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
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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 from cooling magma or hydrothermally in veins and geodes. It is found in all types of geological environments (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) and can be multi-billion years old.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, precision instruments, jewelry, and as a popular collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Also known as 'Rock Crystal.' It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and transparent appearance. Commonly found in quartz veins or as pebbles in riverbeds.
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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