mineral

Clear quartz crystal

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 7, colorless to translucent, with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure. It has indistinct cleavage and conchoidal fracture; the specimen appears naturally terminated but somewhat damaged or etched.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, and cavities in igneous or metamorphic rocks; individual crystals may form over long periods from Precambrian to recent geological ages. This is likely a small natural quartz point, possibly lightly weathered or polished.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, engineered stone, electronics, optics, and abrasives; clear crystals are also sold for jewelry, metaphysical use, and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge when mechanically stressed. Its transparency and six-sided prismatic habit are characteristic, though this specimen lacks a strongly developed crystal termination.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy luster, lack of obvious cleavage, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and hexagonal/prismatic form. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Arkansas, the Alps, and many hydrothermal veins worldwide.