mineral

Rough Quartz (likely Milky or Smoky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Ranges from translucent white to tan/gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Ranges from translucent white to tan/gray
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. Quartz is an extremely common mineral that can form across many geological eras in almost any temperature environment.

Uses & applications

Broadly used in the glass-making industry, electronics (as oscillators), abrasives, and as low-cost gemstones or decorative 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 roots in Slavic meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost every geological setting, particularly in river beds and mountainous regions.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral