mineral
Quartz (Milky/Snow)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness 7; Color: milky white to translucent; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Color
- milky white to translucent
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy) to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness 7; Color: milky white to translucent; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary mineral in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks throughout geological history.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, watches, and as a gemstone or decorative specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which originally comes from Slavic 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is ubiquitous globally and found in almost all geological environments.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock