mineral
Quartz (Gray or Smoky variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Grayish-blue to translucent smoky, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Grayish-blue to translucent smoky, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like granite or metamrophic rocks. Often found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative/healing stones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Gray varieties like smoky quartz get their color from natural irradiation of aluminum impurities.
Field identification & locations
Look for a glassy appearance and the ability to scratch glass but not be scratched by steel. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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