
mineral
Quartz Crystal (specifically a small Clear Quartz point)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Colorless/Transparent. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless/Transparent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Colorless/Transparent. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma. Can be found in igneous rocks like granite or sedimentary environments. Geological age varies from billions of years to relatively recent depending on the host rock.
Uses & applications
Industry: Scouring agents, glassmaking, and silicon chips. Jewelry: Used as gemstones, beads, and ornamental carvings. Purpose in collecting: Essential 'starter' mineral for all hobbyists.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied, making it vital for watches and radio equipment.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and its six-sided prismatic shape with pyramidal terminations. Commonly found in mountainous regions or streambeds worldwide.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous