mineral
Quartz Vein / Quartz Matrix
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent pale orange/tan due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven. Specific gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Vein / Quartz Matrix 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: Milky white to translucent pale orange/tan due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven. Specific gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cooled and crystallized within fractures and fissures in host rock matrix, often associated with metamorphic or igneous environments.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric crystals), abrasives, construction aggregates, and widely collected as raw mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Vein quartz often acts as an indicator mineral for precious metals like gold and silver in economic geology.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like vitreous luster, lack of distinct cleavage, and milky to clear crystalline appearance. Found globally in almost all geological settings.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary