mineral

Quartz with Chlorite or Epidote inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Quartz); Color: Yellowish-tan with dark green inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Hardness: 7 (Quartz)
Color: Yellowish-tan with dark green inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz with Chlorite or Epidote inclusions in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Quartz); Color: Yellowish-tan with dark green inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or metamorphic environments where silica-rich fluids crystallized around existing minerals like Chlorite or Epidote. The yellow-tan hue often comes from surface iron staining (limonite).

Uses & applications

Primarily collected as a mineral specimen. Clearer versions are used in jewelry; this particular specimen is a rough field sample used for geological study.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Inclusions like the green spots seen here can significantly alter the appearance and value of a quartz specimen.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in many mountain ranges and riverbeds globally. Look for the contrast between the pale quartz matrix and dark mineral inclusions.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock