mineral

Clear Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. It is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust, found in deposits spanning billions of years to modern formations.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glassmaking, high-precision clocks, construction (as specialized sand), and widely used in jewelry and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied. This quality made it essential for early radio and timing technology. Herkimer Diamonds are a famous variety of double-terminated quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for hexagonal prism shapes or tumbled pebbles in riverbeds. Common locations include Brazil, Madagascar, and Arkansas (USA).