Natural Quartz (Billaur) Stone in Pakistan

Coming soon

Loose Billaur is not listed yet. We are sourcing natural stones and will add each one separately, with its own photographs, after it passes our checks. Message us on WhatsApp with the size or shape you want, or email hello@authenticgems.pk, and we will contact you when a suitable stone arrives. Our contact page has every way to reach us. Rock crystal chosen as Dur-e-Najaf already has its own Dur-e-Najaf collection.

What clear quartz is

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on the planet. At 7 on the Mohs scale it is hard enough for a ring worn every day, and it has no cleavage, although a sharp knock can leave a small shell-shaped chip. It is doubly refractive, which lets a gem lab confirm it within minutes. The colourless form is called rock crystal, and because it grows so regularly it is used far beyond jewellery, in watches and electronics among other things.

Pakistan's north is well known for clear quartz. The pegmatites of Gilgit-Baltistan, including the valleys around Skardu, give fine crystal points alongside aquamarine and topaz. You can read more on Gilgit-Baltistan gemstones and gemstones in Skardu.

The wider quartz family

Quartz in colour goes by other names, and several have their own collections with us:

• 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 nearly 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 too.

Billaur and Dur-e-Najaf

Dur-e-Najaf is rock crystal that carries spiritual meaning for many Muslims because of its link with Najaf. Mineral-wise it is identical to Billaur. In everyday use, people tend to say "Billaur" for clear quartz in general and "Dur-e-Najaf" for stones chosen for that religious meaning. We have written more in Dur-e-Najaf: the clear stone of Najaf and Dur-e-Najaf: rock crystal, glass or zircon?

Inclusions you might see

• Water-clear: nothing visible inside, the classic grade for faceting.
• Phantoms: a ghostly outline of an earlier crystal trapped inside.
• Rutile and tourmaline needles: golden or black threads, prized for their own sake.
• Clouds and veils: misty patches that reduce clarity but are entirely natural.

Billaur or glass?

Glass is the usual copy, and the "crystal" sold in gift shops is often lead glass. Glass may show round bubbles or swirl lines, warms up quickly in the hand and has softer facet edges, while quartz stays cool for longer and keeps crisp edges. If a "Billaur" throws strong rainbow fire, it may really be cubic zirconia or zircon, because quartz shows very little fire. A lab can confirm quartz quickly through its double refraction. Our guide to checking a gemstone before you buy has more.

Treatments

Clear quartz is normally left untreated. Two exceptions to watch for: "crackle quartz", which is heated and then quenched to create internal cracks and is often dyed, and "aura" quartz, which carries a thin metallic coating for a rainbow sheen. Both are treated materials, and we will state any treatment we know of on the listing.

What makes one stone worth more

Clarity comes first: water-clear stones without cloudiness or cracks are worth the most. Cut and polish follow, since faceted quartz should sparkle evenly and a cabochon should have a smooth, glassy dome without chips. Size has only a modest effect, because clear quartz is found in big pieces. Attractive inclusions, such as a well-formed phantom or neat rutile needles, can add value of their own. Billaur is an affordable stone; see our gemstone price guide and the stones listed under 5,000 rupees.

Care

Warm soapy water and a soft brush keep it bright. It is tough, but a hard knock can still chip an edge, and sudden temperature changes can crack stones with inclusions. Keep 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 a favourite for tasbih beads, and Billaur rings are traditionally set in silver. These are customs and beliefs, not promised effects; for religious questions, please ask a scholar you trust.

Picking a shape

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

Clear stones you can order now

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

Once Billaur is listed, you will be able to order it on Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel and check the stone in front of the rider before paying, and return it within 7 days if it is not right. Orders are dispatched within 1 working day of confirmation by insured, tracked courier for a flat Rs. 500 per order, and usually reach Karachi in 1 to 2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other major cities in 2 to 4, and smaller towns within about 7.