mineral

Quartz Mineral Specimens

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white (milky quartz)
Luster: Vitreous/glassy

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, primarily through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics (due to piezoelectric properties). These small chips are commonly used in lapidary work, terrariums, and as starter specimens for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is known as rock crystal, while impurities create varieties like amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage (breaks like glass). These samples show characteristic milky and clear properties typical of garden-variety quartz found globally.