Natural Quartz (Billaur) Stone in Pakistan

Being sourced now

We do not have loose Billaur listed yet. We are sourcing natural stones and will add each one individually, with its own photos, once it passes our checks. Send a message on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 with the colour, size or shape you want, and we will contact you when a suitable stone comes in. You can also email cod@gemstore.pk or use our contact page. Rock crystal chosen as Dur-e-Najaf is listed in its own Dur-e-Najaf collection.

What clear quartz is

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. It rates 7 on the Mohs scale, hard enough for everyday rings, and it has no cleavage, though a sharp knock can leave a shell-shaped chip. It is doubly refractive, which lets a lab confirm it in minutes. Colourless quartz is called rock crystal, and its regular growth makes it useful well beyond jewellery, including in watches and electronics.

Pakistan's northern areas are known for clear quartz crystals. The pegmatites of Gilgit-Baltistan, including the valleys around Skardu, produce fine points alongside aquamarine and topaz. See Gilgit-Baltistan gemstones and gemstones in Skardu.

The quartz family

Coloured quartz has its own names, and several are sold under them in our collections:

• Amethyst (Jamunia): purple quartz; see amethyst.
• Citrine (Sunehla): yellow to golden quartz; see citrine.
• Rose quartz: soft pink; see rose quartz.
• Smoky quartz: brown to near black; see smoky quartz.
• Moh-e-Najaf: quartz with fine hair-like needles inside; see Moh-e-Najaf.

Agate (Aqeeq) and chalcedony are fine-grained forms of quartz as well.

Billaur and Dur-e-Najaf

Dur-e-Najaf is rock crystal that holds spiritual meaning for many Muslims through its association with Najaf. Gemmologically it is the same mineral as Billaur. In practice, many buyers use "Billaur" for clear quartz in general and "Dur-e-Najaf" for stones chosen for that religious significance. Read Dur-e-Najaf: the clear stone of Najaf and Dur-e-Najaf: rock crystal, glass or zircon?

Inclusions you may see

• Water-clear: no visible inclusions, the classic faceting grade.
• Phantoms: a ghostly outline of an earlier crystal inside the stone.
• Rutile and tourmaline needles: golden or black threads, valued in their own right.
• Clouds and veils: misty areas that lower clarity but are natural.

Billaur or glass?

Glass is the usual imitation, and so-called "crystal" sold in gift shops is often lead glass. Glass may show round bubbles or swirl lines, warms quickly in the hand and has softer facet edges; quartz stays cool longer and keeps crisp edges. A very sparkly "Billaur" with strong rainbow fire may be cubic zirconia or zircon instead, since quartz shows little fire. A lab confirms quartz quickly through its double refraction. See checking a gemstone before you buy.

Treatments

Clear quartz is normally untreated. Watch for "crackle quartz", which is heated and quenched to create internal cracks and is often dyed, and for "aura" quartz with a thin metallic coating that gives a rainbow sheen. Both are treated materials. Any treatment we know of will be disclosed on the listing.

What drives value

Clarity matters most: water-clear stones with no cloudiness or cracks are worth most. Cut and polish come next, since faceted quartz should sparkle evenly and a cabochon should show a smooth, glassy dome without chips. Size has a modest effect, because clear quartz is found in large pieces. Attractive inclusions, such as well-formed phantoms or neat rutile needles, can add value of their own. Billaur is an affordable stone; see the gemstone price guide and our stones under 5,000 rupees.

Care

Clean clear quartz with warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is durable, but a hard knock can still chip an edge, and sudden temperature changes can crack stones with inclusions. Store it apart from harder stones such as sapphire, which can scratch it.

Billaur in tradition

Clear quartz has been carved into seals, cups and prayer beads for centuries, and many families keep Billaur for its association with clarity and calm. Clear stones are also popular for tasbih beads. These are customs and beliefs, not promised effects; on religious questions, ask a scholar you trust.

Choosing a shape

Water-clear Billaur suits faceted cuts such as ovals and cushions, which show its brightness. Cabochons and beads suit included or slightly cloudy material, where a smooth surface shows phantoms and needles well. For a man's ring, a large oval or rectangular stone in silver is a common choice; see gemstone rings for men and chandi rings with stone.

Clear stones you can buy now

Browse Dur-e-Najaf, Moh-e-Najaf and white topaz, or see all white and colourless gemstones.

When a stone is listed, you will be able to order it with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel and inspect it before paying the rider, and return it within 7 days if it is not right for you. Orders are dispatched in 1 to 2 working days by insured, tracked courier. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged.