mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Clear Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in various geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Typically crystallizes from silica-rich magma or hydrothermal veins. Found in pegmatites and geodes.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics as piezoelectric oscillators, in glassmaking, jewelry (gemstones), abrasive grit, and as a popular specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is known as rock crystal, but impurities can turn it into amethyst, citrine, or smoky quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habit (if preserved). Extremely common worldwide, particularly in mountainous regions.
More like this
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
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic