mineral
Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from molten silica cooling in igneous rocks or precipitated from hydrothermal veins in various geological environments; occurs in all ages of bedrock.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), optical lenses, abrasive manufacturing, glassmaking, jewelry (as a gemstone), and metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which originally meant 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Look for hexagonal prism shapes with flat horizontal striations on the faces. It is distinguished from diamond by its lack of cleavage and from glass by its hardness (it scratches glass).
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock