mineral

Clear Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It can be found in almost all geological environments and across all ages of Earth history.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric oscillators), jewelry (gemstones), and as decorative interior specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic shell-like (conchoidal) fracture. Found globally in mountains, riverbeds, and mines.