mineral

Quartz Vein Rock

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with brown iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal fluids rich in silica that crystallized in cracks and fissures of host rocks during tectonic activities. Common in metamorphic and igneous terrains.

Uses & applications

Industrial source of silica, glass manufacturing, electronics, and common as a landscaping or collecting specimen.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in the Earth's continental crust. It is often the last mineral to weather away, which is why it is so common in soil and streambeds.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Look for milky white crystalline patches amidst weathered brown or red outer coatings in field settings.