mineral

Quartz (Clear Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. It forms from cooling magma or in hydrothermal veins, often found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in jewelry (as a gemstone), electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), glassmaking, watchmaking, and for ornamental/metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like luster, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountain ranges, and as a component in granite.