mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, colorless when pure but can be yellow, white, or various colors due to impurities.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, colorless when pure but can be yellow, white, or various colors due to impurities.
Formation & geological history
Formed in almost all geological environments; crystallizes from cooling magma, precipitates from hydrothermal fluids, and forms in sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry (semi-precious gemstones), and as an abrasive in construction.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is a defining component of granite and many sandstones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and crystal shape. It is found globally in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches.
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