mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: White to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: White to milky
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: White to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: 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 is found in all types of geological environments and can be found in rocks from nearly every geological age.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction as an abrasive, and decorative jewelry or metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which had a Slavic origin meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent milky appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as veins in larger rock outcroppings.