Mineral

Quartz Vein

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to transparent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to transparent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to transparent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions circulating through fractures in metamorphic or igneous crustal rocks. As the mineral-rich hot water cools, minerals like quartz precipitate out and fill the cracks.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a primary source for silicon. High-clarity specimens are used in jewelry and lapidary arts.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These veins often serve as the primary host for gold and other precious metal deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct white color, hardness (cannot be scratched by steel), and tendency to protrude from softer host rock due to resistance to weathering. Found globally in mountainous and metamorphic terrains.