mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, transparent to translucent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless, transparent to translucent
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, transparent to translucent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, igneous rocks, and metamorphic environments from silica-rich fluids under variable temperature and pressure conditions.

Uses & applications

Widely used in electronics (piezoelectric applications), optics, glass manufacturing, gemstones, jewelry, and crystal healing/collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Pure clear quartz crystals were historically believed by ancient Greeks to be ice that was permanently frozen.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hexagonal crystal habit, hardness of 7 (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by a steel knife), and conchoidal fracture without distinct cleavage. Found globally, with notable deposits in Arkansas (USA), Brazil, and Madagascar.