mineral
Quartz (Small Fragment)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to translucent milky white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Clear to translucent milky white
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to translucent milky white; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in all types of environments: igneous (granite), metamorphic (quartzite), and sedimentary (sand). Often crystallizes from molten magma or hydrothermal veins throughout geological history.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a component in construction materials like concrete.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to chemical weathering at the surface.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, and absence of cleavage planes. Found globally in creek beds, mountains, and beaches.
More like this
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic