Aura Quartz
A variety of Quartz
What is Aura Quartz?
Aura Quartz is a mineral artificially made for decorative purposes. It is actually made from quartz that has been enhanced with metal to achieve a metallic sheen, and it comes in a variety of colors, depending on the coating. The most common metals used with aura Quartz are gold, copper, indium, titanium, and niobium.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.544-1.553
- Birefringence
- 0.009
- Pleochroism
- Weakly dichroic
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Aura Quartz before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Aura Quartz
Aura Quartz is a variety of Quartz. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find quartz in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find quartzAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Aura Quartz in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Aura Quartz is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing aura Quartz, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Iridescent, colorful
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7
- Rock tumbling
- Tumbles well
- Density
- 2.64 - 2.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, Metallic
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
Also Known As
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Aura Quartz FAQs
How do I identify Aura Quartz?
Aura Quartz can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Iridescent color, Vitreous, Metallic luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Aura Quartz?
Aura Quartz typically appears in Iridescent, colorful. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Aura Quartz?
Aura Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
