Lattice Quartz with Foitite Matrix, Erongo Mountains Namibia

This Lattice Quartz with Foitite is a fascinating specimen from the Erongo Mountains of Namibia, featuring an exceptionally dense arrangement of interlocking quartz crystals. The specimen is dominated by countless small, translucent quartz crystals forming a textured mineral-rich matrix, while several larger, softly milky quartz crystals rise above the surface to create a distinctive focal point. Dark grey to brown Foitite-rich mineralisation occurs throughout the matrix, adding depth and contrast to the pale quartz.

Specimen Details

✓ Mineral: Lattice Quartz with Foitite
✓ Quartz Chemical Formula: SiO₂
✓ Foitite: Tourmaline-group mineral
✓ Locality: Erongo Mountains, Erongo Region, Namibia
✓ Geological Setting: Erongo granite and associated pegmatitic environment
✓ Geological Age: Cretaceous
✓ Quartz Colour: White to milky, with translucent to clearer areas
✓ Foitite Colour: Dark grey to black and reddish-brown
✓ Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent
✓ Crystal Habit: Dense interlocking lattice-like quartz crystals with larger projecting crystals
✓ Associated Minerals: Foitite, feldspar and fine mineralisation
✓ Weight: 106 g
✓ Size: 69 × 47 × 46 mm
✓ Preparation: Cleaned
✓ Base: Natural flat base
✓ Display: Ready for display

The Lattice Quartz of Erongo

The Erongo Mountains are well known for unusual quartz formations and complex mineral associations. Lattice Quartz, also known as Gitter Quartz, is particularly distinctive because its crystals develop an intricate three-dimensional arrangement rather than forming a conventional cluster of isolated points.

The unusual structure is associated with the intergrowth of quartz and earlier mineral phases, particularly feldspar. Alteration and removal of some of these associated minerals can leave behind an open, interlocking framework of quartz, producing the characteristic lattice-like appearance.

Dense Crystal Architecture

What makes this specimen particularly interesting is the contrast between its dense lower matrix and larger upper quartz formations. Across the main body, hundreds of small translucent crystals create a finely textured surface, with numerous individual crystal faces catching the light.

Several larger milky quartz crystals emerge from this dense growth, particularly towards the upper portion of the specimen. These provide a strong vertical element and give the piece a natural focal point without losing the intricate detail of the surrounding matrix.

The darker Foitite-rich mineralisation is distributed through the quartz-rich structure, with dark grey, brown and reddish-brown areas visible between the pale crystals. This contrast makes the individual quartz crystals easier to distinguish and adds considerable depth when the specimen is viewed closely.

The specimen also offers several attractive viewing angles. From one side, the larger quartz crystals dominate the composition; from others, the dense network of smaller crystals becomes the main feature. The natural flat base provides stable support for display while retaining the natural character of the specimen.

Care & Handling

Quartz has a hardness of approximately 7 on the Mohs scale, but the numerous projecting crystals in this specimen can be vulnerable to impact. Handle carefully and avoid dropping or placing pressure on individual crystals.

With its dense lattice-like crystal growth, prominent milky quartz formations and contrasting Foitite-rich mineralisation, this 106 g Erongo specimen offers plenty of detail to discover and makes an engaging addition to a collection of unusual Namibian quartz.