
mineral
Aura Quartz
Titanium/Titanium-Gold treated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Iridescent, rainbow, or pearlescent surface coating on clear to white quartz; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Iridescent, rainbow, or pearlescent surface coating on clear to white quartz; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Aura Quartz is a man-made enhancement of natural quartz. It is created in a vacuum chamber through a process called CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), where metallic vapors (Titanium, Gold, or Platinum) are bonded to the surface of clear quartz crystals at high temperatures.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a decorative collector's item, in metaphysical practices, and for making unique fashion jewelry.
Geological facts
While the base crystal is natural quartz formed over millions of years, the metallic sheen is a modern technological coating. The different 'aura' types (Angel, Aqua, Flame) result from different metallic vapors used in the bonding process.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for a 'gasoline on water' rainbow effect that follows the surface contours of the crystal rather than appearing inside it. Natural quartz does not exhibit this uniform iridescent coating across irregular surfaces naturally.
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