mineral
Quartz Crystal
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silicon and oxygen-rich hydrothermal solutions in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments over diverse geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasives, and as a popular gemstone and mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, generating electricity under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, lack of cleavage, and distinct hexagonal crystal habit; found globally in pegmatites, veins, and sandstones.
