Faden quartz is distinguished by a visible, white, thread-like inclusion running through the center of the crystal, caused by repeated fracturing and healing during growth. Collectors prize these specimens for their unique formation history, often appearing as flattened or tabular crystals. They are typically found in alpine-style fissure environments where tectonic movement occurs during crystallization.
Is this faden quartz?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch faden quartz with a known reference. Faden Quartz sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Faden Quartz leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Faden Quartz typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals with a central white line of inclusions.
Often confused with
Faden Quartz vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside faden quartz
Minerals reported to co-occur with faden quartz. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals with A Central White Line of Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alpine-type Fissures
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on clarity and line definition
Where rockhounds find faden quartz
Classic worldwide localities
- Baluchistan, Pakistan
- Diamantina, Brazil
- Mount Ida, Arkansas, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alpine-type fissures country — that is the host setting where faden quartz typically forms. If you start seeing adularia, chlorite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals with a central white line of inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find faden quartz on the map
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