mineral

Quartz (Vein Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/gray (milky); Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/gray (milky)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified May 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in crustal fractures or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. Found in environments ranging from volcanic veins to metamorphic belts.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, gemstone jewelry, and as a component in concrete and mortars.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most river and beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Commonly found in white veins cutting through darker host rocks.