mineral
Colorless Quartz (Rhinestone)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- 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 Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in various geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. Mostly crystallized from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in costume jewelry as an affordable alternative to diamonds, as well as in electronics (piezoelectric properties) and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Historically, the term 'Rhinestone' comes from the fact that clear rock crystals were originally gathered from the riverbeds of the Rhine river.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass but won't be scratched by steel) and lack of cleavage. In jewelry, it is often mounted in base metal for costume pieces.
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sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock