Quartz - So common, yet so curious

Quartz is a mineral that is made up of silicon dioxide and is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. It is found in a variety of forms, including clear, milky, and colored varieties, and is often used in jewelry, watchmaking, and other decorative objects. Quartz is also a popular gemstone, used in a wide range of applications due to its hardness and durability.

Inclusions in quartz refer to any foreign material that is trapped within the crystal structure of the mineral. These inclusions can be made up of a variety of minerals, such as tourmaline, mica, and rutile. These inclusions can often add to the beauty of the quartz, as they create unique patterns and colors within the crystal.

Quartz is often associated with a number of different minerals, which can be found in the same geographic location as the quartz. Some of the minerals that are commonly associated with quartz include:

1. Feldspar: This mineral is often found in the same locations as quartz and is made up of aluminum silicates.

2. Mica: This mineral is a sheet-like mineral that is often found in association with quartz and feldspar. It is commonly used in the manufacture of electronics, such as capacitors and transistors.

3. Tourmaline: This mineral is a boron silicate mineral that is often found in association with quartz. It is a popular gemstone due to its unique coloration and can be found in a range of colors, including pink, green, and black.

4. Calcite: This mineral is a carbonate mineral that is often found in association with quartz. It is commonly used in the manufacture of cement and as a filler in a number of different applications.

5. Rhodonite: This mineral is a manganese silicate that is often found in association with quartz. It is a popular gemstone due to its pink color and can be found in a variety of forms, including massive, fibrous, and crystalline.

Quartz can be found in a number of different environments, including in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. In sedimentary rocks, quartz is often found as sand grains and can be seen as sandstone or quartzite. In metamorphic rocks, quartz is often found as a result of the recrystallization of other minerals and can be seen as marble or quartzite. In igneous rocks, quartz is often found as a result of the solidification of molten rock and can be seen as granite or quartz diorite.

Quartz is also a common mineral in hydrothermal veins, where it is formed as a result of hot water moving through rocks and depositing minerals. This type of quartz is often found in association with other minerals, such as gold and silver, and is a major source of these metals.

In addition to its use in jewelry and decorative objects, quartz is also used in a number of different industrial applications. It is used as a filler in a range of products, including rubber and plastic, and is also used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Quartz is also used as a source of silicon for the manufacture of silicon wafers, which are used in the electronics industry.

In conclusion, quartz is a mineral that is made up of silicon dioxide and is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. Inclusions in quartz refer to any foreign material that is trapped within the crystal structure of the mineral and can often add to the beauty of the quartz. Quartz is often associated with a number of different minerals, including feldspar, mica, tourmaline, calcite, and rhodnite.