Translucent Quartz Crystal from Brazil
Perfectly formed rough quartz crystal from our collection of rocks and minerals.
Although it's difficult to say for certain because this crystal is translucent as opposed to transparent, I'm fairly sure there's a second well formed crystal inside. I think there may even be a smaller third one as well.
The many colours in which quartz can be found are caused by impurities within the crystal. In its purest form it's colourless and transparent.
One of the most abundant minerals on the planet, quartz can be found in almost every geological environment. Also known as silica or silicon dioxide, it's a chemical compound of one part silicon, two parts oxygen.
Quartz is the most common component of sand. It can be found in almost every rock type.
When squeezed, quartz generates a tiny electrical charge. It also has the ability to vibrate at precise intervals. This is why it's used in devices that keep the time, in radio transmitters and computers.
