mineral

Quartz on Host Rock

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

White to colorless translucent crystals; Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

White to colorless translucent crystals; Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from hydrothermal veins or the cooling of silica-rich magma/fluids. This specimen shows quartz crystals growing in the vugs or fractures of a darker igneous or metamorphic host rock.

Uses & applications

Mainly used for geological study, mineral collecting, and decor. Quartz in general is used extensively in glassmaking, electronics (oscillators), and as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically very resistant to weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most river and beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Look for the characteristic hexagonal crystal points and the ability to scratch glass (Hardness 7). This specimen is a typical 'vug' or pocket find for amateur rockhounds in volcanic or mountainous regions.