mineral

Quartz (Vein Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to yellowish-tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to yellowish-tan due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions circulating through crustal fractures, often in igneous or metamorphic environments. This specimen appears water-worn, likely collected from a riverbed or glacial till.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as decorative gravel or gemstones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles after other minerals have eroded.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster when massed. Common globally in river beds and mountainous regions.