mineral
Quartz (Common Quartz/Citrine-toned)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to off-white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to off-white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to off-white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. Often found in various geological environments including igneous intrusions and sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in the glass industry, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular gemstone or healing crystal in the metaphysical community.
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
Can be identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness of 7) and its lack of cleavage. Often found as rounded pebbles in riverbeds or as sharp shards in rocky 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
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock