mineral

Quartz (Grain)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless/Transparent, Luster: Vitreous/Glassy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture)

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless/Transparent, Luster: Vitreous/Glassy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. This specific grain likely weathered out of a parent rock like granite or sandstone.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (oscillators), abrasives, and as a primary component in building materials like concrete and mortar.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost all geological environments; clear grains are extremely common in riverbeds and beaches.