metamorphic
Dyed Quartzite
Metamorphosed Quartz (SiO2) with synthetic pigment
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Intense neon purple/magenta (unnatural); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline/granular); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Intense neon purple/magenta (unnatural)
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Intense neon purple/magenta (unnatural); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline/granular); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Originally formed from quartz sandstone undergoing intense heat and pressure (metamorphism). This specimen has been tumbled and artificially dyed using a vacuum process to force pigment into fractures.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative stones, in fish tanks, 'lucky' stones for children, and in inexpensive tumble-polished jewelry.
Geological facts
While the base rock is a natural metamorphic stone, the color is 100% artificial. It is one of the most common 'beginner' stones found in museum gift shops and rock bins.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for 'bleeding' of color in internal cracks and a hue that does not occur naturally in quartzite. Naturally purple stones like Amethyst have different crystal structures.
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