mineral
Clear quartz crystals
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically colorless to milky, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no true cleavage, specific gravity about 2.65. The pieces appear rough, translucent, and likely naturally terminated or broken quartz.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Clear quartz crystals in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically colorless to milky, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no true cleavage, specific gravity about 2.65. The pieces appear rough, translucent, and likely naturally terminated or broken quartz.
Formation & geological history
Forms from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, cavities in igneous rocks, and sedimentary or metamorphic veins; quartz is geologically widespread and occurs from Precambrian to modern settings.
Uses & applications
Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, optical instruments, and collectors’ specimens; clear gem-quality quartz is also cut for jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly forms six-sided prisms with pyramidal terminations, though these small pieces appear irregular.
Field identification & locations
Identify by hardness—quartz scratches ordinary glass—plus its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and six-sided crystal habit. Common localities include Brazil, Madagascar, Arkansas, the Alps, and many quartz veins worldwide.
