mineral
Clear Quartz crystals on a Matrix base (Geode fragment)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids. These specific specimens are common in geode cavities found in volcanic or sedimentary environments, often dating from the Cretaceous to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Decorative art, gemstone jewelry, electronic oscillator circuits (synthetic), glass manufacturing, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Clear quartz is often referred to as 'Rock Crystal' and has been used since antiquity for carvings and optical lenses.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its crystal habit and hardness (ability to scratch glass). Common locations include Brazil, USA (Arkansas/New York), and Madagascar. This specific item is a handcrafted 'gem tree' using tumbled quartz chips.
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metamorphic
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
Granite
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igneous