mineral
Dyed Quartz Crystal
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with artificial pigment
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid unnatural violet/purple concentrated in cracks, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid unnatural violet/purple concentrated in cracks, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture
Formation & geological history
The base is natural quartz formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites. The purple color is artificial, applied through a process of heat-stressing (crackling) followed by immersion in dye.
Uses & applications
Decorative use, aquarium stones, low-cost jewelry, and metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
Natural quartz does not naturally occur in this specific shade of neon purple with color concentrated heavily in surface fractures; the dye is used to mimic more expensive amethyst or fluorite.
Field identification & locations
Check for 'pooling' of color in cracks and white or clear areas where the dye did not penetrate. Unlike natural amethyst, the color is topical rather than part of the crystalline lattice.
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