GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Himalayan Quartz
A distinctive small batch of Himalayan quartz with dark crystal rosettes, shared by Soul Body Gems for its striking inclusions.
Sample: 10470 (#1). Completed: January 16, 2024.
Finding: Hematite rosettes in quartz. The visually similar mineral ilmenite was excluded by the chemistry.
Hematite rosettes in quartz
The inclusion symmetry and growth hillocks are rhombohedral (trigonal), and close-up photographs show their deep-red color. Chemistry supports hematite rather than ilmenite. Minor manganese, titanium, and vanadium were detected.
The report compares this assemblage with hydrothermal and Alpine-type veins found in mountain ranges including the Himalayas; that geological comparison does not establish a precise mine. “Himalayan Quartz” and the small-batch background come from Soul Body Gems sourcing notes.
View the original test results
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These results are the property of Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster, and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Any mention requires full acknowledgment.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2 (iron oxide)
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2 (quartz
Read the report as text
Analytical Result Report Sample id: 10470 (#1) Submitted by: Soul Body Gems Date completed: 1-16-2024 Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV. A BRUKER Titan X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was also used and operated for 30 seconds at 50, 25, and 10 kV. Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimen. 30 mm across.With 2 close-up photographs showing black crystal rosettes. Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen. Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2 (iron oxide) Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2 (quartz Table 1: Trace and minor elements in the iron oxide. Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is very interesting! The inclusions are rosettes of hematite, the symmetry as is evident by growth hillocks is rhombohedral (trigonal), the color in this piece is deep red as soon in the close-up photos in Fig. 1, the crystals are thus hematite. The chemistry is clear about this, (Figs 2 and 3), they are not ilmenite which can look visually identical. Trace elements (Table 1) are also typical for hematite with only minor amounts oof manganese, titanium and vanadium being detectable. Material like this is characteristic of some hydrothermal veins and Alpine vein assemblages seen in the Alpes and in other mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. They also occur in some ore deposits. Date: January 16. 2024 Signature
| Element | wt. % |
|---|---|
| Manganese | 0.1 |
| Titanium | 0.05 |
| Vanadium | 0.02 |