mineral

Quartz (specifically Clear Quartz or Rock Crystal)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Clear to translucent/white. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: Indistinct (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Clear to translucent/white
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified April 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in all three types of rock (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) across billions of years of Earth's history.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), manufacturing of glass, abrasives, and as gemstones in jewelry. Also popular in metaphysical and crystal collecting communities.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanically stressed, which is why it is used in watches and clocks.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage (breaks like shards of glass), and hexagonal crystal habits if not weathered. Found globally in almost every geological environment.

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