mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to translucent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Clear to translucent
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Clear Quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to translucent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most notably from the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is a major constituent of igneous rocks like granite and metamorphic rocks like quartzite.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glass manufacturing, abrasives, timekeeping (quartz watches), and as a gemstone for jewelry and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 7 hardness (scratches glass and steel), hexagonal crystal shape (if present), and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture patterns. It is found globally in almost all rock-forming environments.