mineral
Clear Quartz (Crystal Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Explore Clear Quartz (Crystal Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by crystallizing from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins. It can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics for oscillators, glass manufacturing, abrasives, and as a popular gemstone for jewelry, carvings, and metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz' and its Greek root 'kruos' meaning icy cold, as ancients believed it was permanently frozen ice.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habits. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and geode-rich areas globally.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock