Quartz

Quartz is a common and widely distributed mineral composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is notable for its hardness and resistance to chemical weathering, making it a prevalent and durable component of the Earth's crust. Here are some key characteristics and facts about quartz:

Physical Properties

  1. Crystal Structure: Quartz crystals belong to the hexagonal crystal system and typically form prismatic crystals with a six-sided pyramid at each end.
  2. Color: Quartz can be colorless, white, or come in various colors due to impurities, including:
    • Amethyst: Purple
    • Citrine: Yellow to orange
    • Rose Quartz: Pink
    • Smoky Quartz: Brown to black
  3. Luster: Vitreous (glassy)
  4. Hardness: Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable.
  5. Density: Approximately 2.65 grams per cubic centimeter.

Chemical Properties

  • Composition: Pure quartz is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
  • Impurities: Trace elements and mineral inclusions can influence the color and other properties of quartz.

Varieties

Quartz exists in two main forms:

  1. Macrocrystalline Quartz: Large, visible crystals, such as rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz.
  2. Cryptocrystalline Quartz (Chalcedony): Composed of microscopic crystals, includes varieties like agate, jasper, onyx, and carnelian.

Formation and Occurrence

  • Formation: Quartz forms from the cooling of molten rock (magma) or through hydrothermal processes (hot water solutions).
  • Geological Settings: Commonly found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It's abundant in granite and sandstone and occurs as veins in many types of rocks.

Uses

Dice Rock crystal

Dice Rock crystal

Type of jewellery: Dice game Type of stone: Rock crystal Sold individually ..

£12.50

Quartz Cluster 

Quartz Cluster 

Type: Raw Stone Type of Stone: Quartz Quartz Cluster Size: L. 13 cm x l. 13 cm x H. ..

£168.36

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