mineral

Quartz (Milk or Clear Variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to translucent white
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified July 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, as an abrasive in glassmaking, in construction sand, and extensively in jewelry and lapidary art.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to chemical weathering and is the primary component of most beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass), its lack of cleavage, and its characteristic shell-like (conchoidal) fracture pattern. Found globally in almost every geological setting.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

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Mineral

Epidote

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metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous