mineral

Clear Quartz Crystal

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified March 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or the cooling of magma in pegmatites. It can be found in rocks of all geological ages, often crystallizing in vugs or veins as fluids cool and pressure drops.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics for piezo-electric properties (oscillators), manufacturing of glass and ceramics, as gemstones in jewelry, and highly popular in the metaphysical/collecting markets.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Historically, the Greeks believed crystal quartz was 'ice' that had frozen so hard it would never melt. High-quality piezoelectric quartz is now largely lab-grown for industrial use.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hexagonal crystal habit, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass but not be scratched by a steel file. Commonly found globally, with famous large specimens coming from Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and the Alps.