mineral/igneous

Quartz Vein in Granite

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) in Granitic Matrix

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent (vein) and grey/pink (matrix), Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Specific gravity: 2.65

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral/igneous →

Explore Quartz Vein in Granite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent (vein) and grey/pink (matrix), Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

The quartz vein formed via hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids filled fractures in the older granitic host rock during late-stage magmatic cooling or tectonic activity. Found in Precambrian to Cenozoic geological environments.

Uses & applications

Industrial crystal for electronics, source of high-purity silica for glass, construction aggregate, and as a common target for gold prospecting since quartz veins often host precious metals.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These veins are known as 'lode' deposits and are historically the primary source of hard-rock gold mining.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the distinct color contrast between the white vein and darker host rock, extreme hardness (scratches glass), and lack of cleavage. Found globally in mountainous and shield regions.

Other mineral/igneous specimens

See all

Quartz with inclusions (likely Chlorite or Hornblende) and country rock

SiO2 (Quartz) with associated ferromagnesian minerals

Mineral/Igneous/Metamorphic association

Quartz Vein in Host Rock

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) in matrix

mineral/igneous

Magnetite with Pyroxene

Magnetite (Fe3O4) in Mafic Igneous Matrix

mineral/igneous

Pyrite in Quartz

FeS2 (Iron Pyrite) with SiO2 (Quartz)

Mineral/Igneous/Hydrothermal

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Labradorite (likely Black Labradorite or Larvikite)

Labradorite (Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8. If a rock, it is typically anorthosite, gabbro, or norite, or a variety of syenite called Larvikite if it is specifically from Larvik, Norway.

Mineral/Igneous Rock