mineral
Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Clear to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (Rock Crystal) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Clear to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in all temperatures and environments, typically through hydrothermal activity or crystallization from magma. Found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary settings.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glassmaking, construction sand, and widely in jewelry and energy-work collections.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which originally meant 'hard'. Clear quartz is often called the 'Master Healer' in metaphysical traditions.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and hexagonal crystal habit. Common in pegmatites, veins, and as river pebbles.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate)
Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic