Quartz

How is Amethyst Formed

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO₂) formed through a combination of silica-rich fluids, slow crystal growth in op…

Alligator Quartz

Alligator quartz is a distinctive textural variety of quartz defined by its reptile-skin surface composed of tightly packed…

How to Identify Quartz

Learning how to identify quartz is one of the most practical skills in geology and rock collecting. Quartz is among Earth’s…

What is a Herkimer Diamond?

A Herkimer diamond is a unique type of double-terminated quartz crystal discovered within exposed outcrops of dolomite roc…

How Earthquakes Might Create Massive Gold Nuggets

How Earthquakes Trigger the Formation of Giant Gold Nuggets in Quartz? Forces unleashed by quakes squeeze quartz enough to g…

Aquadité: Newly Discovered Gemstone

Aquadité is a recently discovered variety of chalcedony and is distinguished by its copper content and its blue-green color…