mineral
Quartz Grain
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary