mineral

Quartz (Clear/Milky)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/milky
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and can be found in various geological ages and environments starting from the Pre-Cambrian era.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, jewelry (as a gemstone), and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering, making it the primary constituent of most sands.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in granitic rocks, sedimentary sandstones, and metamorphic quartzites worldwide.