mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear/Colorless; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear/Colorless; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and can be found in almost all geological environments and across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), optics, glassmaking, and construction. In mineral collecting, it is valued for jewelry, carvings, and metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. This property makes it essential for timekeeping in watches and frequency control in clocks and radios.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), glassy luster, and lack of cleavage (it breaks in curved, shell-like patterns called conchoidal fractures). Common worldwide, notably in Brazil, Arkansas (USA), and Madagascar.