mineral

Quartz (Milky or Rose variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to pale pink; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy to Greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: white to pale pink
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy to Greasy

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to pale pink; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy to Greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in various geological environments, most commonly via hydrothermal veins or as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite. It crystallizes from oxygen-rich silicate melts.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry (especially if translucent), glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as an abrasive in construction and industry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is often found as pebbles in riverbeds.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in river deposits, pegmatites, and mountainous regions worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral