mineral

Quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Likely a small colorless-to-white quartz chip with vitreous luster and translucent edges; hardness Mohs 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The image is blurry, so identification is provisional.

Identified September 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous and hydrothermal fluids and commonly occurs in veins, pegmatites, quartzite, and sedimentary rocks. Individual fragments may be geologically ancient, but the specimen’s age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; clear attractive pieces may be collected or used as lapidary material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has distinctive piezoelectric properties. Its lack of cleavage and hardness help distinguish it from calcite and feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in granite-rich regions and hydrothermal vein districts; test only on an inconspicuous area because quartz can scratch ordinary glass. It appears to rest on a manufactured speckled countertop, which is not part of the specimen.