mineral

Quartz (Smoky/Clear variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to greyish-translucent, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to greyish-translucent, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in igneous rocks like granite. It can be found in a wide variety of environments including sedimentary veins and metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (as piezoelectric crystal), glass manufacturing, abrasives, jewelry (semiprecious), and widely collected by amateur mineralogists.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is traditionally called rock crystal or clear quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it should easily scratch glass) and its lack of cleavage. Look for hexagonal crystal faces and its glassy appearance even on broken surfaces. Very common worldwide.