Quartz (Quartzite fragment)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pale yellow to translucent brownish, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (often appears granular in quartzite), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formed primarily through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone or through hydrothermal activity. The regional coordinates provided (Hyderabad, India) are situated on the Eastern Dharwar Craton, which features extensive Proterozoic and Archaean metamorphic rocks including granites and quartzites over 2.5 billion years old.

Used in construction as crushed stone, in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, and small translucent pieces are often kept as mineral samples or decorative stones.

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. In the Deccan Plateau region, it often occurs as veins cutting through ancient granitic gneiss formations.

Identified by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. In the field near Hyderabad, these fragments are common in areas with weathered granite and schist. Look for resistance to weathering and a sparkling, 'sugary' texture on fresh breaks.