mineral
Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7, colorless and transparent, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7, colorless and transparent, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, especially in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through cooling silica-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (piezoelectric oscillators), optics, glassmaking, gemstones, jewelry, and metaphysical collections.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Ancient Greeks believed clear quartz was ice frozen so hard it would never melt.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by a steel knife), glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and transparent glass-like clarity.
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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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral