Quartz can be categorized as a rock, mineral, or crystal. It is one of the most commonly occurring stones in the globe. One of the main reasons why the mineral is common is the fact that it can be found in several locations around the world. Quartz is resistant to heat, and this means it can occur even in areas with very high temperatures like deserts. It is also one of the most used gems on the surface of the earth. The use of Quartz began several centuries ago as the gem was used to make jewelry and carvings. For countertops, this is one mineral that has given every Quartz countertops manufacturer a chance to make unique products. Different types of Quartz can be used in the manufacture of countertops and other products.
Types of Quartz
There are more than a dozen types of Quartz. Several forms can be categorized according to their color and their microstructure. In this post, we discuss types of quarts depending on the microstructure;
There are two main types of Quartz under this category;
- Macrocrystalline Quartz
Macrocrystalline Quartz, also known as crystalline Quartz, is a type of Quartz with distinct shapes that you can recognize simply by looking at it. The different shapes run throughout the rock, and they can be identified in the smallest of the rock to those that are larger than an average man.
Quartz crystals that fall under this category are mostly large. Some of the significant examples in this category include; Ametrine, Rose, Smokey, Tiger’s eye, and rock crystal quartz. Macrocrystalline quartz rocks are also available in a wide range of colors. However, the color of these rocks can be manipulated by using water solutions. This trick works by dipping the rock in the water for a long time, and what happens is the water solutions are deposited in pegmatite dikes and the veins of the quartz rock, which improves the clarity of the crystals and their aesthetic beauty.
- Microcrystalline Quartz
Microcrystalline Quartz is also known as cryptocrystalline. This type of Quartz is the exact opposite of the first type. The main identifying feature of this type of Quartz is that it features very small crystals that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The crystal patterns are also tightly packed together that they cannot be distinguished at sight.
This type of Quartz is also available in a variety of colors. However, regardless of the color, the basic properties of the mineral do not vary. Examples of quartz rocks that fall under this category include; bloodstone, Sard, flint, and Chert.
Final Word
Quartz is a naturally occurring rock mostly found in sedimentary rocks. It is a hard and crystalline mineral that is made of a combination of silicon and oxygen. It is one of the hardest mineral rocks in the continent with a slightly lower Mohs scale than diamond. Quartz is currently used in a variety of manners in the household, including in making vases and countertops.
