mineral

Quartz Fragment

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Clear to milky white
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms through crystallization of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is found across all geological ages in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (as piezoelectric resonators), and construction material. High-quality crystals are used in jewelry and gemstone collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as sand grains.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), glassy luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in river beds, beaches, and weathered granite outcrops worldwide.