mineral
Quartz (specifically Clear or Rose Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to pale pink; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to pale pink
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (specifically Clear or Rose Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to pale pink; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronic oscillators (due to piezoelectricity), and extensively in jewelry and gemstone collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied. It is also the main constituent of most sand.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Found globally in almost all geological settings, particularly in mountain ranges and riverbeds.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock