mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from silicon-rich magma or hydrothermal solutions in almost any geological environment, from igneous crystallizations to sedimentary deposits and metamorphic rocks throughout Earth's history.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction sand, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry and decorative carvings.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It can remain chemically stable even under intense environmental weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7), its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost all rock types.