mineral

Quartz (Milky/Chalcedony variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to pale grey with iron staining and matrix inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to pale grey with iron staining and matrix inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide range of geological environments, commonly in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary deposits, precipitated from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids.

Uses & applications

Used in lapidary work, jewelry, gemstone collecting, electronics (piezoelectric applications), and silica manufacturing.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust after feldspar. It resists weathering extremely well and is the main component of most beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and glassy-to-waxy luster. Commonly found worldwide in riverbeds, mountains, and mining veins.