mineral

Clear quartz crystal (likely)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless to pale pink, transparent, and vitreous; Mohs hardness 7, no true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. The irregular thin shape and glassy appearance could also indicate man-made glass, so identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural quartz forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary cavities over geologic timescales, from Precambrian to recent ages. The specimen appears broken or possibly tumbled/cut rather than naturally crystal-formed.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, ceramics, and jewelry. Clear attractive crystals are collected and sometimes cut as gemstones.

Geological facts

Quartz should scratch ordinary window glass but not be scratched easily by a steel knife. Absence of crystal faces and unusually smooth, sheet-like geometry would favor glass over quartz.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Arkansas, and the Alps; distinguish it with a hardness test, crystal faces, and a 10× loupe. A specific gravity test (quartz about 2.65) can help, though visual confirmation is limited.