As part of our ongoing evolution toward Polkadot’s JAM (Join-Accumulate Machine) architecture, Unique Network is announcing an important transition for the Quartz blockchain.

Starting October 27, 2025, external access to Quartz will be restricted to allow our technical teams to focus on internal testing, R&D, and JAM-aligned upgrades.

To protect community assets and ensure a seamless user experience, we are initiating a Quartz-to-Unique Network (QTZ→UNQ) token migration plan.

Why This Transition Is Happening

Quartz was originally launched on Kusama as a canary environment for early NFT and developer experimentation.

With the introduction of Polkadot JAM, the network architecture is evolving significantly, and Quartz will now serve as Unique Network’s internal testing environment.

This change ensures continued innovation and system stability.

As part of this transition:

  • All developer-facing pallets (except Balances) will be disabled.
  • The XCM transfers from Quartz to Karura will close on October 27, 2025.
  • Quartz will continue to exist, but without external dApp or token activity.

Key Dates:

  • Close QTZ to Karura bridge - one way : 27 October
  • Allow Qtz to Karura swap on karura - until 31st March 2026
  • Snapshot date: 4th November
  • UNQ Claim UI Opens : 5 November
  • UNQ Claime UI Closes: 31st March 2026

What Happens to Your QTZ Tokens

If you hold Quartz (QTZ) tokens, here’s how your migration works:

1. If You Hold QTZ on the Quartz Chain

  • Balance ≤ 25 QTZ
    → You will automatically receive UNQ tokens via airdrop.
    → Exchange rate: 1 UNQ = 25 QTZ (rounded up).
  • Balance > 25 QTZ
    → You’ll need to manually claim your UNQ tokens using the official migration dApp (link shared in this announcement).

2. If You Hold QTZ on Karura

  • You can swap your QTZ for KAR tokens directly on the Karura DEX.
  • The swap will be open till 31st March, 2026.
  • Exchange rate: 1 UNQ = 25 QTZ (equivalently matched in KAR value).
  • After 31st March 2026, liquidity will be withdrawn.

FAQ Highlights

Q: Why is Quartz being restricted?

A: To align with Polkadot’s JAM evolution and maintain network stability during upcoming upgrades.

Q: What happens to my QTZ tokens?

A: You will be able to claim UNQ tokens for your QTZ token or swap them if they are on Karura. Please read the section above that mentions different scenarios.

Q: Is Quartz shutting down?

A: No — Quartz will continue operating internally as Unique Network’s test environment.

Q: How long is the swap window open?

A: till 31st March 2026

Next Steps

  1. Check your wallet balance to see if you qualify for the auto-airdrop or need to claim manually.
  2. If holding QTZ on Karura, swap your tokens on Karura DEX.
  3. Look at announcement channels for the official UNQ claim link on 5th November.

This transition is a key milestone as we prepare for the Polkadot JAM architecture, ensuring Quartz continues to drive innovation as a stable, secure, and future-ready test network.