mineral

Quartz

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 June 2, 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 in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Typically crystallizes from cooling magma or precipitates from hydrothermal veins. Found in formations of nearly all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, jewelry, and as a popular collector specimen.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for six-sided prismatic crystals in veins or as grains in granite. Commonly found globally.