mineral

Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal Fragments)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal solutions in veins and cavities. It can be found in a wide variety of geological ages and environments, from ancient metamorphic rocks to modern sedimentary river beds.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (oscillators), manufacturing of glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, in jewelry (especially as 'Herimer Diamonds' or faceted stones), and widely for metaphysical and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which likely has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass easily but cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its lack of cleavage, showing shell-like (conchoidal) fractures. Common worldwide, notably in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar.

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