{"product_id":"quartz-mineral","title":"Quartz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn interlocking mass of large quartz crystals in which the crystals have grown together (technically termed  a 'quartz mass'). The quartz mass in these samples dominates the rock they are embedded in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuartz is a hard, durable mineral with a crystalline structure. Angular with some visible flat facets. It has many aesthetic and practical uses, e.g. for jewellery, electronics and glassmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flat, angular faces make specimens especially suitable for scratch tests to determine hardness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMineral\u003c\/strong\u003e: Formed from silica-rich solutions crystallising in cavities and veins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource rock and location\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tasman granite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes\u003c\/strong\u003e: Choose from dropdown menu: Small, Hand, Shelf and Extra large shelf. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e: Images are examples of specimens only. Sizes, colours and shapes will vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMore detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStructure\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuartz has a crystalline structure with a hexagonal crystal system. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) arranged in a continuous framework of tetrahedra. Frequently forms chunky clusters of crystals in granite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eType\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilicate mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePhysical properties of quartz\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour\u003c\/strong\u003e: Highly variable. These samples range from clear, to white, to brownish (smoky quartz) depending on trace impurities and inclusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLustre\u003c\/strong\u003e: Has a vitreous (glassy) lustre, with a greasy sheen at fracture surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e: A very hard mineral, ranking 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (can scratch glass and most other common minerals).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDensity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Approximately 2.65 grams per cubic centimetre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFracture\u003c\/strong\u003e: Exhibits a conchoidal fracture, breaking with smooth, curved surfaces resembling the interior of a seashell; lacks cleavage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGeneral properties of quartz\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComposition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Consists of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), an oxide mineral in the silicate group. Pure quartz is chemically simple, but trace elements (iron, titanium, aluminium, lithium) create colour varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystalline Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Forms hexagonal prismatic crystals with horizontally striated faces. Large, well-formed crystals are not common in New Zealand but are mainly found in cavities of igneous rocks in Canterbury and Coromandel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDurability\u003c\/strong\u003e: Highly durable and resistant to chemical weathering, making it one of the most stable and abundant minerals on Earth. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeat Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Exhibits excellent heat resistance with a melting point of approximately 1750°C, remaining stable at high temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiezoelectricity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Quartz is piezoelectric—it produces an electrical potential difference when subjected to mechanical pressure. This property is exploited in electronics, watches, and oscillators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Porosity\u003c\/strong\u003e: Has very low porosity and water absorption, making it resistant to staining and moisture damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUses of quartz in New Zealand and worldwide\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElectronics and Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e: Quartz's piezoelectric properties make it indispensable in electronic information, semiconductors, optical light sources, photovoltaic energy, and aerospace applications. Used in watches, radios, computers, and sensors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlassmaking\u003c\/strong\u003e: A primary raw material for manufacturing glass, ceramics, and refractory materials due to its high silica content and heat resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJewellery and Ornamental Stone\u003c\/strong\u003e: Coloured varieties (amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetallurgical Industry\u003c\/strong\u003e: Acts as a fluxing agent in smelting processes and as a source of silica for metallurgical purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndustrial Applications\u003c\/strong\u003e: Used in casting, ceramics, chemicals, plastics, rubber, and as a filler or abrasive in various manufacturing processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLapidary and Collecting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Popular among rockhounds for specimen collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeological Studies\u003c\/strong\u003e: Studied by geologists to understand igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes, hydrothermal systems, and the geological history of Earth's crust.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Science Resource Box","offers":[{"title":"Small specimen","offer_id":51040264388775,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hand specimen","offer_id":51040264421543,"sku":null,"price":8.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Shelf specimen","offer_id":51040264454311,"sku":null,"price":15.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Extra large shelf specimen","offer_id":51040264487079,"sku":null,"price":28.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0534\/1193\/8471\/files\/Quartz3.jpg?v=1787026031","url":"https:\/\/scienceresourcebox.co.nz\/products\/quartz-mineral","provider":"Science Resource Box","version":"1.0","type":"link"}