore that says it has a broad connection to all chakras and all zodiac signs. The writer of my favorite crystal guide says quartz is “easily programmable” to whatever energy, feeling, or outcome you’re looking to focus on or enhance in your life. Basically, quartz + any other crystal = a great pairing.
Some believe that the colorful coating on aura quartzes gives them a special meaning and the addition of metals enhances their ability to protect you from negative energy. Different colors are said to have different properties. For example, aqua aura quartz is thought to improve communication skills and angel aura quartz is believed to be calming or uplifting. Overall, aura quartzes are thought to bring joy and magic into your life thanks to their fun, playful coloring. I just love them because they’re so shiny they basically glow.
How Is Aura Quartz Made?
Aura Quartz crystals get their vibrant colors through a manmade process in which vaporized metal particles coat the surface of a quartz crystal. Natural quartz crystals are heated to extreme temperatures in a vacuum along with precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, nickel, iron, titanium, and more. This bonds the metal particles to the surface of the quartz, giving it a colorful shimmering coating.
The final color of the crystal depends on the combination of metals used in this process. The most popular varieties are angel aura quartz (made with platinum & silver) which can be seen in the photo above, and aqua aura (made with gold) which has a bright aqua shine.
Is Aura Quartz real?
Yes, aura quartzes are made from real natural-occurring quartz crystals. Their iridescent coloring is not found in nature though. The “aura” – that sparkling shine on top – is added later through a process of metal coating. Some feel this modification makes them unnatural, fake, or less pure. But to many others, this combination of crystal and metal adds to the allure, power, and beauty of these quartz crystals. Some people also argue that this process “rescues” pieces of quartz that might otherwise be considered too imperfect or blemished to sell, so it’s great from an eliminating-waste-and-working-with-what-you-have point of view.
Where To Place It In Your Home
Thanks to its wide range of colors and metaphysical meanings, aura quartz is one of those crystals that can pretty much go anywhere and everywhere in your home. Here are some rooms that are said to be especially great for aura quartz:
- In a windowsill or near sunlight to make it sparkle or shimmer
- In a play space or creative zone for a pop of color or fun
- In an office or workspace as a visual stress reliever
- In a kids’ room as a fun way to add color and texture
- Carried in your pocket, purse, or as jewelry for an on-the-go boost
Other Aura Quartz FAQs
Does aura quartz occur naturally?
No, aura quartz is not found in nature. Although it is made entirely of natural substances, the process of combining them occurs in a lab. A common criticism of aura crystals is that they are less pure or natural than untreated crystals. However, others believe the coating process only enhances its power or allure. Generally any crystal with the word “aura” attached to it is not found in nature.
When was it first created?
Aura quartz was first made in 1988 in Washington State, USA by a man named William McKnight.
Does it have any other names?
Aura quartz is the general term for any quartz treated with an iridescent metal coating. It is sometimes called Rainbow Quartz, Rainbow Aura Quartz, or Angel Aura Quartz, but these typically refer to a specific variety with a white or colorless base. Other color varieties of aura quartz include Aqua Aura (light blue), Titanium Aura (black), Flame Aura (red), and Rose Aura (pink) Quartz.
How do I care for aura quartz?
You can easily dust your quartz or clean it with a damp cloth. It is also okay to soak it in water to clean it. It’s best to avoid abrasives or even “fingernail scratch” cleaning an aura crystal. Although the quartz itself is very hard, the metallic aura coating is very thin and may be damaged.
Where To Buy Aura Quartz
I have a lot of places I like to purchase crystals (as well as in person in local crystal shops anywhere that I live or travel to), so here are a few online options for buying aura quartz:
More of My Favorite Crystals
I’ve been collecting crystals for years (we did a podcast segment about them way back in 2018). That’s what inspired me to write this series of crystal meaning posts about some of my favorites. If you enjoyed this post, please check out some of the others:
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