
mineral
Clear Quartz Cluster
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Color
- Colorless to transparent white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It can be found in almost all geological ages, often as a late-stage mineral in igneous rocks or as a precipitate in sedimentary cavities.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in electronics (piezoelectric oscillators), glass manufacturing, abrasives, jewelry (as rock crystal), and widely used by lapidary collectors and for spiritual/metaphysical purposes.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz, like this specimen, is often called 'rock crystal.' It was historically used to carve crystal balls and fancy drinking cups.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass easily), hexagonal crystal points, and lack of cleavage. Common worldwide, but high-quality clusters are frequently sourced from Brazil and Arkansas, USA.
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