mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Colorless/transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Colorless/transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in various geological environments, most notably in igneous pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, optical instruments, and widely in jewelry and metaphysical healing practices.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habit (if present). It is found globally, particularly in mountain ranges and riverbeds as pebbles.