mineral

Quartz fragment

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in rocks of all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used widely in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction, and as gemstones in jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. This specific specimen appears to be a small, weathered fragment or a grit particle commonly found in riverbeds or soil.