mineral
Blue Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Blue to bluish-gray, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline or macrocrystalline quartz), Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Blue to bluish-gray, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline or macrocrystalline quartz), Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. The blue color is typically caused by microscopic inclusions of fibrous minerals like crocidolite or dumortierite, or Rayleigh scattering from inclusions.
Uses & applications
Used in lapidary arts, gemstone jewelry, decorative carvings, and mineral collections.
Geological facts
Blue quartz is sometimes known as 'dumortierite quartz' or 'sapphire quartz' due to its distinct coloration, though it is unrelated to actual sapphire.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, lack of cleavage, Mohs hardness of 7, and blue coloration. Found worldwide including Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the USA.
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