mineral
Clear Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Colorless to transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glass-like)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by crystallization from molten magma or through hydrothermal activity in pegmatites and veins. It is found across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), watchmaking, glass manufacturing, abrasives, jewelry, and as a popular collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic hexagonal crystal points or conchoidal (curving) fracture surfaces.
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Other mineral specimens
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock