dendritic quartz

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Dendritic quartz cabochon

Variety:  Dendritic
Species:  Quartz
​​Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Transparent and colorless, with tree branch-like inclusions
RI:  1.544 to 1.553 (very constant)
Birefringence:  0.009
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Optic Character:  Uniaxial positive.
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  2.64 to 2.69 (Usually 2.66)

dendritic quartz facts

Dendrite inclusions resemble branches

​Dendritic quartz is clear rock crystal with fern-like dendrite inclusions.

The dendrites are typically iron, manganese, or other metallic oxides and can be black, gray, brown or green, and in rare cases, red.

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)