mineral

Clear quartz crystal

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless to milky, vitreous luster; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal system, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The specimen appears to be a small, rough, broken crystal.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Colorless to milky, vitreous luster; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal system, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The specimen appears to be a small, rough, broken crystal.

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in silica-rich igneous and metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal veins; it occurs across many geological ages. Its exact age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, and jewelry; clear crystals are also collected and sometimes cut or polished.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly occurs in granite, pegmatites, and veins.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage; distinguish it from calcite, which is softer and effervesces in dilute acid. Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.