mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from colorless (rock crystal) to white, pink, yellow, and brown. Luster is vitreous (glassy) to greasy. Crystal structure is trigonal. No cleavage, but exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from colorless (rock crystal) to white, pink, yellow, and brown. Luster is vitreous (glassy) to greasy. Crystal structure is trigonal. No cleavage, but exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is a primary component of granites and pegmatites, and precipitates out of hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (quartz oscillators), manufacturing of glass and ceramics, abrasives, gemstone carvings, and as a decorative stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in nearly all types of geological formations.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary