mineral
Quartz on Matrix
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/tan; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to white/tan
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/tan; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes where mineral-rich hot water cools in crustal fissures, or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous melts. Occurs across all geological eras.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glass manufacturing, abrasives, and as semi-precious gemstones in jewelry and specimen collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), glassy luster on fresh surfaces, and lack of cleavage. Often found in veins or as loose pebbles in gravel and streams.
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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
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral