mineral
Quartz Grain
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/translucent, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/translucent, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins; extremely resistant to weathering, resulting in its accumulation as sand/grains. Geological age varies from billions of years to modern sediment.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, construction (concrete and mortar), electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as an abrasive.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is the primary component of most beach sand worldwide.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage, and its translucent glassy appearance. Often found in riverbeds, beaches, and desert sands.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock