mineral
Dendritic Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Manganese Oxide inclusions
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear or white with black/brown branching inclusions; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Clear or white with black/brown branching inclusions
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear or white with black/brown branching inclusions; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed when manganese or iron oxides flow into microscopic fractures in quartz or chalcedony crystals during hydrothermal processes, creating tree-like patterns called dendrites.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry, lapidary art, and collection specimens.
Geological facts
The name 'dendrite' comes from the Greek word 'dendron', meaning tree. Though they look like plant fossils, they are strictly mineralogical formations.
Field identification & locations
Identified by the distinct fern-like or moss-like black patterns within a translucent quartz host. Common in Brazil, India, and the United States.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
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Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous