mineral

Dendritic Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Manganese Oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white-opaque with black/brown tree-like inclusions; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white-opaque with black/brown tree-like inclusions; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None

Formation & geological history

Formed when manganese or iron oxides flow into hairline fractures in quartz or chalcedony crystals during crystallization, creating branching patterns called dendrites

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons, for ornamental carvings, and as a popular collector's mineral specimen

Geological facts

The term 'dendritic' comes from the Greek word 'dendron' meaning tree. Though they look like fossils (plants or moss), they are purely inorganic mineral growth

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for translucent to opaque quartz containing black/brown fern-like or tree-like patterns. Commonly found in Brazil, India, and the USA