mineral
Faceted colorless quartz (rock crystal)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; colorless to faint smoky, transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The pictured cut stones show internal fractures or inclusions; identification from the image alone is not certain.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; colorless to faint smoky, transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The pictured cut stones show internal fractures or inclusions; identification from the image alone is not certain.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in many geological settings, including silica-rich pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, over a wide range of geological ages.
Uses & applications
Cut quartz is used in jewelry and decorative objects; quartz also has major industrial uses in glass, electronics, and abrasives.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and can display optical effects from inclusions or fractures.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and conchoidal fracture; confirm with gemological testing because clear glass and other gems can look similar. Found worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous