mineral
Quartz (Clear Quartz/Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It can be found in all types of geological environments and spans nearly all geological ages due to its stability.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), optics, construction as an abrasive, and widely used in jewelry and gemstone collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. 'Herkimer Diamonds' are a famous double-terminated variety of clear quartz. It was historically used to make crystal balls.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like appearance, and lack of cleavage (it breaks into curved, shell-like surfaces). Found globally in pegmatites, veins, and as sand.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous