mineral

Quartz (Milky/Rose variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent white to faint pink; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: translucent white to faint pink
Luster: vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent white to faint pink; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from silicon-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in igneous rocks like granite. Common in veins and pegmatites across most geological eras.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular gemstone for lapidary work and jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it's a primary component of beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage planes, and its characteristic waxy to glassy appearance. Commonly found in gravel, stream beds, and mountainous regions worldwide.