Included Quartz (Garden Quartz / Lodolite)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale) for quartz. Color: Clear to milky white with inclusions of various colors (red, orange, brown, green, white) depending on the included minerals. Luster: Vitreous to greasy for quartz. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) for quartz. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: Approximately 2.65 for quartz.

Included Quartz forms when various other minerals (such as Chlorite, Hematite, Feldspar, or Goethite) are trapped within the growing quartz crystal. This often occurs in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where silica-rich fluids deposit quartz, and other minerals are present during the crystallization process. The geological age can vary widely, from millions to hundreds of millions of years, depending on the specific location and formation event.

Primarily used in jewelry for its aesthetic appeal, especially in beads, cabochons, and polished specimens. It is also highly sought after by mineral collectors due to the unique and often beautiful formations of the inclusions.

Included quartz is also known by names such as 'Garden Quartz' or 'Lodolite' due to the picturesque scenes created by the inclusions, which can resemble miniature landscapes, gardens, or underwater scenes. The specific types and colors of inclusions determine the visual effect and can make each piece unique. For example, red or orange inclusions often indicate hematite, while green can be chlorite.

In the field, included quartz is identified by its overall quartz characteristics (hardness, glassy luster) combined with visible trapped minerals within the clear or translucent host quartz. The inclusions can appear as wisps, clouds, needles, or phantom layers. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA. When identifying, look for the clarity of the quartz and the distinct appearance of the embedded minerals. Collectors look for unique patterns, vibrant colors, and well-formed 'scenes' within the quartz.