mineral
Quartz (Milky/Crystalline fragment)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Most commonly crystallizes from magma or precipitates from hot hydrothermal veins.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular gemstone or collector mineral in its higher-quality forms.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically very resistant to weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass) and its lack of cleavage. Found globally in mountains, riverbeds, and beaches.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary