mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide range of geological environments, most notably in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins. Its age can range from millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), manufacturing glass, abrasive tools, jewelry (gemstones), and as decorative display specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is known as 'rock crystal' and was historically believed to be permanently frozen ice.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, and lack of cleavage. Found globally, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (Arkansas).
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock