Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Quartz |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Form | Lot / parcel |
| You receive | The exact lot pictured |
About this specimen
A varied parcel of quartz specimens perfect for a collector who loves a bit of everything: the lot includes natural quartz points, chunky matrix pieces, a warm smoky-orange quartz fragment, and a small boxed pair of genuine Herkimer diamond quartz — the famous double-terminated variety mined from dolostone pockets near Herkimer County, New York, known for exceptional clarity and naturally faceted termination on both ends.
Herkimer diamonds form in a completely different way from typical quartz veins: rather than growing attached to a matrix wall, they crystallize freely within small cavities in the host rock, allowing both ends to develop sharp natural facets. The rest of the lot showcases more traditional quartz growth habits, including a piece still attached to its granular host rock, giving a nice contrast in formation styles side by side.
A fun, educational assortment for anyone wanting to compare different quartz growth habits in one purchase, or simply looking for a nice grab-bag of genuine quartz specimens at a fair price. Sold as the complete lot pictured.
Quartz: the science
- Every natural quartz crystal has a six-sided prism capped by a point, the same trigonal geometry whether it is a thumbnail or a meter long.
- Quartz is piezoelectric: squeeze it and it produces a tiny voltage. That property is why quartz keeps time in watches and electronics.
- At Mohs 7 it scratches glass and steel, which is why quartz sand is the main abrasive in nature and why quartz outlasts almost everything on a beach.
Go deeper
Want the full story on quartz: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Read Quartz: The Complete Guide Shop all Herkimer Diamond Quartz
Questions about this piece
What is quartz?
Quartz is crystalline silicon dioxide and one of the most common minerals in Earth’s crust. Clear, well-formed points and clusters grow in open cavities and veins where silica-rich fluids had room and time to crystallize.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 7 on the Mohs scale. Quartz is Mohs 7 and very durable. Dust with a soft brush or rinse in lukewarm water and air dry. Avoid knocking points together and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Is this the exact lot I will receive?
Yes. This lot was photographed as a group, and you receive the pieces shown.
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