mineral
Clear quartz crystal
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectColorless to translucent, vitreous luster, hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and a trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears to be a naturally terminated or broken, slightly weathered crystal.
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Physical properties
Colorless to translucent, vitreous luster, hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and a trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears to be a naturally terminated or broken, slightly weathered crystal.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, or igneous and metamorphic rocks over broad geological timescales. It is common from Precambrian to recent environments.
Uses & applications
Used for glass, electronics, abrasives, optical components, and ornamental collecting; transparent crystals may have modest gem or display value.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge when mechanically stressed.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and characteristic six-sided crystal form when well developed. Common worldwide, especially in Arkansas, Brazil, Madagascar, and alpine veins.
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Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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