mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of environments including igneous (granitic pegmatites), metamorphic, and hydrothermal veins. It crystallizes as magma or hydrothermal fluids cool.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), optical instruments, abrasives, glassmaking, jewelry, and as a popular collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habits. Found globally in almost all geological environments.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock