What is Druzy

by Judy Larson
Druzy (spelling the retail world most commonly uses), drusy and druse (spelling of the scientific name and also the German word for geode) are all terms used to describe crystals that cover the surface of the interior of a void within a mineral/rock. These crystals can range in size from smaller than a grain of sugar to larger than a man.
We usually think of druzy crystals as forming inside a geode.

Thanks to their many smooth, flat crystal surfaces, they sparkle like sugar or fresh snow when light hits them.

Druzy quartz geodes can be found worldwide, but only a small fraction are hollow and contain crystals.
I gave this geode to my daughter about 30 years ago, at the start of her rock-collecting hobby.

Last year, her 5-year-old daughter broke it open whoopee, another generation of rock fanatics!

A few of the pieces could be turned into jewelry after refining the edges and backs.
The outer surfaces of these druzy gemstones, purchased from wirejewelry, have already been cleaned up and the cut surfaces polished.
Pro Tip: Research where you live to find out where geodes can most commonly be found and go geode hunting. Thundereggs are similar to geodes and also fun to search for.
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - , Stones, , Druzy quartz geodes
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - , Stones, , what is druzy
How do druzy crystals form?
Water seeps into rock cavities and evaporates, leaving minerals behind.

This resembles lime scale around faucets.

The process repeats, forming crystals like colorful amethyst.

Changes in water's mineral content create layered colors.

Druzy crystals are rare among many minerals.

Most retail druzy crystals are quartz.
From the collection of Kat Mann, purchased from wirejewelry.com, magnet glued to the back
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - How do druzy crystals form?, Stones, , what is druzy
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - How do druzy crystals form?, Stones, , what is druzy
How do clear quartz crystals get their color?
Most geode crystals lack gem quality.

They appear off-white to dirty grey, opaque, with little sparkle.

Druzy quartz crystals are typically treated.

Irradiation and heat create color in clear quartz, though not all respond.

No need to worry about irradiation on gemstones.

Many colored diamonds undergo it.

The U.S. NRC regulates irradiated gemstones for safety.

Radiation decays within months, making them safe to wear.
Chemical vapor deposition coats crystals with precious metals like gold, silver, titanium, or platinum.

Sometimes pieces are dyed before treatment.

Titanium creates a bright metallic finish on druzy crystals.

(Private collection, Judy Larson)

Many druzy quartz gemstones in jewelry are dyed.
(Private collection, Judy Larson, purchased from wirejewelry.com)
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - How do clear quartz crystals get their color?, Stones, , what is druzy
Judy Larson's What is Druzy - How do clear quartz crystals get their color?, Stones, , what is druzy
What are the best jewelry pieces to use druzy stones in?
Druzy crystals are fragile compared to larger gemstones of the same mineral.

Test structural integrity by running your thumbnail over the surface.

If crystals dislodge, avoid using the stone in jewelry.

Protect druzy cabochons well in rings or bracelets.

Small crystals break easily when bumped.

Earrings, necklaces, pendants, and pins/brooches best feature druzy gemstones.
How is the value of a druzy determined?
As with other gemstones, druzy quality is determined by color, weight and clarity. The size of the crystals and the evenness of the crystals coating of the host stone are other factors determining value.
How should druzy jewelry be cared for?
Best advice for wearing and caring for druzy gemstone jewelry-treat the jewelry like fine pearls-last on, first off, never worn in water.

Druzy gemstones should never be buffed.

Any applied coating could be removed, as well as crystals dislodged and broken off.

Use a mild detergent and water solution-no toothbrush-to clean a druzy piece and dry immediately.

If an ultra-sonic jewelry cleaning system will be used, test the piece before setting it.

The structural integrity of the crystals may not withstand the cleaning process.

Many people, however, report good results using ultra-sonic cleaners.
How can geode crystals be dyed at home?
You broke open your own geode and have a few pieces you want to set into jewelry.

Or the interior is so pretty, but you want a bit of color.

Research on the internet will turn up blogs and videos on how to dye geode crystals.

I used alcohol ink on several pieces of jewelry to be worn only indoors.

Be aware, though, that alcohol inks can bleach out quickly in the sun so may not stand the test of time.

Liquid fabric dye recipes to dye geode crystals work better.

If you plan to sell any of the pieces you dye, whether in jewelry or not, you must disclose this to the customer.

Materials

24x20mm Polished Druzy
DRY-8636
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.00
  • Gold Club Price: $18.00
Add to Bag
24x20mm Polished Druzy
DRY-8463
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.00
  • Gold Club Price: $18.00
Add to Bag
22x20mm Polished Druzy
DRY-8461
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.00
  • Gold Club Price: $16.50
Add to Bag
23x22mm Polished Druzy
DRY-8540
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.00
  • Gold Club Price: $16.50
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

No tools listed
  • Category: Stones
  • Technique(s): General Education