Treated Quartz Faceting Information
Resources you need to know about Treated Quartz Facet / Faceting. Read and learn successful tips, suggestions details and guides for Treated Quartz faceting
1 Minute Read
Treated Quartz Faceting Information
Oro Verde (Quartz)
Color: Gold to yellow/green
Moh's Hardness: 7
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
Critical Angle: 40.49°
Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.65
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Dispersion: .013
Heat Sensitivity: Can be. but is usually not a problem
Dichroism: none
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.009)
Crystal structure: Hexagonal
Treatments: This material is irradiated from clear Quartz. Some material is heated lighter, and there maybe other process involved, it is a trade secret.
What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.
Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Quartz, usually no problems. I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Cuts an interesting stone especially in large sizes.
Design Notes: About any Quartz design will work well. As the rough gets more saturated. I prefer to cut large Quartz, they are actually pretty impressive, especially for material that costs almost nothing.
Design Links: 4-Way Stop - This is great for saturated rough if you have a piece that will work in the shape.
Be Still My Heart - Good in about any Quartz
CheckMate - Neat in medium color Quartz
Light House - Nice in any Quartz
Utopia - Classic Barion pear
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Quartz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Should Beginners Practice Faceting on Natural or Synthetic Quartz?
Quartz Color Treatments
Understanding Gem Synthetics, Treatments, And Imitations, Part 4: Synthetic Gemstone Guide
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!