mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White/Colorless; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White/Colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White/Colorless; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; 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 found in all geological environments and can be any age from Precambrian to recent.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction sand, and jewelry (semi-precious gemstones).
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 roots meaning 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Look for hexagonal crystal points or conchoidal (shell-like) fractures. Found globally in mountains, rivers, and beaches.
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Epidote
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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