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Synthetic Quartz
The above colors are produced by adding small
quantities of other substances such as iron, cobalt, and aluminium
and in the case of amethyst and smoky quartz, by subsequent
treatment with high energy radiation.
Appearance The amethyst, citrine, and blue
varieties are virtually the only ones used for ornamental
purposes. For the color of the first two, see the description
of the natural varieties. Blue quartz is produced in both
a soft, aquamarine-type color and vivid cobalt. Gems are given
faceted step or oval, round or pear-shaped mixed cuts, but
also made into cabochons and spherical necklace beads. The
amethyst and citrine varieties are widely employed, but the
blue variety is much less popular, and the other colors are
used still less.
Distinctive features The amethyst and citrine
versions look extremely similar to the natural stones and
can only be distinguished from them under a microscope or
lens when they contain obvious, typical inclusions. The blue
variety is a strange, garish color not normal in gemstones.
The brown and green varieties are also distinctive colors,
similar if anything to some tourmalines, although they are
distinguishable from these by their weaker pleochroism and
different physical properties.
Cost Very low, as with most synthetics, except for amethyst,
which costs little less than the natural variety.
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