Small quartz plate
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Small quartz plate

£20.00

Clear Quartz Plate (Mineralogical Description)

The specimen is a colorless α-quartz crystal (SiO₂) exhibiting a tabular (plate-like) crystal habit resulting from anisotropic growth preferentially developed parallel to the {0001} basal plane and along the a-axes of the trigonal crystal system.

The absence of color indicates low concentrations of trace-element substitutions (e.g., Al³⁺, Fe³⁺) and a lack of radiation-induced color centers within the quartz lattice. Optical clarity suggests minimal structural defects and a low abundance of solid or fluid inclusions.

Crystallization occurred from silica-saturated hydrothermal fluids, commonly associated with granitic, pegmatitic, or high-grade metamorphic environments. Fluctuations in temperature, pressure, and solution chemistry influenced growth kinetics, resulting in the development of a tabular morphology rather than the typical prismatic habit.

Microscopic internal features such as growth zoning, healed fractures, and primary fluid inclusions may be present and serve as records of changing physicochemical conditions during crystallization.

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Description

This specimen is a clear quartz plate, composed of α-quartz (SiO₂) crystallized in the trigonal crystal system. The plate morphology results from preferential crystal growth along the a-axes, producing a flattened, tabular habit rather than the more common prismatic form.

Clear quartz is chemically pure silicon dioxide with minimal trace-element substitution, allowing for high optical transparency and the absence of color. Its clarity indicates low concentrations of lattice defects, inclusions, or radiation-induced color centers.

Crystallization occurred from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, typically associated with granitic, pegmatitic, or metamorphic geological environments. Variations in temperature, pressure, and fluid chemistry during growth influence crystal habit, leading to plate-like development in certain conditions.

Quartz plates often preserve growth zoning, internal veils, or fluid inclusions, which record episodic changes during crystallization and provide insight into the physicochemical environment of formation.

Mineralogical properties:

  • Chemical formula: SiO₂

  • Crystal system: Trigonal

  • Hardness: 7 (Mohs)

  • Fracture: Conchoidal

  • Luster: Vitreous

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