Mineral
Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Clear, white (milky), or variously colored due to impurities, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Clear, white (milky), or variously colored due to impurities, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, primarily igneous (pegmatites, granites) and hydrothermal veins; highly resistant to weathering, making it common in sedimentary rocks (sandstone) and metamorphic rocks (quartzite).
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (oscillators), abrasives, construction materials, and as a gemstone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential for watches and electronic devices.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide and frequently found by collectors.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic