Weight – 2.14 oz’s – 60.6 gm’s
Dimensions – 3.66″ x 0.91″ long/wide (9.3 x 2.3 cm’s)
Origin – Zambia
USD $37.00
SKU: Q4468
This Zambian Quartz crystal features awesome form with amazing Limonite inclusions and great shiny luster with amazing etchings! This specimen is in excellent condition.
In stock
Use the tabs below to explore crystal origins, geological details, crystal care guidance, and metaphysical insights.
Weight – 2.14 oz’s – 60.6 gm’s
Dimensions – 3.66″ x 0.91″ long/wide (9.3 x 2.3 cm’s)
Origin – Zambia
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Included Quartz refers to Quartz crystals that contain other minerals trapped within them during growth. These inclusions may appear as needles, clouds, veils, phantoms, sprays, plates, threads, or granular deposits, each reflecting the geological conditions present at the time of formation.
Common inclusions include Chlorite, Rutile, Tourmaline, Titanium-bearing minerals, Iron oxides, and many others. Each specimen is inherently unique, as the timing, chemistry, and environment of growth determine the inclusion’s shape, placement, and density.
Included Quartz occurs worldwide, with notable localities in Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, the United States, and parts of Africa. Because inclusions record a snapshot of the crystal’s growth history, many collectors consider Included Quartz to be a visual and geological record of Earth’s evolving conditions.
Included Quartz is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, consistent with all Quartz varieties. The defining feature is the presence of one or more foreign minerals incorporated during crystal growth.
Inclusions form when Quartz grows in environments where other minerals are suspended in hydrothermal fluids. As the Quartz crystal develops, these minerals may become trapped internally rather than being excluded or deposited on the surface. Growth may continue around the inclusion, fully enclosing it within the crystal body.
In some cases, inclusions outline earlier growth stages, forming phantoms. In others, needle-like or fibrous inclusions such as Rutile or Tourmaline grow simultaneously with the Quartz, creating complex internal structures.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Quartz with mineral inclusions |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (host crystal) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7 (host crystal) |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Defining Feature | Internal mineral inclusions |
From a geological perspective, inclusions provide valuable insight into the temperature, pressure, and chemistry present during crystal formation. Each Included Quartz specimen is effectively a natural archive of its growth environment.
⚠️ Handling:
Included Quartz is generally durable, but internal fractures or delicate inclusions may be present. Handle gently and avoid sudden impacts.
🧼 Cleaning:
Water-safe for brief rinsing. Avoid prolonged soaking, especially for crystals with visible fractures or porous inclusions. Dry thoroughly.
☀️ Light:
Most Included Quartz is light-stable. Some iron-rich inclusions may darken slightly with prolonged intense sunlight.
📦 Storage & Display:
Store separated from harder specimens to prevent chipping. Display securely to protect terminations.
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Etched Quartz refers to Quartz crystals that display natural surface markings created through cycles of growth, dissolution, and regrowth over long geological periods. These markings appear as symbols, lines, grooves, geometric patterns, or script-like formations etched directly into the crystal faces.
Etching can occur in many Quartz varieties and from many locations worldwide. It is not a separate species or formation, but rather a record of the crystal’s long and complex interaction with its environment. Etched Quartz is often found in association with older growth stages, extended formation timelines, and fluctuating chemical conditions.
Because of this, etched crystals are commonly regarded as ancient and information-rich specimens. The presence of etching suggests the crystal has undergone multiple phases of evolution rather than forming in a single, uninterrupted growth cycle.
Elestial Quartz crystals are widely considered the most complex members of the Etched Quartz family. Their skeletal and layered growth often results in extensive and varied etching, sometimes with a different “language” appearing on each face and termination.
Etched Quartz is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, like all Quartz. The etching itself is formed when acidic or mineral-rich fluids partially dissolve the crystal surface during pauses or reversals in growth.
These dissolution events selectively remove material from the crystal faces, creating intricate patterns that reflect changes in pressure, temperature, and chemistry. Subsequent growth phases may preserve or accentuate these etched features rather than smoothing them away.
Etching may appear as:
Because etching is a surface feature rather than a structural weakness, etched Quartz remains as durable as standard Quartz when handled appropriately.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Quartz (etched growth surface) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous to matte (etched areas) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Defining Feature | Naturally dissolved and regrown surface markings |
⚠️ Handling:
Etched Quartz often features fine ridges, recesses, and textured surfaces. Handle gently to avoid chipping delicate etched edges.
🧼 Cleaning:
Water-safe for brief rinsing. Avoid prolonged soaking, ultrasonic cleaners, or chemical agents, which may lodge in etched areas. Dry thoroughly.
☀️ Light:
Light-stable under normal display conditions.
📦 Storage & Display:
Store padded and separate from harder or angular specimens. Etched Quartz is best displayed where its surface detail can be appreciated without risk of impact.