Rock Crystal
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
7.0
Specific Gravity
2.65
Refractive Index
1.544 – 1.553
Crystal System
Trigonal
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.009
Dispersion
0.013
Pleochroism
Absent
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 7.0
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Moderate ($50-500/ct)
Where to Buy Rock Crystal
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
Cracks are induced (heating and quick cooling) then dyed in any color, magnification: web-like network. Iris, rainbow quartz have iridescence due to cracks. Coated (all colors) with ultra-thin layer of metallic elements (gold for light blue "Aquaaura"), color concentration along facet junctions or irregular distribution, peeled coating. Sharp blade, acetone, acid tests - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 7
Imitations made of quartz triplets are common - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 7
Synthetic rock crystal is used only for industrial purposes. - Gemstones of the world, Walter Schumann, 2001, p 116
7Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
2.65Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
BrittleWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Very brittle
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
1.544 to 1.553Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Uniaxial/+Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
0.009Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
AbsentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
0.013Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Star 4/6/12 (rare)Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
ColorlessHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
TransparentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
VitreousWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TrigonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Hexagonal prismsWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Rock crystal is found widespread in the world.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Huge variety of inclusions such as 2 phase inclusions, golden rutile needles ("Venus hair"), black tourmaline crystals, fibers of green actinolite, mossy-like green chlorite, dark red hematite - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 7
Rock Crystal information at mindat.org
Myanmar
Kammerling et al. (1994)
Peru
Sri Lanka
About Rock Crystal
Rock Crystal is the purest, colorless variety of quartz, prized for its exceptional clarity and brilliance that has earned it comparisons to ice throughout history, with the ancient Greeks believing it was permanently frozen water. It has been fashioned into crystal balls, lenses, vessels, and jewelry for thousands of years across every civilization, and its piezoelectric properties make it essential in modern electronics and precision timekeeping. Major sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and the Alps.
Jewelry Use
Durability
7/10
Suitable for daily wear
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rock Crystal?
Rock Crystal is the purest, colorless variety of quartz, prized for its exceptional clarity and brilliance that has earned it comparisons to ice throughout history, with the ancient Greeks believing it was permanently frozen water. It has been fashioned into crystal balls, lenses, vessels, and jewel
What is the hardness of Rock Crystal?
Rock Crystal has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, making it excellent for use in jewelry.
What color is Rock Crystal?
Rock Crystal is primarily Various.
How much does Rock Crystal cost?
Rock Crystal falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Rock Crystal?
Rock Crystal belongs to the Trigonal crystal system.