Rock Identifier
Clear quartz (rock crystal) (Quartz, crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO₂)) — mineral
mineral

Clear quartz (rock crystal)

Quartz, crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless to translucent with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure; Mohs hardness 7, specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears rough and irregular, so cleavage is not evident; quartz typically has no cleavage and conchoidal fracture.

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Physical properties

Colorless to translucent with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure; Mohs hardness 7, specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears rough and irregular, so cleavage is not evident; quartz typically has no cleavage and conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in cavities and veins, or when silica-rich magma cools; quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages. The image alone does not establish its precise origin or age.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and decorative objects; industrial quartz is important in glassmaking, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly occurs in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy appearance, hardness (it can scratch glass), and lack of cleavage; common worldwide in veins, geodes, and many rock types.

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Other mineral specimens

Gneiss or Schist (Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet) — Metamorphic

Gneiss or Schist

Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet

Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Tumbled granite (Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock) — igneous

Tumbled granite

Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock

igneous
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz (Igneous Pegmatite) — igneous

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

Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen

Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification

mineral