mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- White to colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms primarily from the cooling and solidification of molten magma in igneous rocks, or through hydrothermal veins and precipitation from silica-rich groundwater. It is found across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), glass manufacturing, abrasives, construction sands, and as gemstones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage. It is found worldwide in sands, granite mountains, and riverbeds.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral