metamorphic
Quartz Vein in Greenstone
Metamorphic rock with quartz vein (SiO2 / mixed silicates)
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 due to the quartz component; colors include muted greens, greys, and whitish quartz bands; luster ranges from dull earthy to vitreous on quartz faces; amorphous to crystalline structure.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartz Vein in Greenstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 due to the quartz component; colors include muted greens, greys, and whitish quartz bands; luster ranges from dull earthy to vitreous on quartz faces; amorphous to crystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through regional metamorphism of basaltic precursors (greenstone) combined with hydrothermal activity that injected silica-rich fluids to form quartz veins.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for educational purposes, rock tumbling, or as a decorative garden stone.
Geological facts
Greenstone is heavily altered basalt where minerals like chlorite, epidote, and actinolite impart the characteristic greenish color.
Field identification & locations
Commonly found in ancient shield areas and mountain belts; identified by the striking contrast of white quartz veins running through a dark green or grey host rock.
More like this
