Why is the melting point for quartz so much higher than the melting point for water?
Yes, handedness is very important. The hand is indeed the answer. Since your quartz is right-handed, hold out your right hand with your index finger pointing horizontally in front of you, your middle finger bent at a 90 degree angle horizontally to your left, and thumb extended upward. Your index finger is the +X, the middle finger is the +Y and the thumb is +Z. (Notice how it would be opposite if you used your left hand.)
