mineral

Quartz (Milky/Common variant)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Typically crystallizes from cooling magma or precipitates from hydrothermal veins. Found in various geological ages ranging from billions of years old to recent quaternary deposits.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, construction (as abrasive or aggregate), electronics (as piezoelectric crystal), and jewelry or ornamental carvings.

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 meaning 'hard'. It is the primary component of most beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, shell-like curves). It is found globally in pegmatites, riverbeds, and as veins in mountains. For collectors, look for well-defined hexagonal crystal points and clarity.

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