mineral
Aura Quartz (Coated Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) treated with metallic vapor
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs 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.
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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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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary