mineral

Clear Quartz Cluster

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock