mineral

Quartz (Milky/Crystalline fragment)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Most commonly crystallizes from magma or precipitates from hot hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular gemstone or collector mineral in its higher-quality forms.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically very resistant to weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass) and its lack of cleavage. Found globally in mountains, riverbeds, and beaches.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic