mineral
Clear Quartz
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich solutions in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites; occurs in all temperatures and environments. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry as gemstones, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties (watches, radio), glass making, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied. It is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal prisms with pointed terminations. Found globally in mountainous regions and riverbeds.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
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Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
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