Quartz, Quartz epimorph after Fluorite

This specimen features essentially two quartz prisms coated with numerous sharp quartz epimorphs that have formed after what is believed to have been fluorite. The epimorphs exhibit softly defined dodecahedral shapes, characteristic of the original fluorite crystals. These quartz formations are hollow, as revealed by several incomplete structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into the pseudomorphous replacement and growth process.

The specimen was collected during a trip to a locality known as Temporal Gulch, near Patagonia, Arizona. This area is known for its distinctive mineral occurrences, particularly for amethyst crystals and now for these intriguing quartz epimorphs. For a detailed account of the collecting trip and more information on this locality, you can read the full story of our discovery here: Collecting Quartz Epimorphs Near Patagonia, AZ.