What quartz looks like (photo)

Quartz is quite widespread in the earth's crust; many precious and ornamental jewelry stones belong to its varieties. In addition, it is considered rock-forming, that is, it is included as permanent essential components in the composition of rocks.

Main visual characteristics

In its pure form, the mineral is absolutely transparent and has no shade. Sometimes it can be painted white due to the presence of internal cracks and crystal defects. The luster of the crystal is clear, vitreous, sometimes greasy in solid masses. It occurs in the form of continuous granular masses of milky white color or may form individual grains in rocks.

If the composition of the gem includes various elements-impurities or microparticles of other minerals (mainly iron oxide), then this gives it a certain shade, which can be completely different. However, it is no longer considered pure quartz - such stones have their own separate names and belong to the varieties of this group. For example, black morion, lemon citrine, onion-green prasiolite, smoky rauchtopaz, greenish aventurine, purple amethyst, brown onyx and others. The reasons for the shade of different varieties have their own special nature.

All varieties have almost the same physical characteristics. The same vitreous luster, high hardness, similar formation conditions and susceptibility to acids and heat.

Quartz photo

To understand what a mineral looks like, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with both the crystal in its pure form and its varieties:

pure quartz

Aventurine

Agate

Amethyst

Ametrine

Hairy

Rhinestone

Morion

Overflow

Prase

Prasiolite

Smoky crystal (rauchtopaz)

Pink quartz

Citrine

Onyx