mineral
Quartz (Milk/Citrine variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to pale yellowish-tan, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to pale yellowish-tan, 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 can be found in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments throughout almost all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used widely in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry or for decorative collection.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which likely has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, shell-like curves). Common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain worldwide.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
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Epidote
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metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
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