mineral

Clear Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of magma or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust and can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties (watches, radios), high-end glass manufacturing, gemstones, jewelry, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable and resistant to weathering, which is why it's the primary component of most beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7), its lack of cleavage, and its vitreous luster. In the field, look for six-sided prisms with pyramid-like terminations or glassy, irregular masses.