
mineral
Clear Quartz Cluster
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white with minor iron staining (yellowish/brownish); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white with minor iron staining (yellowish/brownish); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal activity where silica-rich hot water fills cracks or cavities in host rocks (igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary) and slowly cools to grow crystals. These specimens can range from millions to over a billion years old depending on the geological region.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry, as metaphysical healing crystals, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties (oscillators for clocks/radios), and as a popular collecting specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but small amounts of impurities or radiation can turn it into amethyst, citrine, or smoky quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its 6-sided hexagonal prisms ending in pyramids, its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness), and lack of cleavage. Found globally, with notable deposits in Arkansas (USA), Brazil, and Madagascar.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous