sedimentary
Quartz Vein in Host Rock
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) veining in silicate matrix
Mohs hardness of 7 for the quartz vein, variable for host rock; color ranges from greyish-white quartz to tan/brown matrix; vitreous luster on crystal faces; cryptocrystalline to macrocrystalline structure; conchoidal fracture for quartz.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7 for the quartz vein, variable for host rock; color ranges from greyish-white quartz to tan/brown matrix; vitreous luster on crystal faces; cryptocrystalline to macrocrystalline structure; conchoidal fracture for quartz.
Formation & geological history
Formed by hydrothermal fluids rich in silica precipitating into fractures and fissures within a pre-existing host rock over geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for geological study, mineral specimen collecting, and lapidary practice.
Geological facts
Quartz veins are common geological features that frequently host valuable metallic ore deposits such as gold, silver, and copper.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by the distinct hard white or translucent quartz band contrasting sharply with the surrounding weathered matrix. Common worldwide.
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