mineral

Aura Quartz (Coated Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) treated with metallic vapor

Mohs hardness of 7, vivid metallic blue and purple coloration with iridescent sheen, vitreous to metallic luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.

Identified August 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness of 7, vivid metallic blue and purple coloration with iridescent sheen, vitreous to metallic luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Created artificially in a laboratory or industrial chamber by bonding vaporized metals (such as gold, titanium, or niobium) to the surface of natural quartz crystals at high temperatures.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, decorative items, crystal healing, and metaphysical practices due to its vibrant colors.

Geological facts

Aura quartz is an artificially enhanced mineral, often called 'Tanzan Aura' or 'Cobalt Aura' depending on the metal coating used to create the vivid metallic flash.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its unnatural, highly metallic, rainbow or deep blue-purple sheen overlying a quartz base. Commonly found in rock shops and metaphysical stores worldwide.

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