mineral

Likely clear quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small translucent, colorless shard with vitreous luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, hexagonal crystal structure, no true cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The image is dim and low-resolution, so identification is tentative.

Identified August 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous or hydrothermal fluids and also occurs in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; specimens may range from Precambrian to modern. This piece may be a broken or tumbled crystal rather than a natural matrix sample.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and countertops; clear attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive display or lapidary material.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly forms six-sided prismatic crystals and is abundant in Earth’s crust. It can be distinguished from glass by its greater hardness and lack of bubbles or perfectly smooth conchoidal surfaces.

Field identification & locations

Look for scratch resistance against ordinary steel, a glassy luster, and irregular conchoidal fracture; a hardness test or magnification would help exclude glass. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and quartz-rich sands.