mineral
Quartz (Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to whitish/grey, Luster: Vitreous (glass-like), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to whitish/grey, Luster: Vitreous (glass-like), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in all temperatures and environments, most commonly from the cooling of magma or by hydrothermal precipitation in veins and cavities.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics (oscillators), glass manufacturing, abrasives, jewelry (gemstones), and as a popular collector's mineral.
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 pressure is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found globally, especially in granite and sandstone regions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary