mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. It occurs in almost all geological environments and across all ages, typically in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glass manufacturing, abrasives, jewelry (as a gemstone), and decorative carvings.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is often the primary component of beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage (it breaks in curved, shell-like fractures). Found globally, with massive deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States (Arkansas).