Cactus quartz (small)

Cactus quartz (small)Locale: Boekenhouthoek, South Africa Approx dimensions and weight: specimen A 2. 5 x 1. 5 x 1. 5", 47g B 2. 25 x 1. 5 x 1. 5", 62g C 2 x 1. 25 x 1. 25", 83g D 2 x 1. 25 x 1. 25", 45g E 2. 75 x . 75 x . 5", 33g F 1. 75 x 1. 5 x 1. 25", 38g G 2. 25 x 1. 75 x . 75", 39g H 2 x 1 x 1", 43g I 1. 5 x 1. 5 x 1", 37g J 2 x 1. 75 x 1", 69g K 1. 75 x 1. 5 x 1. 5", 73g L 2 x 1. 75 x 1", 54g Cactus quartz is also known as spirit or pineapple quartz, but as an

Locale: Boekenhouthoek, South Africa

Approx dimensions and weight: specimen A 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5", 47g  B 2.25 x 1.5 x 1.5", 62g  C 2 x 1.25 x 1.25", 83g  D 2 x 1.25 x 1.25", 45g  E 2.75 x .75 x .5", 33g  F 1.75 x 1.5 x 1.25", 38g  G 2.25 x 1.75 x .75", 39g  H 2 x 1 x 1", 43g  I 1.5 x 1.5 x 1", 37g  J 2 x 1.75 x 1", 69g  K 1.75 x 1.5 x 1.5", 73g  L 2 x 1.75 x 1", 54g

Cactus quartz is also known as spirit or pineapple quartz, but as an Arizonan you know I’m gonna stick with ‘cactus’ quartz! Typical cactus quartz growth is a quartz point or cluster that is coated with small quartz crystals that grow outwards creating a prickly appearance like a cactus. Usually the tip of the quartz point will not be coated with this second generation of growth.

If you study these specimens closely you may find more complex growth forms—sprouting and alligator (also known as elestial)—even on different faces of the same crystal (learn more about quartz growth forms).

There is the faintest hint of amethyst purple coloration in some of these pieces, but they are largely off-white quartz. Yellow-orange pieces aren’t citrine; the color is caused by iron oxide staining. Some specimens are speckled with small black inclusions, also iron.

I find cactus quartz to be an inexpensive accent piece that can make an isopod terrarium look more magical! Keep it out of wet areas to keep it cleaner, and occasionally clear frass out of nooks and crannies. Then let them climb the CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN!