mineral
Clear quartz (rock crystal)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, colorless to translucent fragment with a glassy luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure, with no cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification.
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Physical properties
Small, colorless to translucent fragment with a glassy luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure, with no cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in mineral-rich hydrothermal veins; it occurs across a wide range of geological ages.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, and jewelry; attractive clear crystals are collected or faceted.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge under pressure.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage; common worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and many rocks. A hand specimen is needed to distinguish it confidently from other clear minerals.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
mineral