mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Poor (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified June 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from cooling magma (igneous) or hydrothermal veins where mineral-rich hot water deposits silica in rock cavities. It can be found in rocks from nearly all geological periods.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), optical instruments, abrasives, glassmaking, and gemstone jewelry. Highly valued in metaphysical circles and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure clear quartz is often called 'Rock Crystal', a name derived from the Greek word 'krustallos' meaning ice.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 6-sided prismatic crystal shape, hardness (it will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally, with notable deposits in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and the Alps.