mineral
Quartz Mineral
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/gray, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/gray, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, 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 a major constituent of many igneous and metamorphic rocks and is highly resistant to weathering.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, watches, and as a gemstone or collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. Found globally in almost all geological environments.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral