mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; 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 veins and precipitates. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust, occurring across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glassmaking, optical instruments, jewelry, and widely collected as metaphysical 'healing' stones or decorative tumbled pieces.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure clear quartz is often called 'Rock Crystal', a name derived from the Greek word 'krystallos', meaning ice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and transparent appearance. It is found globally, notably in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA. Collectors look for clarity and internal inclusions.
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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
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