mineral

Quartz (Bull Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, milky, or frosted with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White, milky, or frosted with iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions cooling in veins and pegmatites. This specimen likely comes from a massive quartz vein that has undergone weathering and iron oxidation.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, construction as a decorative stone, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as landscaping rock.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. 'Bull Quartz' refers to massive white quartz that lacks distinct crystal faces and is often considered a 'barren' mineral by miners looking for gold.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will easily scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for internal fractures and iron oxide (rust) staining in the field. Found globally, especially in mountain ranges and volcanic terrains.