How to identify Gemstone Trees

To correctly identify Gemstone Trees (Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Malachite, Rose Quartz, and Citrine (all varieties of minerals)), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Color

   Overall color and any zoning or banding

   Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (deep blue with pyrite flecks), Amethyst (purple), Malachite (banded green), Rose Quartz (pale to deep pink), Citrine (yellow to orange-brown).

2. 2

   Luster

   How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull

   Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (dull to greasy), Amethyst (vitreous), Malachite (silky, dull, or earthy), Rose Quartz (vitreous to greasy), Citrine (vitreous).

3. 3

   Texture

   Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy

   Smooth (polished/tumbled) for the 'leaves', metallic/flexible for the wire 'branches', and potentially rough or polished for the base.

4. 4

   Crystal Form

   Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces

   The individual mineral pieces are typically tumbled or small, irregular fragments, not exhibiting their natural crystal habits. Amethyst and Citrine would naturally form hexagonal prisms, Malachite botryoidal or stalactitic, Lapis Lazuli massive, and Rose Quartz massive.

5. 5

   Cleavage

   How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture

   Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (poor to indistinct), Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz (none, conchoidal fracture), Malachite (perfect in one direction).

6. 6

   Geological Environment

   The rock formation and setting where it occurs

   Not applicable for the assembled tree. The individual minerals originate from diverse geological settings: Lapis Lazuli from contact metamorphic zones, Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz from hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, and Malachite from oxidized copper deposits.

Key Facts

Hardness

Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (5-6), Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz (7), Malachite (3.5-4)

Specific Gravity

Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (2.7-2.9), Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz (2.65), Malachite (3.6-4.0)

Crystal System

Varies by mineral: Lapis Lazuli (Isometric), Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz (Trigonal), Malachite (Monoclinic)

Color

Deep blue (Lapis Lazuli), Purple (Amethyst), Green (Malachite), Pink (Rose Quartz), Yellow/Orange (Citrine)

Luster

Vitreous, greasy, silky, dull

Transparency

Opaque (Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Rose Quartz), Transparent to Translucent (Amethyst, Citrine)

Fracture

Conchoidal (Quartz varieties), Uneven (Lapis Lazuli), Subconchoidal to uneven (Malachite)

Cleavage

Poor to indistinct (Lapis Lazuli), None (Quartz varieties), Perfect in one direction (Malachite)

Composition

Lapis Lazuli: (Na,Ca)8[(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2|(Al6Si6O24)]; Amethyst/Citrine/Rose Quartz: SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide); Malachite: Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 (Copper Carbonate Hydroxide)

Physical characteristics

• Crystal Habit: Not applicable for the assembled tree. Individual minerals are typically tumbled or irregular fragments.
• Cleavage Type: Varies: Poor (Lapis Lazuli), None (Quartz varieties), Perfect (Malachite)
• Fracture Type: Conchoidal (Quartz varieties), Uneven (Lapis Lazuli, Malachite)
• Tenacity: Brittle (all constituent minerals)
• Luster Type: Vitreous, greasy, silky, dull

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