mineral
Quartz Crystal Fragment
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or milky white due to iron staining, vitreous to dull luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Crystal Fragment in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, tan, or milky white due to iron staining, vitreous to dull luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and various igneous and metamorphic rocks over millions of years through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillator clocks, ornamental items, and crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical crystal shape or fracture pattern. Found worldwide in nearly all geological environments.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral