mineral

Quartz Crystal

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear, white, gray, purple, pink, yellow, or brown; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal, typically forming hexagonal prisms terminated by hexagonal pyramids; Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Clear, white, gray, purple, pink, yellow, or brown
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, in hydrothermal veins, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks. Can form at various temperatures and pressures.

Uses & applications

Widely used in electronics (oscillator crystals), precision instruments, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstone jewelry, and decorative objects.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Easily identifiable due to its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic hexagonal crystal form. Found worldwide in almost all rock types.