mineral
Quartz (Cut and Polished Sphere)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster. It has a trigonal crystal system, lacks cleavage, and has a specific gravity of around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster. It has a trigonal crystal system, lacks cleavage, and has a specific gravity of around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz is formed in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, decorative items, optical components, and electronics due to its piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Clear varieties like this are traditionally known as rock crystal.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic conchoidal fracture. Found globally.
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