mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments including cooling igneous magma, hydrothermal veins, and as a primary constituent in many sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It can form in any geological era.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction as an aggregate, and in its gemstone form for jewelry.

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 often dominates river and beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and vitreous luster. It is found globally in almost every geological setting.