White Quartz Cluster
Quartz var. White Quartz · Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal, with prismatic and druzy crystal habits forming inside a partial geode or cavity
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Hydrothermal and low-temperature magmatic processes where silica-rich fluids precipitate quartz crystals within rock cavities over extended periods under moderate temperatures and pressures.
About This Crystal
A substantial white quartz specimen featuring a rough, massive outer matrix and an inner cavity lined with shimmering, translucent to transparent white quartz crystal points and druzy clusters. The luster is predominantly vitreous to greasy on fractured surfaces, with brilliant reflection from individual crystal faces.
Physical Characteristics
Color is milky white to colorless. Streak is white. Cleavage is absent (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity is approximately 2.65. Tenacity is brittle. May exhibit weak phosphorescence or fluorescence under specific conditions.
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive depending on the crystal cut (uniaxial positive), with a refractive index of approximately 1.544 to 1.553. Birefringence is low (0.009). No significant pleochroism in white varieties.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Globally distributed; major sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States (Arkansas), and the Alps. Typically forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and volcanic cavities.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable against scratching by most common materials. Toughness is good due to the lack of cleavage, though clusters can fracture if dropped.
Care & Maintenance
Easy to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and sudden extreme temperature changes (thermal shock). Safe from fading in normal sunlight.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely accessible globally, though large, well-formed cluster specimens of high aesthetic appeal command higher collector values depending on size, damage status, and aesthetic cavity formation.
Special Characteristics
Displays a druzy cavity formation (vug or partial geode), with sparkling micro-to-small crystal points lining an internal void, offering textural and visual depth.
Lore & History
Historically regarded across various cultures as a stone of clarity, purification, and energy amplification. In modern crystal healing, it is often associated with the Crown Chakra and considered a master healer stone, though these are cultural traditions rather than scientifically validated claims.