mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. They can grow in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), optical instruments, jewelry, glassmaking, and as a popular specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure clear quartz is often called 'Rock Crystal' and was once believed by ancient Greeks to be permanently frozen ice.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hexagonal prism shape and ability to scratch glass. Found globally, with notable deposits in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar. Look for the characteristic 6-sided termination.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral