Aqua aura: gold-treated quartz, meaning and care

What is aqua aura?

Aqua aura is a rock crystal (colourless quartz, see rock crystal) to which an extremely thin layer of gold has been artificially added. The stone is heated under vacuum, gold is vaporised inside the chamber and settles over the whole surface. The result is a brilliant turquoise blue, sometimes crossed by copper, pink or violet reflections.

This is not a natural stone. The blue does not come from a coloured mineral: it arises from light interference within the metal layer, the same mechanism that produces the colours of a soap bubble. The treatment has existed since the end of the 20th century. It is also applied to other stones, notably topaz, sold under the name “mystic topaz”.

The amount of gold used is minute: one cannot speak of a “gold stone”. The price difference with a colourless quartz mainly reflects the cost of the treatment.

Aqua aura, angel aura and the other aura colours

There is a whole family of “aura” quartzes. The names are trade names that vary from one seller to another; the exact metals used are not always published.

For other treated quartzes, see the page on aura quartz.

Traditional symbolism

Since its appearance evokes the clear water of a lagoon, it is associated with fluidity, speech, communication and serenity. Some authors link it with gold through the notion of “value” and light.

These associations are recent: they date from the appearance of the product. They have no ancient roots, and no study shows any effect on health, luck or mood. Many people love it for its colour and keep it as a soothing decorative object.

Traditional correspondences

These links are modern conventions, presented for information; see the throat chakra.

How to use it

• As a point or cluster: decoration for a shelf or desk, where the light plays on the colour.
• As jewellery: a pendant, earrings or a ring. The coating wears faster on a ring worn every day; for daily wear, prefer a pendant or earrings. See the guide to stone jewellery.
• As a contemplation stone: hold the stone while breathing slowly for a minute or two.

Care: protecting the gold layer

Quartz is hard, but the coating is fine and fragile. It can scratch or wear, which reveals pale spots.

• Cleaning: a soft, damp cloth, dried by hand. No stiff brush or abrasive powder.
• To avoid: ultrasonic cleaning, steam, solvents, household products, perfumes, chlorine, coarse salt.
• Sun and heat: avoid prolonged exposure and high temperatures.
• Storage: alone, in a soft cloth, away from hard stones.
• Symbolic cleansing: smoke, sound, or a simple gesture of the hand; these practices do not touch the material (see the guide to cleansing your stones).

Knowing the truth about an aqua aura

• It is always treated: if a listing speaks of “natural aqua aura”, it is false.
• Visible signs: a copper-coloured reflection under raking light, uneven blue on some facets, white zones or small holes where the deposit did not take or has worn away (as described by gemmologists).
• Glass: some metallic blue objects are coated glass, with no quartz. A very low price or perfect transparency with no fissures at all are clues.
• Allergies: gold rarely causes allergic reactions, but if you are very sensitive, ask for the composition of the setting and the coating.

None of this is serious if the seller is honest about the treatment. For other markers, read genuine or fake stone?

How to choose

Choose according to use. For decoration, a point or cluster of a fine, even tint is enough. For wearing, prefer pieces whose coating is uniform, without pale zones, and a setting that protects the stone (a closed setting). An aqua aura remains inexpensive compared with natural blue stones such as celestine or aquamarine; if you are looking for a genuine blue stone, check the label carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to stones.