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Striations on Prism Faces of Quartz

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Abstract

STRIATIONS perpendicular to the Z-axis frequently occur on prism faces of quartz. They are often attributed to an ‘oscillatory combination’ of the prism and adjacent rhombohedron faces; but although this sometimes undoubtedly occurs (leading to tapered and ‘candle’ crystals), we believe that it is not the correct explanation of striations on well-developed crystals. A study of the surface topography of a number of natural crystals and a few synthetic crystals shows that the striations can be attributed to a difference in the rate of spreading of growth sheets parallel and perpendicular to the Z-axis.

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References

  1. Seager, A. F., Mineralogical Society, March 8, 1951.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Christ's Hospital, Horsham, Sussex

    G. VAN PRAAGH

  2. Royal Holloway College, University, London,

    B. T. M. WILLIS

Authors
  1. G. VAN PRAAGH
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  2. B. T. M. WILLIS
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VAN PRAAGH, G., WILLIS, B. Striations on Prism Faces of Quartz. Nature 169, 623–624 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/169623b0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/169623b0

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