mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/gray; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/gray
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/gray; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by crystallizing from molten magma as it cools or by precipitation from hot hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, abrasives, and electronics (due to piezoelectric properties). Varieties are widely used in jewelry and as ornamental stones.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as crystals in geode cavities. Search for its glassy luster and typical hexagonal crystal faces.