Forms of Quartz

Taxonomic Key For the Forms of Quartz

1a) Mineral has six-side hexagonal crystals and visible crystal facets

1b) Mineral has no visible crystal facets.

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3) Quartz Crystals

Chert Jasper

Crystalline Quartz

3a) Rock Crystal 3b) Amethyst

Crystalline Quartz

3c) Citrine Rose Quartz Crystals

(only in museums)

Crystalline Quartz

3d) Smoky Quartz(Bonus)

Taxonomic Key2a) Mineral consists of glassy or pearly luster (transparent)

2b) Mineral appears waxy or subvitreous (translucent)

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Taxonomic Key4a) Mineral has a glassy/pearly luster and a fiery internal display of color

4b) Mineral has glassy crystal chunks

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5) Massive Crystalline Quartz

5a) Milky Quartz 5b) Rose Quartx

Massive Crystalline Quartz

5c) Aventurine

Massive Crystalline Quartz

5d) Tiger Eye

Jasper

6) Noncrystalline Quartz - Opal

6a) White Opal

6b) Black Opal

Jasper

6) Noncrystalline Quartz - Opal

6a) White Opal

6c) Fire Opal

6a) White Opal

6) Noncrystalline Quartz - Opal

6d) Common Opal

SEM Image of Opal

6d) Common Opal

6) Noncrystalline Quartz - Opal

7/9) Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Translucent

Chalcedony

Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Translucent

Carnelian

Cryptocrystalline Quartz

Chrysoprase

Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Opaque

Flint Chert

10) Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Opaque

Jasper

Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Opaque

Bloodstone

11) Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Banded

Agate

Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Banded

Black Onyx Cave Onyx

Cryptocrystalline Quartz - Banded

Petrified Wood