mineral
Mixed Mineral Collection (with Quartz, Beryl, and host rock)
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz), Be3Al2Si6O18 (Beryl), and associated Schist/Pegmatite
Variable: Quartz (H: 7.0, vitreous, hexagonal); Emerald/Beryl (H: 7.5-8.0, green, vitreous, hexagonal prisms); Host rock (foliated, dark grey/green, dull to pearly luster).
Identified More mineral →
Explore Mixed Mineral Collection (with Quartz, Beryl, and host rock) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Variable: Quartz (H: 7.0, vitreous, hexagonal); Emerald/Beryl (H: 7.5-8.0, green, vitreous, hexagonal prisms); Host rock (foliated, dark grey/green, dull to pearly luster).
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatite deposits where cooling magma or hot mineral-rich fluids interact with metamorphic host rocks, often during Orogenic events (mountain building).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, gemstone collecting, and as scientific specimens. Low-grade Beryl is used for Beryllium ore; Quartz is used in electronics and glass.
Geological facts
The green crystals are likely Emerald (a variety of Beryl) in their raw matrix. North Carolina is a famous US locality where these 'mine-your-own' buckets are commonly sourced.
Field identification & locations
Identify by hexagonal crystal habits, hardness (resistance to scratching steel), and the association of green beryl within dark, micaceous schist or white quartz matrix.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock