mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal activity in veins. Found in various geological environments including igneous pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. Most specimens are millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glassmaking, construction (sand), jewelry, and as a gemstone for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is traditionally called rock crystal. It has the rare property of generating an electric charge when mechanically stressed (piezoelectricity).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage (breaks like glass into curved surfaces). Found globally, with high-quality deposits in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar.
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Other mineral specimens
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous