mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found across all geological ages in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (oscillators), optical instruments, abrasive manufacturing, glass making, gemstone jewelry, and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), hexagonal crystal habit, and conchoidal fracture. Common in pegmatites and mountain ranges worldwide.