Crystal guide

Clear quartz (sphatik): meaning, uses and who it suits

Clear quartz, called sphatik in India, is colourless, transparent quartz, also known as rock crystal. The sphatik mala is one of the oldest uses of crystal in Indian practice. This page explains what clear quartz is, how it is commonly used, how to care for it and how to tell it from glass.

Clear quartz at a glance

Hindi name	स्फटिक
Mineral	Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), the pure colourless form (rock crystal)
Colour	Colourless and transparent, sometimes with cloudy veils inside
Hardness (Mohs)	7
Where it is found	Very common worldwide; fine crystals come from Brazil, Madagascar and the United States (Arkansas)
Commonly paired with	Moon (number 2) and Venus (number 6)

A note before you buy

Crystals are part of a tradition of intention and reflection. They are not a substitute for medical care, and they cannot promise money, love or luck. For any health concern, please see a doctor.

What clear quartz is

Clear quartz is quartz in its purest form, with no colouring trace elements, so it is colourless and see-through. It often grows as six-sided points. It is hard enough to scratch glass and steel, and it stays cool in the hand. Many natural pieces have small cloudy veils, cracks or tiny inclusions.

What clear quartz is traditionally linked with

In Indian practice the sphatik mala is commonly used for japa (counting mantras), and sphatik Shivling and Shri Yantra carvings are kept in prayer rooms.
In modern crystal practice clear quartz is traditionally linked with clarity and focus.
In numerology circles it is chosen as a crystal for two numbers; the pairing from this site’s data is shown below.

Numbers and planets it is paired with

These pairings come from the same data as the gemstone calculator: each number from 1 to 9 has a planet, a ratna, its upratna (substitutes) and crystal choices. The Lo Shu direction of the number is where some people place the crystal when that number is missing from their Lo Shu grid.

Number	Planet	Listed as	Ratna of the planet	Lo Shu direction
2	Moon	Crystal	Pearl	South-West
6	Venus	Crystal	Diamond or White Sapphire	North-West

Find your Mulank and Bhagyank with the gemstone calculator

How clear quartz is commonly worn or placed

A sphatik mala is worn or used for japa; bead bracelets and pendants are common too.
Points, spheres and carvings are kept in a prayer corner or on a desk.
A clear sphere can focus sunlight like a lens: do not leave one on a sunny windowsill near cloth, paper or wood.

Vastu guides for where it is kept

Care and cleansing of clear quartz

Wash it in lukewarm water with mild soap and dry it.
Avoid sudden changes of temperature, which can crack it.
Keep spheres out of direct sun, for safety.
Many people like to “cleanse” a crystal from time to time; plain morning light for a short while or resting it on a dry shelf suits almost every stone. Ask about yours before using water, salt or strong sun.

Real clear quartz: natural, treated, dyed or fake

Real quartz feels cool and stays cool for a while in your hand; glass warms up quickly.
Glass often shows round bubbles and very even, flawless clarity; natural quartz usually has a few veils or inclusions.
Many cheap “sphatik” malas are glass; a gem laboratory can confirm quartz.

For a costly piece, ask for a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. It names the material and any treatment.

Tools and guides

Other crystals

Questions about clear quartz

Which number and planet is clear quartz paired with?

In our numerology data clear quartz is paired with Moon (number 2) and Venus (number 6). Treat this as a starting point: your full set of numbers and your question matter too.

Is sphatik the same as clear quartz?

Yes. Sphatik is the Indian name for clear, colourless quartz, also called rock crystal.

How can I tell if my sphatik mala is real?

Quartz beads feel cool and stay cool in the hand, and usually show small natural veils. Glass beads warm quickly and may show round bubbles. A laboratory can confirm it.

Can clear quartz be kept in sunlight?

Short spells are fine, but a clear sphere can focus sunlight like a magnifying glass and scorch cloth or wood. Keep spheres out of direct sun.

Can clear quartz replace medical care?

No. Crystals are part of a tradition of intention and reflection, not medicine. Please keep following your doctor’s advice for any health concern.