mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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.
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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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