mineral
Quartz (Yellow/Orange variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to orange-brown color due to iron oxide inclusions, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to orange-brown color due to iron oxide inclusions, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magmas
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, gemstone carving, ornamental decorative objects, and lapidary arts
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical stress
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; commonly found worldwide in riverbeds, pegmatites, and quartz veins
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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
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Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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