Quartz is a hard , crystalline minerals composed of silica(silicon dioxide). Quartz exists in two forms, the normal a-quartz, and the high-temperature b-quartz, both of which are chiral. The transformation from a-quartz to b-quartz takes place abruptly at 573 degree celcius. since the transformation is accompanied by a significant change in volume, it can easily induce microfacturing of ceramics or rocks passing through this temperature threshold.

There are  many different varieties of quartz, several of which are classified as gemstones. since antiquity, varieties of quartz have been the most commonly used in minerals, in the making of jewelry and hardstone carvings, especially in Europe and Asia.