mineral

Quartz (with inclusions / Sandstone fragment)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to yellowish/tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Clear to yellowish/tan due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified April 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to yellowish/tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen appears to be a weathered fragment or a conglomerate of sand grains cemented together, originating from sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as grains of sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel) and its lack of cleavage, showing conchoidal fracture. Often found in riverbeds, beaches, and mountainous outcrops.

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