igneous
Quartz Vein in Granite
Silicic hydrothermal vein cutting intrusive igneous rock (SiO2 in feldspar-quartz matrix)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 for quartz and 6 for feldspar on the Mohs scale. Colors range from grayish-brown for the host rock to stark white for the quartz vein. Vitreous to dull luster with massive to crystalline structure.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Quartz Vein in Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 for quartz and 6 for feldspar on the Mohs scale. Colors range from grayish-brown for the host rock to stark white for the quartz vein. Vitreous to dull luster with massive to crystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed when hydrothermal fluids rich in silica precipitated quartz into fractures within cooling intrusive igneous rock millions of years ago.
Uses & applications
Primarily of geological interest as an indicator of past hydrothermal activity, occasionally collected for lapidary rough.
Geological facts
Quartz veins are the primary geological structures that host hydrothermal ore deposits, including gold and copper. Differential weathering often leaves quartz veins protruding as ridges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by contrasting white, hard silica veins cutting across darker or browner host rock. Found globally in mountainous regions and areas of ancient plutonic activity.
