mineral
Quartz (Smoky/Clear variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Transparent to translucent greyish-white, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (Smoky/Clear variety) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Transparent to translucent greyish-white, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silicon-rich hydrothermal veins or through the cooling of silica-saturated magma in igneous rocks; widely found across all geological ages in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry, and highly popular for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. It is commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as a component of granite.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock