mineral
Quartz Crystal
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from clear/colorless to smoky, milky, or brownish due to irradiation; vitreous (glassy) luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color ranges from clear/colorless to smoky, milky, or brownish due to irradiation; vitreous (glassy) luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly precipitating from silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary component of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics (oscillators), manufacturing of glass and ceramics, gemstone carvings, decorative objects, and crystal healing.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectricity, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and characteristic conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
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