mineral

Quartz (Small Fragment)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from molten magma as it cools or through hydrothermal activity in veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used widely in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a component in concrete and mortar. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry and gemstone collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most river and beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and its characteristic conchoidal fracture. This specific small, white grain is typical of common quartz grit or 'snow quartz' fragments found in gravel.