mineral
Quartz (with Sandstone/Quartzite rocks)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to translucent/colorless fragment in the foreground; background rocks are reddish-tan. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to earthy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent/colorless fragment in the foreground
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to translucent/colorless fragment in the foreground; background rocks are reddish-tan. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to earthy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary deposits through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids. The surrounding reddish rocks show iron-oxide staining common in terrestrial weathering environments.
Uses & applications
Quartz is widely used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric applications), abrasive manufacturing, construction aggregates, gemstone jewelry, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it dominates most desert sands and river sediments worldwide.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to easily scratch glass (hardness 7) and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found globally in riverbeds, mountain terrains, desert soils, and granite outcrops.
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