mineral
Quartz (Small Fragment)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Clear to milky white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in all types of geological environments (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) through hydrothermal activity or crystallization from magma.
Uses & applications
Industry: semiconductors, glass making, and abrasives. Jewelry: gemstones (amethyst, citrine, etc.). Construction: concrete and mortar.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Found globally in almost all geological terrains.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
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Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral