mineral
Dendritic Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Manganese Oxide inclusions
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
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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
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