mineral
Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal activity and cooling silica-rich magma; found globally in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments throughout geological time.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), manufacturing glass, optical instruments, jewelry as a gemstone, and as decorative collector specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Historically, the Greeks believed crystal quartz was ice that had frozen so hard it would never melt.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hexagonal point shape, lack of cleavage (conchoidal fracture), and ability to scratch glass easily. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and geodes.
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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