TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Cristal de roca

Cuarzo is a mineral with formula SiO₂, in the Silicatos [Tectosilicatos (Grupo Cuarzo)] group. This specimen comes from Collier Creek Mine, Mount Ida, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Estados Unidos and joined the Terrium collection in 2001.

Cristal de roca from Collier Creek Mine, Mount Ida, Montgomery County, Arkansas, Estados Unidos — Terrium

Description

Rock crystal of exceptional transparency; a well-defined hexagonal prism of Dauphiné habit with a sharp, undamaged termination. The faces of the main prism alternate between completely clean surfaces and others lightly satin from stepped growth. At the base of its longest face, a small cluster of secondary microcrystals is attached. A clean, all-round 360° piece.

History of this specimen

I passed on it at first, but it reappeared later and ended up in my collection.

About Cuarzo

Quartz is an abundant tectosilicate that crystallises in the trigonal system. Arkansas rock crystal is recognised by its great clarity, very regular horizontal striations on prism faces, and well-developed terminations with combinations of rhombohedra.

About the locality

The Collier Creek Mine, at Mount Ida (Montgomery County, Arkansas), is a classic locality for highly transparent rock crystal. Many specimens show tall prisms with pronounced striations and well-formed secondary growths at the base, features distinctive of this region since the late 20th century.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0323
Composition
SiO₂
Name
Cuarzo
Variety
Cristal de roca
Group
Silicatos [Tectosilicatos (Grupo Cuarzo)]
Category
Estélites
Mine
Collier Creek Mine
District / Municipality
Mount Ida
Province
Montgomery County
Region
Arkansas
Country
Estados Unidos
Size (cm)
8 x 3 x 3
Weight
75.3 g
Acquired
2001
Etymology
From German "Quarz", of uncertain origin, perhaps from Slavic "tvurdŭ" (hard).
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Al alza

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue