mineral
Clear quartz crystal (probable)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTiny colorless-to-milky, glassy fragment with apparent crystal faces; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The photograph is insufficient to confirm crystal habit or exclude clear glass.
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Physical properties
Tiny colorless-to-milky, glassy fragment with apparent crystal faces; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The photograph is insufficient to confirm crystal habit or exclude clear glass.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in hydrothermal veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; its geological age could range from recent to billions of years. Quartz is common around 50.6°N, 8.4°E in German bedrock and transported gravels.
Uses & applications
Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and watches; transparent crystals are collected or occasionally cut as gemstones. This very small specimen has negligible commercial value.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. A scratch test against ordinary steel or a glass surface can help distinguish it from softer minerals, though it may damage the specimen.
Field identification & locations
Look for hexagonal prismatic faces, pointed terminations, glassy luster, and lack of cleavage. Likely value is $0.10–$2 for a common fragment, or roughly $2–$10 if it proves to be a clean natural crystal; confirm with a loupe and hardness test.
