7 Massive Quartz Clusters That Have Been Found

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Quartz is one of the most sought-after crystals among collectors. In addition to it’s shimmering clarity, quartz specimens vary widely and many people find them very attractive. If you’ve been a collector for very long, then you know how much variation there can be in color, shape and size.

If you’re like me and fascinated with this timeless stone, then read on. I’m going to share with you some of the most interesting, and largest, quartz crystal clusters that I’ve seen.

But first, here’s a quick look at some of the different types of quartz.

Different Types of Quartz Crystals

There are two ways to categorize quartz crystals, by color and by substructures.

Since quartz is clear, there’s a wide variety of different inclusions that can change it’s color. Some of the commonly collected quartz varieties are:

Amethyst

Amethyst is purple variation of quartz that’s very prized. Amethyst’s color emerges from the inclusion of iron mineral, virtually identical to citrine.

Citrine

Citrine is yellow-to-orange colored quartz that’s prized for jewelry. Citrine forms at higher temperatures than amethyst but the coloring agent is virtually identical. A lot of commercially available citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is a darker variation of quartz, ranging from dark brown to almost black in hue.

Ametrine

Ametrine is a combination of amethyst and citrine in one stone. Deep-colored specimens with straight variations can be quite expensive.

All of the above there are many sub-variations, but they’re the common natural colors.

Ametrine quartz crystal

Blue Quartz

Blue Quartz is a blue variety of quartz with a few different coloring agents. The majority of blue quartz has sodium-heavy inclusions that lead to its color, but the exact mineral varies.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is a pink colored quartz that often occurs in massive formations. Rose quartz can be found in large pieces and is commonly used to make decorative items. Rose quartz is often quite milky or opaque, especially in comparison to clear quartz crystals.

7 Massive Quartz Clusters

1. The Largest Quartz Crystal In The World

This massive quartz crystal cluster is on display in a museum in Namibia, and just so happens to be the world’s largest quartz cluster. This cluster was discovered in 1985 at the bottom of a 150 foot deep cave in the Otjua mine near Karibib in Namibia. It weighs over 30,000 lbs and took three years to excavate and remove.

largest quartz crystal cluster
Photo Credit: Richard Droker (Flickr)

2. Steven Bookbinder Crystals

Steven Bookbinder has been in the crystal mineral industry for over 40 years. If you’ve ever been to any of the big rock and gem shows, like the one in Tucson, then you might have seen crystals from the Bookbinder collection. Below are a couple examples of the large quartz crystals that are a part of the Bookbinder collection.

Granddaughters and Massive Crystal
Credit: cobalt123 (Flickr)
? These huge quartz crystals ?

3. Arkansas Crystals

Below are pictures of different quartz crystals that have been found in the state of Arkansas.

New batch of crystals for GS 9F movements
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