Rock Identifier
Raw greenish quartz (likely prasiolite or included quartz) (Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); green color may reflect iron-bearing inclusions or irradiation-related prasiolite) — mineral
mineral

Raw greenish quartz (likely prasiolite or included quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂); green color may reflect iron-bearing inclusions or irradiation-related prasiolite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7; translucent pale green to gray with vitreous luster, irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage. Quartz is trigonal and has a specific gravity near 2.65.

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 7; translucent pale green to gray with vitreous luster, irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage. Quartz is trigonal and has a specific gravity near 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, cavities, and pegmatites as silica-rich fluids cool; individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological settings. Natural green quartz is uncommon, while some material is heat-treated amethyst.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a collector specimen or lapidary material; attractive pieces may be cut or polished for ornamental jewelry, though this rough fragment appears modest grade.

Geological facts

The image is consistent with quartz but cannot confirm prasiolite versus green-inclusion quartz without testing. Glassy fracture surfaces and lack of cleavage distinguish quartz from many pale-green minerals.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and Europe. Confirm with a hardness test against glass, absence of cleavage, and ideally refractive-index or Raman testing; avoid scratching valuable specimens.