mineral
Quartz (Iron-stained)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to white base with yellow-brown iron oxide (limonite or goethite) staining, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to white base with yellow-brown iron oxide (limonite or goethite) staining, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly precipitating from hydrothermal veins or crystallizing from silica-rich magmas and pegmatites. Can range widely in geological age from Precambrian to recent formations.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watchmaking, glass manufacturing, abrasives, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors and jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Iron staining is very common as groundwater carrying iron seeps into fractures.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass) and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every rock type.
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