mineral with artificial coating
Aura Quartz Bead
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with metal coating
Hardness: 7 (quartz base). Color: Iridescent, showing metallic colors like blue, green, and purple. Luster: Metallic to vitreous. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) - typically fashioned into a bead here.
- Hardness
- 7 (quartz base)
- Luster
- Metallic to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (quartz base). Color: Iridescent, showing metallic colors like blue, green, and purple. Luster: Metallic to vitreous. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) - typically fashioned into a bead here.
Formation & geological history
Base material is natural quartz formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments. The iridescent effect is created artificially by bonding vaporized metals (like titanium, niobium, or gold) to the surface of the quartz in a vacuum chamber.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry making and as decorative elements. Often used in new age practices.
Geological facts
Aura quartz is a popular example of a natural mineral enhanced by human technology. Different metal combinations produce different colors, such as 'Aqua Aura' (gold) or 'Titanium Aura' (titanium).
Field identification & locations
Identified by its bright, metallic iridescence on a quartz base. The coating can sometimes be scratched or worn off, revealing the clear or milky quartz beneath.
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Other mineral with artificial coating specimens
Aura Quartz
Titanium-coated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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Aqua Aura Quartz
Titanium/Gold-coated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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Aura Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Titanium/Metal vapor coating
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Bismuth
Native Bismuth (Bi)
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Painted River Rock
Artificially Coated Sedimentary Rock
sedimentary
Titanium-Coated Hematite (Aura Hematite)
Titanium-bonded Hematite (Fe2O3 with a Ti coating)
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