mineral

Vuggy Quartz on Matrix

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/glassy in vugs, dull on matrix; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous/glassy in vugs, dull on matrix

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/glassy in vugs, dull on matrix; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal precipitation where silica-rich fluids circulated through voids (vugs) in host rock, typically during or after the formation of the primary rock unit. Common in volcanic or sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily collected for mineral interest or used in architectural aggregate; larger, purer versions used in electronics and glass manufacturing.

Geological facts

The term 'vug' refers to a small to medium-sized cavity in a rock that is lined with crystals. These druzy crystals are often the same mineral as the host rock but in a more crystalline form.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass and the presence of small, sparkling crystal faces inside a cavity. Look for white, hard mineral veins in host rock. Found globally in quartz-rich terrains.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic