Quartz with Amphibole
Measures Approximately:2 3/4" x 3" x 1 1/4"
Weighs Approximately: 9.4 oz
I love quartz with amphibole. I'm not sure exactly why, but I always respond strongly to it. Beautiful crystal.
Quartz is the most common of the silica minerals. The group is all composed of silicon dioxide but have different crystal structures. The others form under specific conditions like very high temperatures. The name quartz comes from the German quarz, without a “t”. It may be derived from the Polish kwardy (“hard”). Pure quartz is colorless but trace metal inclusions can color it purple (amethyst), yellow (citrine), and brown (smoky quartz). It also forms in fibrous varieties without visible crystals like chalcedony.
The name amphibole refers to a group of related silicate minerals. The general term is used when the individual species is unknown. Although they can resemble needles by themselves, they often appear as fibrous inclusions inside quartz crystals. The name comes from Greek amphibolos ("ambiguous"), after their variable appearance. While Brazilian amphibole included quartz is often deep red, cream, and brown, the Madagascan varieties are usually yellow, peach, or orange.
