sedimentary

Quartz Sand

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (though crystalline shape is worn down in grains); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tan, beige, or white
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 17, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (though crystalline shape is worn down in grains); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the erosion and weathering of igneous or metamorphic rocks like granite. Grains are transported by water or wind and accumulate in deserts, riverbeds, and beaches.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in glass manufacturing, construction (concrete and mortar), hydraulic fracturing in the oil industry, and as a component in ceramics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. Sand grains are defined by size (0.0625 mm to 2 mm) rather than composition, but most terrestrial sand is dominated by quartz due to its chemical stability.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its gritty texture and resistance to chemical weathering. It can be found in almost every country, concentrated in arid desert regions or coastal environments.