Double Terminated Quartz Crystal

This double terminated quartz crystal is an example of the mineral quartz in its purest form.

The colours and patterns seen in rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, tigers eye and many other quartz varieties come from impurities within the mineral's crystal structure.

Iron can turn quartz yellow, orange, red or brown. Aluminum can turn it blue or green.

Impurities of manganese or lithium usually turn quartz pink or purple whilst titanium turns it blue.

Impurities are incorporated into the crystal during its formation or after the formation through various natural geological processes.

This double terminated quartz crystal is completely transparent. It features some subtle inclusions that are mostly present towards one end.

It has been lightly polished and reflects light in a similar way to glass.

This medium sized quartz crystal was cut and polished in South Africa.