Mineral on Igneous Rock
Quartz on Basalt
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) on Mafic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 7 (quartz), 5-6 (basalt); Color: White/clear crystals on dark gray/black host rock; Luster: Vitreous to pearly crystals; Structure: Hexagonal crystals on a fine-grained crystalline matrix.
- Hardness
- 7 (quartz), 5-6 (basalt)
- Color
- White/clear crystals on dark gray/black host rock
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly crystals
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (quartz), 5-6 (basalt); Color: White/clear crystals on dark gray/black host rock; Luster: Vitreous to pearly crystals; Structure: Hexagonal crystals on a fine-grained crystalline matrix.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal precipitation where silica-rich fluids filled cavities (vesicles) or cracks in cooling volcanic basaltic lava flows.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for geological study, teaching specimens, and minor decorative items or aquarium stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. When it grows inside the gas bubbles of basalt, it can eventually form geodes if the pocket is large enough.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by the contrast between a dark, heavy, fine-grained rock and white, hard crystals that can scratch glass. Often found in volcanic regions.
More like this
Other mineral on igneous rock specimens
Quartz Druzy on Basalt
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) on Mafic Volcanic Rock
Mineral on Igneous Rock
Spessartine Garnet in Quartz/Feldspar Pegmatite
Spessartine (Mn3Al2(SiO4)3) in Quartz (SiO2) and Feldspar
Mineral in Igneous Rock
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Quartzite with Iron Inclusions
Quartzite (pre d om i n a n t l y SiO2) with H e m a t i t e / G o e t h i t e
metamorphic
Magnetite
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
mineral
Basalt
Basalt
Igneous