mineral

Likely quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, translucent tan-gray fragment with a vitreous to dull luster and irregular fracture; hardness 7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage. The photo does not show enough detail for confident identification.

Identified October 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms as magma cools or precipitates from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities; it occurs in rocks of many ages and may persist after weathering.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and jewelry; this small, uncut fragment has little practical or gem value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and typically breaks with a curved, shell-like fracture rather than along cleavage planes.

Field identification & locations

Check for glassy translucence and hardness: quartz scratches ordinary glass, while a steel knife generally does not scratch it. It is widespread in veins, pegmatites, and sediment; the pictured fragment’s exact identity and locality cannot be established visually.