mineral

Quartz crystal cluster

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely milky quartz with drusy crystals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; colorless to white/translucent with vitreous luster; typically hexagonal crystal structure and conchoidal fracture; no cleavage; specific gravity about 2.65. The crystals appear short-to-prismatic and heavily clustered on a pale matrix, with some iron-oxide staining.

Identified September 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly precipitates from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in fractures, cavities, or veins, growing on older rock surfaces. Its precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph; specimens occur from Precambrian to Recent deposits worldwide.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered quartz; attractive clusters are sold as décor and mineral specimens. This is generally a display specimen rather than jewelry-grade material.

Geological facts

The white appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or fine intergrowths scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, hardness, and characteristic six-sided crystal faces; it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, China, Morocco, the United States, and Alpine-type veins.