Rock Identifier
Clear quartz crystal (Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)) — mineral
mineral

Clear quartz crystal

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; colorless to smoky-clear, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and no cleavage, with conchoidal fracture. The pictured piece appears to be a large, transparent quartz crystal, possibly cut or polished; its exact variety is uncertain from the image.

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; colorless to smoky-clear, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and no cleavage, with conchoidal fracture. The pictured piece appears to be a large, transparent quartz crystal, possibly cut or polished; its exact variety is uncertain from the image.

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids or melts in many geological settings; specimens may form over long periods in veins and cavities. Quartz occurs in rocks spanning much of Earth’s geological history.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, ornament, glassmaking, electronics, and timekeeping; large clear crystals are often displayed or collected.

Geological facts

Quartz is abundant in Earth’s crust and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge under mechanical pressure.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage; common worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and geodes. The image’s scale is unclear, so identification and valuation are approximate.