mineral
Quartz (Clear or Milky)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/milky; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to white/milky
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/milky; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, including igneous rocks (granite, pegmatite), metamorphic rocks (quartzite), and sedimentary deposits. It often crystallizes from hydrothermal veins.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as a structural component in the construction industry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass but isn't scratched by metal), its lack of cleavage (breaking in curved surfaces), and its glassy luster. Common worldwide, especially in sandy terrains or mountain outcrops.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic