mineral
Quartz (Milky/Clear variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to milky white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It can be found in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments and can range from modern formations to billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction sand, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry and carving.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most beach sand.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage (it breaks in curved, shell-like shards), and its glassy luster. It is ubiquitous worldwide, especially in granite outcrops, riverbeds, and mountain ranges.
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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