Pineapple Quartz

Pineapple quartz, also known as celestial quartz or candle quartz, is a type of quartz with a unique appearance. It is characterized by hundreds of small terminations forming around the base and sides of the main crystal termination, all of which point in the same direction. These smaller terminations resemble wax dripping down a candle, hence the name "candle quartz." The color of pineapple quartz is typically off-white or cream, sometimes with pinkish/red/brown markings and inclusions.

Pineapple Quartz is the name given to a silicon dioxide mineral and is characterized by hundreds of small terminations forming around the base and sides of the main crystal termination all of which point in the same direction. Most of this form of Quartz is from Madagascar and the colour is off white/cream, sometimes with pinkish/red/brown markings and inclusions.

Pineapple quartz is found in a few different locations around the world, including Madagascar, Brazil, and Russia. It is typically formed in hydrothermal veins, which are cracks in rocks that have been filled with hot, mineral-rich water. As the water cools and precipitates minerals, pineapple quartz can form along with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite.

Pineapple Quartz Formation

The exact formation process of Pineapple Quartz is still being studied by geologists, but it is believed to arise from a combination of factors, including:

Hydrothermal Conditions: Pineapple Quartz is often found in hydrothermal veins, which are fractures in rocks that have been filled with hot, mineral-rich fluids. These fluids provide the necessary conditions for quartz crystals to grow and form.

Epitaxial Growth: Epitaxial growth is a phenomenon where crystals grow on the surface of another crystal with a similar crystal structure. In the case of Pineapple Quartz, the tiny crystals are thought to grow epitaxially on the larger main crystal.

Multiple Growth Phases: Pineapple Quartz is believed to form in multiple growth phases. During the initial phase, the main quartz crystal forms. In subsequent phases, tiny crystals nucleate on the surface of the main crystal and grow in a direction that aligns with the main crystal's crystallographic orientation. This process leads to the formation of the characteristic pineapple-like or candle-like structure. 

Physical Properties of Pineapple Quartz

Here are some of the properties of pineapple quartz:

Chemical formula: SiO₂

Color: White, milky white, creamy white, pinkish, reddish, brownish

Appearance: Clusters of tiny crystals resembling a pineapple or wax dripping down a candle

Crystal System: trigonal

Hardness: 7

Specific Gravity: 2.65

Translucency: Translucent to transparent

Luster: Vitreous

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal

Rarity: Rare

Photo: familiar_scent/Instagram

Uses of Pineapple Quartz

Pineapple Quartz is used in a variety of applications, including:

Jewelry: Pineapple Quartz is often cut into cabochons or beads and used in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Carvings and decorative objects: Pineapple Quartz is sometimes used in carvings and other decorative objects.

Metaphysical healing: Pineapple Quartz is sometimes used in healing practices, such as meditation and crystal healing.

Pineapple Quartz Occurrence

Pineapple Quartz is a relatively rare mineral, and it is found in a variety of locations around the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

See also:
Prase Quartz - Natural Green Variety of Quartz
Ferruginous Quartz - Natural Red Quartz
Dumortierite Quartz: Rare Blue Quartz