mineral

Quartz (Vein Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions in cracks and fissures of various rock types or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. Common in every geological era.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, and as a refractory material in metallurgical processes.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to weathering, which is why it often remains as grains of sand on beaches.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its inability to be scratched by steel, lack of cleavage planes, and glassy luster. Commonly found in veins or as loose pebbles in stream beds globally.