mineral

Quartz Vein in Host Rock

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to clear with iron staining (red/orange); Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to clear with iron staining (red/orange)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal fluids rich in silica circulating through fractures in the earth's crust, often associated with metamorphic or igneous host rocks. The red staining is due to iron oxide impurities.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of silica for glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, landscaping, and as a significant indicator for gold prospecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These veins often form 'ribs' in weathered outcroppings because quartz is more resistant to erosion than surrounding rock.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glass-like appearance, inability to be scratched by a steel knife, and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, mountain ranges, and near volcanic sites.