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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Blue Quartz

Blue quartz is a trade variety of quartz with blue appearance caused by inclusions or structural scattering.

7 Mohs Blue, Grey Blue Silicate (Quartz Variety)
Blue Quartz

Overview

Blue quartz is a trade variety of quartz with blue appearance caused by inclusions or structural scattering.

Did you know? Some blue quartz owes colour to dumortierite-like inclusions.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Blue Quartz

Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Variety)

Hardness: 7 Mohs

Transparency: translucent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Trigonal

Primary colour: Blue

Secondary colour: Grey Blue

Colour family: Blues

Quartz optical constants with diffuse blue body colour and inclusion evidence support identification.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 7 Mohs

Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Crystal system: Trigonal

Common locations: Brazil, Madagascar, United States, Norway, India

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Blue to grey-blue quartz coloured by inclusions or light scattering effects.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Quartz (blue variety)

Mineral group: Quartz group

Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7

Crystal system: Trigonal

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: translucent

Streak: White

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal

Specific gravity: 2.65

Refractive index: 1.544-1.553

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Pale blue to grey-blue

Common inclusions: Dumortierite-like inclusions, rutile, veils

Geological environment: Pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic quartz bodies

Principal mining regions: Brazil, Madagascar, United States, Norway, India

Important commercial sources: Commercial blue quartz is sourced from multiple localities, commonly Brazil and Madagascar

Historical significance: Used as a decorative quartz variety in modern lapidary work.

Common treatments: Dyeing can occur in some marketed material.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed quartz and blue glass imitations are common.

Common look-alikes: Blue chalcedony, dyed quartzite, glass

Jewellery uses: Used in beads, cabochons, and faceted or carved decorative stones.

Care recommendations: Quartz durability is good for jewellery; avoid severe impact and thermal shock.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Blue Quartz.

Formation

Forms in standard quartz-bearing environments, with colour due to included minerals or microstructures.

Origin

Commercial blue quartz is sourced from multiple localities, commonly Brazil and Madagascar

Uses

Best for: Used in beads, cabochons, and faceted or carved decorative stones.

Ideal uses: Cabochons and beads emphasizing soft blue tone.

Blue Quartz FAQ

How can I identify Blue Quartz?

Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Blue Quartz appear in?

Blue to grey-blue quartz coloured by inclusions or light scattering effects.

Where is Blue Quartz commonly used?

Cabochons and beads emphasizing soft blue tone.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.