mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly in igneous rocks like granite, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermally from silica-rich solutions. It occurs in almost all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Extensively used as gemstones, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), glassmaking, abrasives, and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Ancient Greeks believed clear quartz was deeply frozen ice that would never melt.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like appearance, and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide, particularly in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar.