Gemstone profile and identification guide
Lemurian Quartz
Lemurian quartz is a trade term for naturally striated quartz crystals, not a distinct mineral species.
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Overview
Lemurian quartz is a trade term for naturally striated quartz crystals, not a distinct mineral species.
Did you know? Lemurian is a marketing term tied to crystal habit, not formal gemological classification.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Lemurian Quartz
Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Crystal Habit Trade Name)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Colorless
Secondary colour: White
Colour family: Whites & Neutrals
Strong ladder-like horizontal striations on crystal faces are characteristic trade criterion.
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.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Quartz points marketed as lemurian with pronounced horizontal striations.
Optical effects: Surface Striation Pattern
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (habit descriptor)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.65
Refractive index: 1.544-1.553
Optical phenomena: Morphological striation effect
Colour range: Colorless, white, smoky
Common inclusions: Growth veils, fluid inclusions, internal fractures
Geological environment: Hydrothermal quartz vein systems
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, United States
Important commercial sources: Lemurian quartz is a trade/habit descriptor for striated quartz crystals from multiple localities
Historical significance: Contemporary collector-trade crystal category.
Common treatments: Coatings and aura treatments may be applied in some products.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Etched glass and synthetic quartz can imitate look.
Common look-alikes: General rock-crystal quartz points
Jewellery uses: Used in collector crystals, display pieces, and occasional jewelry.
Care recommendations: Quartz is durable; protect crystal points and faces from impact.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Lemurian Quartz.
Formation
Forms in hydrothermal systems where crystal growth conditions produce pronounced prism striations.
Origin
Lemurian quartz is a trade/habit descriptor for striated quartz crystals from multiple localities
Uses
Best for: Used in collector crystals, display pieces, and occasional jewelry.
Ideal uses: Collector display where crystal morphology is primary.
Care
Quartz is durable; protect crystal points and faces from impact.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
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Commonly confused gemstones
Lemurian Quartz FAQ
How can I identify Lemurian 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 Lemurian Quartz appear in?
Quartz points marketed as lemurian with pronounced horizontal striations.
Where is Lemurian Quartz commonly used?
Collector display where crystal morphology is primary.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.