Quartz is a silicon dioxide mineral (
SiO₂) crystallizing in the
trigonal crystal system. It typically forms prismatic crystals with hexagonal cross-sections and well-developed terminations.
In this specimen, quartz occurs as a
complex twin and intergrowth cluster, formed by the simultaneous or sequential growth of multiple crystal individuals.
The following growth features are observed:
- Quartz twinning – intergrowth of two or more quartz crystals sharing a specific crystallographic orientation. Such twins form when crystal growth conditions change during formation.
- Parallel and contact intergrowths – crystals grow closely together, partially overlapping and sharing growth surfaces.
- Multiple-generation growth – later quartz crystals have grown on earlier crystal surfaces, producing a sculptural, branching structure.
Unlike simple single crystals,
twin and intergrowth quartz specimens record dynamic changes in temperature, pressure, and fluid chemistry during hydrothermal crystallization. This makes such specimens especially valuable for
advanced mineral collections and educational reference material.
The crystal terminations and prism faces remain natural and untreated, preserving the original growth morphology.