Item Description
Inclusions of iron and hematite cause the red-ochre hues of these terminated quartz crystals. The contrast of quartz colors and chaotic angles and layers of terminations, paints a striking visual impact. Mineral veins can be seen on one side, showing the introduction of iron and hematite into this cluster. The bottom of the piece is flattened, and the red quartz towers feature natural horizontal striations. A truly magical piece, indeed.
Quartz
The Universal Crystal
Properties of Quartz
Physical Properties
Category:
Silicate Mineral
Chemical Formula:
SiO2
Crystal Class:
α-Quartz: Trapezohedral; β-Quartz: Trapezohedral (Class 6 2 2)
Crystal System:
α-Quartz: Trigonal; β-Quartz: Hexagonal
Dana Classification:
75.01.03.01 (Tectosilicates)
Name:
Quartz
Space Group:
α-Quartz: P3221 (no. 154), β-Quartz: P6222 (no. 180)
Strunz Classification:
4.DA.05 (Oxides)
Synonym:
Agate, Amethyst, Aventurine, Carnelian, Cat's Eye, Chalcedony, Chert, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Flint, Hornstone, Jasper, Moss Agate, Plasma, Prase, Rock Crystal, Rose Quartz, Sapphire Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Tigers Eye
Unit Cell:
a = 4.9133 Å, c = 5.4053 Å; Z=3
Mineral Identification
Birefringence: +0.009 (B-G interval)
Cleavage: {0110} Indistinct
Common Colors: Colorless, Various depending on inclusions
Crystal Habit: 6-Sided Prism, Hexagonal Terminations, Drusy, Massive, Microcrystalline
Diaphaneity: Transparent to Opaque
Formula Mass: 60.083 g·mol−1
Fracture: Conchoidal
Luster: Vitreous to dull
Melting Point: 1670 °C
Mohs Hardness: 7
Optical Properties: Uniaxial (+)
Pleochroism: None
Refractive Index: nω = 1.543–1.545, nε = 1.552–1.554
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Streak: White
Tenacity: Brittle