mineral

Likely quartz-bearing rock or quartz crystal fragment

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), possibly with iron-stained matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent-to-opaque, with a glassy to dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The small specimen appears rough and may include pale matrix minerals, but crystal faces are not clear enough for certainty.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks. Its age depends on the host rock and may range from recent mineral growth to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive crystals are collected or used ornamentally. This small, irregular piece likely has minimal commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge under pressure. White coloration commonly results from microscopic fluid inclusions or impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its hardness, lack of cleavage, glassy fracture, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; a definitive identification would require testing the visible crystal faces or matrix. Quartz occurs worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and granitic terrains.