Chlorite Phantom Quartz: How Inclusions Record Crystal Growth

Phantom quartz records earlier stages of crystal growth inside a later quartz crystal. When chlorite or another mineral coats an older growth surface before quartz continues forming, the result can look like a ghost crystal suspended inside the final crystal.

What creates the phantom

Growth pauses, mineral coatings and renewed quartz deposition can preserve internal outlines. Chlorite commonly contributes green to dark inclusions that make the phantom easier to see.

A Brazilian example

Our current 15 oz Brazilian chlorite phantom quartz cluster features multiple terminated quartz points with visible included growth.

View the 15 oz chlorite phantom quartz cluster.

Collector appeal

Clear growth zoning, visible internal phantoms, strong terminations and balanced cluster form are all important when evaluating included quartz.

Browse more quartz specimens and Brazilian minerals.