Mineral (Man-modified)

Titanium Coated Aura Quartz (Apple Aura Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Metallic Vapor Deposition Coating

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Iridescent lime green with gold/rainbow flashes; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Iridescent lime green with gold/rainbow flashes
Luster: Vitreous to metallic

Identified March 17, 2026More mineral (man-modified) →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural clear quartz is formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites (Cretaceous to modern). This specific 'Aura' specimen is then subjected to a laboratory process called Magnetron Sputtering, where the stone is heated in a vacuum and bonded with vaporized titanium and other metal oxides.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, metaphysical collecting, jewelry making, and as a pocket stone. It has no industrial application in its coated state.

Geological facts

Despite its futuristic look, the coating is only a few atoms thick. This specific green variety is often marketed as 'Apple Aura' or 'Green Aura' quartz. If the base material is glass rather than quartz, it is often referred to as 'Aurora Borealis' glass.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for the natural hexagonal crystal habit of quartz underneath the coating and looking for conchoidal fractures. Note that the rainbow sheen is only on the surface and can be scratched off with a steel file. It is not found in nature in this color.

Other mineral (man-modified) specimens

See all

Sandstone (with man-made markings)

Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)

sedimentary

Pet Rock (Man-made Quartzite or Granite Cobble)

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) mixture; commonly composed of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica

igneous or metamorphic (base stone); anthropogenic (decoration)

Blue Crackle Quartz (Dyed Quarzite)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with artificial dye

Metamorphic (modified)

Painted River Pebble (likely Basalt or Greywacke)

Aphanitic Lithic Clast with Anthropogenic Pigment coating

Sedimentary or Igneous

River Cobble (likely Basalt or Metagraywacke)

Non-specific water-worn lithic fragment

igneous or metamorphic

N/A - Non-Geological Item

not a rock/mineral