mineral
Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry (as semi-precious gemstones), and metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is known as rock crystal; any color variations are caused by impurities.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habit if unpolished. Commonly found in mountain ranges and riverbeds globally.
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