mineral

Quartz (Small Fragment)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to colorless
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from cooling of silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal activity in veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a raw material for silicon. Clear or colorful varieties are used in jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it scratches glass), conchoidal fracture pattern, and lack of cleavage. This specific fragment is common in riverbeds and gravel.