mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, primarily through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is a major constituent of igneous rocks like granite and sedimentary rocks like sandstone.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), glass making, abrasives, construction (as sand/aggregate), and as a gemstone in jewelry (amethyst, citrine, clear quartz).

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it can generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 7 hardness (scratches glass but not a steel file), lack of cleavage, and glassy luster. Found globally in almost all geological environments.