Where is Quartz with Mica found?
Quartz (SiO2) with Mica group minerals
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Open the appQuartz with Mica occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Quartz with Mica
Appalachian Mountains, USA
Extensive metamorphic belts containing quartz-mica schists and gneisses.
Himalayan Orogen, Asia
High-grade metamorphic rocks, including quartz-mica assemblages, are abundant.
Fennoscandian Shield, Europe
Ancient Precambrian metamorphic and igneous complexes.
Brazilian Shield, South America
Large areas of metamorphic rocks with quartz and mica.
Collecting tips
- Look for Outcrops. Exposed rock faces in road cuts, stream beds, and mountainous regions are good places to find these rocks.
- Identify Foliation. The parallel alignment of mica flakes (foliation) is a key indicator of metamorphic rocks containing mica.
- Check for Hardness. Quartz will scratch glass (Mohs 7), while mica is much softer (Mohs 2-3) and can be scratched with a fingernail or knife.
- Observe Luster. The glassy luster of quartz combined with the pearly or metallic luster of mica is distinctive.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, silvery, black, brown)
- Luster:
- Vitreous (quartz) and Pearly/Sub-metallic (mica)
- Streak:
- White (for both quartz and most micas)
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