mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- 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 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glass manufacturing, abrasives, and widely in jewelry and carvings.
Geological facts
Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. It is known as the 'Universal Crystal' in many cultures.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and transparent appearance. Commonly found worldwide in mountain ranges and riverbeds. Look for hexagonal prism habits in the field.
More like this
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
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock