mineral
Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; 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: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, most commonly from the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It can form throughout all geological epochs.
Uses & applications
Used widely in electronics (piezoelectric properties), glass making, sandpaper (abrasives), jewelry, and as a popular collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. The name 'quartz' comes from the German word 'Quarz', which likely originated from Slavic languages meaning 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glass-like appearance, inability to be scratched by steel, and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture patterns. Found globally, extremely common in mountains and riverbeds.
