mineral

Quartz (Microcrystalline Fragment)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to milky. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent white to milky
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to milky. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. 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 is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in rocks of all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a component in concrete and mortar. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry and gemstone carving.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically resistant to weathering at the Earth's surface.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Small translucent grains like this are common in river beds, soil, and as components of granite or sandstone.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral