Story: Gemstones

Crystalline quartz

Quartz crystals usually occur as cavity fillings in volcanic rocks and often have a pyramidal form. The purple variety of crystalline quartz is known as amethyst. The small polished piece has been cut from a slab of amethyst, then trimmed and tumbled.

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How to cite this page:

Jocelyn Thornton, 'Gemstones - Quartz', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/5120/crystalline-quartz (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Jocelyn Thornton, published 12 Jun 2006