2.2" Brookite On Quartz Crystal - Baluchistan, Pakistan

This specimen displays quartz crystals that formed in association with several brookite crystals. Most of the brookite crystals are undamaged, translucent and display the characteristic tornado-like structure at their center. What could be considered the underside of the specimen contains both smaller brookite crystals, as well as chlorite included quartz crystals. Comes with an acrylic display stand to assist with presentation.

Brookite is one of the five forms of titanium dioxide found in nature and forms almost always in association with another mineral, frequently with quartz. This small, unique crystal is typically microscopic, but has been found with larger crystals in some locations. Some of the most beautiful and vibrant brookite specimens come out of Pakistan: it often produces crystals of a brown-orange translucent color, forming flat, computer chip-like projections out of matrix. In some rare cases, just the sim card-like crystals have been found intact, separated from a matrix on their own. These specimens are called "floaters".

Quartz is the name given to silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz crystals generally grow in silica-rich environments--usually igneous rocks or hydrothermal environments like geothermal waters--at temperatures between 100°C and 450°C, and usually under very high pressure. In either case, crystals will precipitate as temperatures cool, just as ice gradually forms when water freezes. Quartz veins are formed when open fissures are filled with hot water during the closing stages of mountain formation: these veins can be hundreds of millions of years old.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Brookite and Quartz
LOCATION
Kharan, Baluchistan, Pakistan
SIZE
Entire specimen 2.2 x 2"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#111345